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Vapor compression distiller and membrane technology for water revitalization
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Space station water recycling uses membrane filtration and distillation. Both absorption thermopervaporation and vapor compression distillation were tested, with vapor compression offering significant energy savings for water evaporation.
Area of Science:
- Space engineering
- Environmental science
- Chemical engineering
Background:
- Water revitalization is crucial for long-duration space missions.
- Existing water recycling systems require optimization for efficiency and reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate membrane filtration and distillation processes for space station water recycling.
- To investigate the performance of absorption-type thermopervaporation and vapor compression distillation systems.
Main Methods:
- Manufactured and ground-tested water recycling equipment using commercially available components.
- Conducted experimental studies and simulated calculations for absorption thermopervaporation.
- Performed experimental investigations on a vapor compression distiller.
Main Results:
- Absorption-type thermopervaporation was investigated for its potential in zero-gravity condensed water production.
- Vapor compression distillation demonstrated significant energy savings for water evaporation.
Conclusions:
- Both membrane filtration and distillation are viable for space station water recycling.
- Vapor compression distillation presents a highly energy-efficient solution for water evaporation in space environments.