NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Monolithic Trace-Contaminant Sorbents Fabricated from 3D-Printed Polymer PrecursorsThe current trace-contaminant (TC) removal technology for use in Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) involves the use of a packed bed of acid-impregnated granular charcoal, which is difficult to regenerate. In this paper, results are presented on the development of vacuum-regenerable TC sorbents for use in the Portable Life Support System (PLSS). The sorbents are derived from 3D-printed polymer monoliths (e.g., honeycomb structures), which are then carbonized and activated in order to develop porosity, and also to enhance the TC-sorption capacity. Results are presented on the following aspects of carbon-sorbent development: (1) precursor selection; (2) monolith fabrication; (3) shape retention and strength; (4) carbon surface and porosity characterization; (5) TC-sorption capacity and vacuum-regeneration; (6) pressure drop; and (7) sub-scale sorbent prototype. The use of predominantly microporous monolithic carbon is associated with the following benefits: (a) high TC-sorption capacity; (b) low pressure drop; (c) rapid vacuum (pressure-swing) desorption due to thin monolith walls and low pressure drop; (d) good thermal management (high thermal conductivity and low adsorption/desorption thermal effects associated with physisorption); and (e) good resistance to dusty environments.
Document ID
20190028890
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wójtowicz, Marek A.
(Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. East Hartford, CT, United States)
Cosgrove, Joseph E.
(Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. East Hartford, CT, United States)
Serio, Michael A. ORCID
(Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. East Hartford, CT, United States)
Carlson, Andrew E.
(Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. East Hartford, CT, United States)
Chullen, Cinda
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2019
Publication Date
July 7, 2019
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
ICES-2019-286
JSC-E-DAA-TN66841
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES)
Location: Boston, MA
Country: United States
Start Date: July 7, 2019
End Date: July 11, 2019
Sponsors: International Conference On Environmental Systems, Inc.
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: 80NSSC18P1961
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Technical Review
Single Expert
Keywords
Portable Life Support System (PLSS)
Vacuum regeneration
Adsorption
Ammonia
Carbonization
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS)
Extravehicular Activities (EVAs)
Formaldehyde
No Preview Available