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In a harmonized ESA/NIVR project the performance of membrane gas absorption for the simultaneous removal of carbon dioxide and moisture has been determined experimentally at carbon dioxide and humidity concentration levels representative for spacecraft conditions. Performance data at several experimental conditions have been collected. Removal of moisture can be controlled by the temperature of the absorption liquid. Removal of carbon dioxide is slightly affected by the temperature of the absorption liquid. Based on these measurements a conceptual design for a carbon dioxide and humidity control system for the Crew Transport Vehicle (CTV) is made. For the regeneration step in this design a number of assumptions have been made. The multifunctionality of membrane gas absorption makes it possible to combine a number of functions in one compact system.

In an on-going harmonized ESA/NIVR project, performed by Stork Comprimo and TNO-MEP, the removal of the carbon dioxide with membranes is studied. The use of membrane gas absorption for carbon dioxide removal is currently hampered by the fact that the commonly used alkanolamines result in leakage problems when using polyolefin membranes. This prevents the use of membrane gas absorption for carbon dioxide in spacecrafts. TNO has recently discovered classes of liquids for carbon dioxide absorption which are suitable for use with cheap polyolefin membranes. This opens the possibility for using membrane gas absorption for carbon dioxide control in spacecrafts. In the project the performance of membrane gas absorption for the removal of carbon dioxide from gas streams having a chemical composition representative of spacecraft conditions are determined experimentally.