Development status of regenerable solid amine CO2 control systems

The development history of solid amine/water desorbed (SAWD) CO2 control systems is reviewed. The design of the preprototype SAWD I CO2 system on the basis of a three-man metabolic load at the 3.8 mm Hg ambient CO2 level, and the functions of the CO2 removal, CO2 storage/delivery, controller, and life test laboratory support packages are described. The development of a full-scale multiple canister SAWD II preprototype system, which is capable of conducting the CO2 removal/concentration function in a closed-loop atmosphere revitalization system during zero-gravity operation, is examined. The operation of the SAWD II system, including the absorption and desorption cycles, is analyzed. A reduction in the thermal mass of the canister and the system's energy transfer technique result in efficient energy use. The polyether foam, nylon felt, nickel foam, spring retained, and metal bellows bed tests performed to determine the design of the zero-gravity canister are studied; metal bellows are selected for the canister's configuration.