Cold Trap Carbon Capture Filter for Carbon Fines Management - In-laboratory Performance and Efficiency Results
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Abstract
Carbon dust management is vital to the continuous operation of the Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly (PPA), which supports the Carbon Dioxide Reduction Assembly (CRA) on the ISS. A developmental filter system known as the Cold Trap Carbon Capture Filter is being prototyped and tested to determine its performance under different challenge aerosols. The filter system employs particle separation through high-speed inertial impaction, centrifugal forces and tortuous flow paths combined with media filtration to remove carbon particulates from the PPA effluent flow. Tests were performed focused on the collection efficiency of the filter system subjecting it to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Fine Test Dust (FTD) and carbon black. The collection efficiency of the filter system depended on the collective efficiencies of its three filter stages. Efficiencies were measured gravimetrically by determining the accumulated dust mass in each filtration and separation stage. The test data indicated that about 76% of the dust is captured in the first two stages of filtration with ISO FTD. However, the carbon dust was only collected to about 41% collection efficiency. Pressure drop rise with particle loading was gradual to moderate for the first two filter stages in the main filter housing. There was almost no rise in pressure drop across the HEPA filter with ISO FTD loading, but a noticeable pressure drop rise with carbon loading. Improvements in internal filter design can help increase dust holding performance of the system. This paper will report on the experimental technique and results of a series of tests to assess the simulated performance of the filter system.
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Gordon Berger, Universities Space Research Association(USRA),
ICES302: Physio-chemical Life Support- Air Revitalization Systems -Technology and Process Development
The 52nd International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Calgary, Canada, on 16 July 2023 through 20 July 2023.