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Application of capillary fluid management techniques to the design of a phase separating microgravity bioreactorManned space missions require the development of compact, efficient, and reliable life support systems. A number of aqueous biological conversion processes are associated with bioregenerative life support systems. Vessels, or bioreactors, capable of supporting these processes in microgravity must be developed. An annular flow bioreactor has been conceived. It has the potential to incorporate containment, phase separation, gas exchange, and illumination into a single vessel. The bioreactor utilizes capillary fluid management techniques and is configured as a cylindrical tube in which a two-phase liquid-gas flow is maintained. Vanes placed around the inner perimeter enhance capillary forces and cause the liquid phase to attach and flow along the interior surface of the tube. No physical barrier is required to complete phase separation. It is shown analytically that liquid film thickness is limited only by vane geometry and that an annular flow bioreactor capable of managing 284 liters would occupy 0.7 cubic m, less than half the volume of a Spacelab experiment rack.
Document ID
19950058801
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Finger, Barry W.
(NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Neville, Gale E., Jr.
(University of Florida United States)
Sager, John C.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Publication Information
ISSN: 0148-7191
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
SAE PAPERS 932165
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: July 12, 1993
End Date: July 15, 1993
Accession Number
95A90400
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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