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Development of a gravity-independent wastewater bioprocessor for advanced life support in spaceOperation 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.
Document ID
20050240783
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Nashashibi-Rabah, Majda
(Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, New Jersey, United States)
Christodoulatos, Christos
Korfiatis, George P.
Janes, H. W.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation
Volume: 77
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1061-4303
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems
Non-NASA Center

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