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This paper deals with water reclamation from humidity condensate and urine schematics and processes realized on orbital space stations Salut and Mir. The results of research in updated processes and schematics for condensate separation, purification and distillation with heat energy recovery are described. It is shown that the processes and hardware make possible to reduce energy demand and the weight of the water recovery systems under operation on space stations.

This paper describes the results of research and tests of different patterns of distillation processes for water reclamation from urine accomplished by NIICHIMMASH in cooperation with other companies. Several typical patterns of evaporation to air flow from water-retentive porous bodies, from the surface confined by capillary/porous membranes and from free liquid surface in rotary units under atmospheric and reduced pressure are analyzed. Relevant condensation processes are reviewed. Performance data for distillation unit of SS MIR system for water reclamation from urine are outlined. The paper highlights the prospects of distillation hardware development.

The paper deals with description and results of long-term operation of separation and heat-and-mass transfer hardware incorporated in Mir's water recovery systems. Static separators outfitted with hydrophilic capillary/ porous elements, a rotary separator, a through-flow condenser/static separator combination, a membrane evaporator as well as separation and distillation schematics are reviewed. Operational and life performance data are discussed and recommendations for hardware use on ISS are made.