Development of a gravity-independent wastewater bioprocessor for advanced life support in space

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Abstract

Operation of aerobic biological reactors in space is controlled by a number of challenging constraints, mainly stemming from mass transfer limitations and phase separation. Immobilized-cell packed-bed bioreactors, specially designed to function in the absence of gravity, offer a viable solution for the treatment of gray water generated in space stations and spacecrafts. A novel gravity-independent wastewater biological processor, capable of carbon oxidation and nitrification of high-strength aqueous waste streams, is presented. The system, consisting of a fully saturated pressurized packed bed and a membrane oxygenation module attached to an external recirculation loop, operated continuously for over one year. The system attained high carbon oxidation efficiencies often exceeding 90% and ammonia oxidation reaching approximately 60%. The oxygen supply module relies on hydrophobic, nonporous, oxygen selective membranes, in a shell and tube configuration, for transferring oxygen to the packed bed, while keeping the gaseous and liquid phases separated. This reactor configuration and operating mode render the system gravity-independent and suitable for space applications. Water Environ. Res., 77, 138 (2005).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)138-145
Number of pages8
JournalWater Environment Research
Volume77
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

Keywords

  • Attached growth
  • Gray water
  • Membrane oxygenation
  • Microgravity
  • Pressurized bioreactor

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