Search Results

Membrane gas absorption for the control of CO2 in manned spacecrafts is studied by Stork and TNO. Membrane Gas Absorption (MGA) is based on the combination of membrane separation and gas absorption. The cabin air of a spacecraft is fed along one side of a hydrophobic membrane. The air diffuses through the membrane and the CO2 is selectively absorbed by an absorption liquid. Experiments showed that the MGA system can not only be used for the removal of the carbon dioxide but also can be applied to control the relative humidity and temperature of the cabin atmosphere. Absorption of moisture and heat is achieved by cooling the absorption liquid below the dewpoint temperature of the gas stream. This paper deals with the design aspects of a MGA system for combined CO2, humidity and thermal control aboard the Crew Transfer Vehicle. Furthermore, design data are presented for a similar system aboard the International Space Station.