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Torrefaction Processing for Human Solid Waste ManagementThis study involved a torrefaction (mild pyrolysis) processing approach that could be used to sterilize feces and produce a stable, odor-free solid product that can be stored or recycled, and also to simultaneously recover moisture. It was demonstrated that mild heating (200-250 C) in nitrogen or air was adequate for torrefaction of a fecal simulant and an analog of human solid waste (canine feces). The net result was a nearly undetectable odor (for the canine feces), complete recovery of moisture, some additional water production, a modest reduction of the dry solid mass, and the production of small amounts of gas and liquid. The liquid product is mainly water, with a small Total Organic Carbon content. The amount of solid vs gas plus liquid products can be controlled by adjusting the torrefaction conditions (final temperature, holding time), and the current work has shown that the benefits of torrefaction could be achieved in a low temperature range (< 250 C). These temperatures are compatible with the PTFE bag materials historically used by NASA for fecal waste containment and will reduce the energy consumption of the process. The solid product was a dry material that did not support bacterial growth and was hydrophobic relative to the starting material. In the case of canine feces, the solid product was a mechanically friable material that could be easily compacted to a significantly smaller volume (approx. 50%). The proposed Torrefaction Processing Unit (TPU) would be designed to be compatible with the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS), now under development by NASA. A stand-alone TPU could be used to treat the canister from the UWMS, along with other types of wet solid wastes, with either conventional or microwave heating. Over time, a more complete integration of the TPU and the UWMS could be achieved, but will require design changes in both units.
Document ID
20160003882
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Serio, Michael A.
(Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. East Hartford, CT, United States)
Cosgrove, Joseph E.
(Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. East Hartford, CT, United States)
Wójtowicz, Marek A.
(Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. East Hartford, CT, United States)
Stapleton, Thomas J.
(United Technologies Aerospace Systems Windsor Locks, CT, United States)
Nalette, Tim A.
(United Technologies Aerospace Systems Windsor Locks, CT, United States)
Ewert, Michael K.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Lee, Jeffrey
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Fisher, John
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
March 25, 2016
Publication Date
July 10, 2016
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Chemistry And Materials (General)
Report/Patent Number
ICES-2016-341
JSC-CN-35680
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems
Location: Vienna
Country: Austria
Start Date: July 10, 2016
End Date: July 14, 2016
Sponsors: International Conference On Environmental Systems, Inc. (ICES)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX13PCA54P
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX15CJ46P
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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