SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
RESISTANCE HEATING OF CARBON FOR THE REMOVAL OF CARBON DIOXIDE FROM CABIN AIR
Technical Abstract:
Future space missions will involve prolonged life in space,
placing new demands on closed loop environmental control and
life support system technology. A regenerable carbon dioxide
removal system involving two desiccant beds and two zeolite
adsorbent beds was selected for Space Station Freedom. Kapton
sheet heaters, embedded in the adsorbent beds, are used for
regeneration.
The innovation involves replacing the zeolite adsorbents with
hydrophobic carbon and using the inherent electrical
resistivity of the carbon as the means for its regeneration,
eliminating both the kapton sheet heaters and the desiccant
beds. The carbon is heated directly by placing electrodes
across the carbon bed and applying a power supply. The
proposed concept offers the potential to (a) dramatically
reduce the energy required for thermal regeneration and (b)
provide for the removal of carbon dioxide in the presence of
water vapor without the use of a desiccant bed, resulting in
dramatic weight/volume reductions.
The objectives of the Phase I program are to: (1) demonstrate
that hydrophobic carbon can be regenerated with resistance
heating, (2) determine the hydrophobic carbon capacity for
carbon dioxide, (3) develop conceptual designs, and (4) prepare
a preliminary mission requirements analysis applicable to Space
Station Freedom.
Potential Commercial Applications:
Commercial applications would include the increased usage of
adsorbent systems for the purification of non-polar gases (such
as natural gas or hydrogen) containing contaminant polar and
unsaturated compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide,
carbon dioxide, ammonia, carbonyl sulfide and mercaptans;
solvent recovery; odor removal; and the removal of hydrocarbons
from manufactured and coke-oven gas.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Foster-Miller, Inc.
350 Second Avenue
Waltham, MA 02154-1196
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Updated: Feb. 7, 1996