Integrated Waste and Water Management System

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Integrated Waste and Water Management System

Sauer, R. L. / Murray, R. W.

Several years ago, an integrated waste and water management system was developed under a joint Atomic Energy Commission. Air Force, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contract AT(11 - 1)-3036. The system utilized distillation and catalytic oxidation processes for purifying waste water and microbial digestion and incineration for waste solids disposal. The system successfully operated for 206 days continuously handling a 4-man equivalent of urine, feces, wash water, condensate, and trash. With the renewed interest in Space Station, this system was reviewed for applicability, updating and possible synergism with other life support systems. As examples, a flight-proven heat pump reduces energy requirements for the distillation process, and thermal integration between a Sabatier or Bosch process used for oxygen recovery significantly reduces the energy requirements for the catalytic oxidation water recovery process. This paper discusses the synergistic aspects of thermal integration, commonality of design, and new technology applied to advanced life support systems.