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Technical Paper

Energy-Efficient Closed Loop Heat Pump Dryer for Solid Waste Stabilization on Long Duration Space Missions

2006-07-17
2006-01-2088
Wet cabin trash, including food residues, moist hygiene wipes and wet paper towels, poses two problems on long term space missions: first, the generation of odors and potential health hazards by microbial action (spoilage); second, the diversion of water from the available recovery loops. We have developed an energy-efficient closed air-loop heat-pump dryer to remove moisture from the wet material. Circulation of hot air can pasteurize the trash in the original bag without water recovery. In drying mode, a gravity-independent Porous Membrane Condensing Heat Exchanger (PMCHX) traps condensate to be passed to the water recovery system. The DRYER system is suitable for stabilization of wet cabin waste in an advanced life support system, and may be adapted to drying of crew laundry and water recovery from water-reprocessing brines.
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