Application of a novel distillation reverse osmosis process to reduce mass and improve performance in spacecraft and planetary water recovery systems

The recycling of urine, humidity condensate, and hygiene wash water are all necessary for long-term space exploration and the development of planetary bases since it is not possible to transport large quantities of potable water from Earth. A safe, efficient, and compact method of water recovery would allow astronauts to travel further in exploration missions as well as provide increased storage of other necessary materials. With NASA’s current focus on the development of a lunar Early Planetary Base by 2028, addressing problems that occur in the current water recycling system on the International Space Station (ISS) are more important than ever, as similar issues are likely to be faced on the moon. The water recovery system (WRS) used on the ISS consists of two parts, a urine processor assembly (UPA) and a water processor assembly (WPA). Pretreated urine is sent to the UPA where it is first distilled, and the distillate is combined with humidity condensate before being fed into the WPA. Issues currently facing the UPA are its high probability of mechanical failure (due to the complex rotary vacuum system) and large mass. The WPA system used to treat condensate also faces significant challenges from accumulated chemicals. Dimethylsilanediol (DMSD) is the compound that is causing the most issues in the WPA on the ISS. DMSD is found in the humidity condensate stream on the ISS as a result of volatile methyl siloxane contributing lotions, conditioners, deodorants, and computers. DMSD has been found to increase the total organic carbon concentration past the acceptable potable levels, and its elevated concentration requires more frequent replacement of the multifiltration beds. It is presumed that there will be even higher concentrations of DMSD that must be managed on a lunar planetary base. The goal of my research is to reduce mass and improve contaminant removal in water recovery systems using a novel distillation reverse osmosis (DRO) process. DRO operates by using a hydrophobic nano-porous membrane to create a robust vapor gap between two liquid reservoirs An applied hydraulic pressure causes water to evaporate on the surface of the membrane, diffuse through the membrane pore, and condense on the permeate side of the membrane. Similar to conventional distillation systems, this phase change allows for the removal of all nonvolatile substances, showing high rejection for both urea and DMSD. Furthermore, we have shown that DRO can maintain performance when operated with the high oxidant concentrations that are used in space exploration technologies. The objectives of my work focus on the application of the novel DRO technology in space exploration in response to the challenges found in the water recovery and management technology area (TA 6.1.2) stated by NASA. The first objective of my research is to understand the appropriateness of this novel membrane process in urine processing, including maximum recovery and membrane resilience when exposed to pretreatment chemicals used in current and future urine processing systems. The second objective is to investigate the removal of DMSD from condensate streams. The final objective is to model energy and sizing restraints applicable to implementation, followed by long-term pilot testing in appropriate conditions. These three objectives with be completed through collaboration with NASA engineers to ensure relevance to space exploration missions. The results of the proposed work will revolutionize critical water recovery processes for future NASA missions by addressing issues related to weight, long-term durability, and contaminant rejection. Furthermore, the results of this work will inspire increased public interest in water reuse and help mature a promising technology for water treatment systems on Earth. Thus, the proposed project will both transform NASA water recovery systems and ultimately improve water management worldwide.

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