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Water recycling systems have been studied at Hitachi using thermopervaporation technology for space use for about ten years. According to the studies this method is a good candidate for space application from the viewpoint of good water quality, system compactness and microgravity adaptability. In this paper we discuss (1) fundamental characteristics (2) temperature distribution and (3) effect of volatile substances of membrane distillation by thermopervaporation method from both theoretical and experimental point of view.

System configurations of water recycling for space use have been continued through theoretical and experimental studies. The water recycling system plays a central role in a Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) which offers necessary environment and life styles in closed environment such as space stations, lunar bases, etc.. Membrane technology is a possible candidate for purifying waste water produced by crew use facility, plant cultivation facility, etc. In considerations of the system compactness realizing energy saving, membrane distillation has been revealed to be a suitable purification process. Ground experiments has been performed using membrane filtration processes and membrane distillation process. Thermopervaporation technology with hydrophobic membrane is utilized in the distillation process. The energy saving is achieved by thermal return of condensation energy.