Vacuum-Regenerable Trace Contaminant Control for Exploration Portable Life Support System

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes a compact, vacuum-regenerable sorbent bed for effectively removing a broad range of trace contaminants, meeting topic performance requirements, which can be integrated with the Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) CO2/H2O removal system. Both the primary trace contaminants (ammonia, CO, formaldehyde, and methyl mercaptan) as well as other species that threaten to exceed the 7-day Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentration (SMAC) levels during an EVA were addressed via sub-scale testing in Phase I. These sorbents with different properties were combined in the modular Trace Contaminant Control (TCC) bed, tailored to the requirements and in suitable proportion. Our approach is based on PCIs proven sorbent nanomaterials that have high surface area on a structured support, enabling a compact, low pressure drop, and vacuum-regenerable TCC device. In Phase I, all objectives and proposed tasks were successfully completed to demonstrate proof-of-concept of these vacuum-regenerable sorbent materials and sorbent module for a compact, efficient TCC. This offers the potential for real-time, in-suit sorbent regeneration, reduced logistical burden associated with bed replacement or thermal regeneration, and further volume and weight reduction of the TCC packaging. At the end of Phase I, a modular, compact, low pressure drop, and durable integrated TCC design approach was identified. In this proposed follow-on Phase II, TCC hardware prototypes will be developed, demonstrated, and delivered to a NASA laboratory for further evaluation, performance validation, and possible integration with the xPLSS hardware design. This effort would be valuable to NASA as it would address the current xPLSS technology gap and increase mission capability/durability/extensibility while at the same time increasing the TRL of the novel vacuum regenerable TCC sorbents. Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to mature and deliver to NASA a compact, vacuum-regenerable TCC sorbent bed for effectively removing a broad range of trace contaminants, which can be integrated with the Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) CO2/H2O removal system. Both the primary trace contaminants (NH3, CO, formaldehyde, and methyl mercaptan) as well as other species that threaten to exceed the 7-day Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentration (SMAC) levels were addressed in Phase I. A combination of novel sorbents, tailored for specific contaminants of interest, and structured substrates permits practical implementation of the sorbent for a vacuum-regenerable TCC (without heating requirement) with low pressure drop and high removal efficiency, while also minimizing the competitive sorption with moisture and CO2. The resulting TCC bed, with enhanced mass transfer and vacuum-regenerability, offers the potential for real-time, on-the-suit sorbent regeneration, reduced logistical burden related to bed replacement, and further packaging volume and weight reduction. Technical Objectives: Finalize key TCC requirements to meet NASA specifications Optimize the selected sorbent nanomaterials for further performance improvement Optimize the coating method of the sorbents on support substrates to maximize adhesion and sorbent loading, while maintaining low pressure drop Perform design iterations for the compact, low pressure drop, vacuum-regenerable Microlith TCC full-scale prototypes for delivery to NASA, supported by CFD analysis Perform mechanical vibration testing to evaluate sorbent coating adhesion and vibration resistance Perform design-fabrication-test iterations to finalize the full-scale TCC prototypes, meeting NASA requirements Demonstrate robust TCC operation in an integrated design that meets performance metrics Deliver functional TCC hardware prototypes to NASA for laboratory testing   Proposed Deliverables: Quarterly Demonstration Reports and review meetings Two full-scale TCC prototypes Test report, Interface Control Document (ICD), and operational specifications for the TCC prototype. Phase II Final Report with performance data.    

Targeted NASA applications will be in advanced spacesuit and exploration PLSS with key potential customers including Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, and private sector customers. Additional NASA application includes Gateway and Artemis missions, future ISRU concepts for Lunar or Martian bases, spacecraft, and for the International Space Station. Targeted non-NASA applications include commercial aircraft air purification systems and for military vehicle cabins such as in aircraft, ships and submarines. Another market for this technology would be commercial buildings where it can have significant impact on the demand control ventilation and indoor air quality, resulting in significant decrease in associated energy and other costs.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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