Browse Topic: Water pollution

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Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration ToolTBMG-358191/1/2020
According to the United Nations, 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and the majority live in developing nations. A process was developed that uses sand and plant materials readily available in many developing nations to create a cheap and effective water filtration medium called “f-sand.” F-sand uses proteins from the Moringa oleifera plant, a tree native to India that grows well in tropical and subtropical climates. The tree is cultivated for food and natural oils, and the seeds are already used for a type of rudimentary water purification; however, this traditional means of purification leaves behind high amounts of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the seeds, allowing bacteria to regrow after just 24 hours. This leaves only a short window in which the water is drinkable.
Smartphone Test Spots Poisoned Water RiskTBMG-347317/1/2019
Researchers have developed a biosensor that attaches to a smartphone and uses bacteria to detect unsafe arsenic levels. The device generates easy-to-interpret patterns similar to volume-bars that display the level of contamination.
Researchers Create Smartphone System to Test for Lead in WaterTBMG-344215/1/2019
Researchers at the University of Houston have created an inexpensive system that can detect lead in tap water at levels commonly accepted as dangerous, using a lens made with an inkjet printer and a smartphone.
5 Ws of the Lead-Detection Smartphone SystemTBMG-335861/1/2019
Individuals needing or wanting to examine lead content in their drinking water on-demand and in virtually any environmental setting.
Paper-Based Electrochemical Test Strip Detects Harmful BacteriaTBMG-272187/1/2017
Borrowing concepts from medical diagnostic devices, researchers have created a simple, inexpensive set of handheld tests that can detect the presence of many water- or food-borne pathogens. If applied in the field, such tests could greatly reduce the number of expensive follow-up tests needed to keep the food supply safe from fecal contamination.
Filtering Molecules with Nanotube TechnologyTBMG-263602/1/2017
Innovators at NASA's Johnson Space Center have developed a filtration device to eliminate contaminants from water supplies. Originally developed to purify waste-water for reuse aboard the International Space Station, the innovation is applicable to numerous situations on Earth where there is a need to collect potable, medical-grade water from a contaminated water supply. The unique aspect of the technology is its use of acoustics, rather than pressure, to drive water through small-diameter carbon nanotubes. The invention requires less power than conventional filtration systems, and is well-suited to a variety of water processing needs.
Vibration Reduction of Single Cylinder Diesel Engine used for Agricultural Water Pumping2015-01-22916/15/2015
There are many environmental issues in India. Air pollution, water pollution, garbage, vibration, noise pollution and pollution of the natural environment are all challenges for India. India has a long way to go to reach environmental quality similar to those enjoyed in developed economies. Pollution remains a major challenge and opportunity for India. The review of trends in farm practices and machinery development suggests that vibration & noise problems are still prevalent in agricultural situations, even though there has been a steady increase in the availability of materials and equipment for vibration & noise control over recent years. Diesel engine is the main source of power for agricultural equipments, such as water pump set, compressor, electric generator and tractor. Even it is one of the sources of vibration & noise in agricultural field. There is reluctance of the agricultural sector to use of vibration & noise control methods. It is difficult to estimate the number of workers (self-employed and employees) in agriculture and forestry who suffer in India. In this project work, the challenge was to predict vibration performance / characteristics of 8 HP, 2100 rpm, single cylinder diesel engine. Also check the effect of up-gradation of same engine to 2600 rpm; which will be done to get more water quantity and at higher level /head. Engine model building was started with 3D CAD modeling using Pro/E software then discritization (Meshing) and Nastran solver deck / model with loads and boundary conditions was developed using Hyper Mesh software. Engine loads was calculated using analytical methods for 2100 rpm & 2600 rpm. Those excitation loads was used to simulate NVH behavior of engine using CAE method. Detailed vibration source identification was carried out by actual vibration measurement using B & K measuring system and NVH CAE simulation methods. Fuel tank and gear cover was potential candidate of vibration. Based on vibration source identification by both methods, design modifications were done and verified using NVHCAE simulation technique for 2100 rpm and 2600 rpm before final recommendation for design changes. Those modifications were showing good amount of vibration reduction for the respective natural frequencies as design changes were strengthening the plane surfaces of sheet metal fuel tank and gear cover. Design modifications were recommended to implement after prototype testing.
Jadhav, Pandurang Maruti, Dunung, Sandesh A, Nitnaware, Pravin T
Microwave-Steam Based Road Deicing Vehicle Focused on Thin Ice Layers2015-01-05024/14/2015
For the thin ice on the road in winter, the traditional road deicing vehicle relies on mechanical and chemical methods for melting ice, which is inclined to damage the pavement and has insidious influence on environment. The thermal deicing vehicle has been adopted in recent years. Although the deicing method is available, the deicing efficiency is unacceptable while the energy consumption is huge. The study adopts the new idea of “bottom-to-top” for melting the intersection area between the road surface and the bottom ice layer by the microwave heating firstly and then cleaning them out using high pres. vapor cutting so as to save the cost of energy and enhance the traffic safety. First of all, the mathematical model of the melting process of the intersection of the pavement and the ice layer was established according to the microwave heating characteristics. Then the mechanism about the compatibility between the steam temperature, saturation and the upper surface of the ice was analyzed. Based on the analysis, the design of the post-process of ice melting was modified. After determining the layout scheme of microwave steam deicing device on vehicles, the analysis energy flow of vehicle was completed in the last. The result shows that the deicing vehicle is viable and its energy consumption is eighty percent as much as the traditional deicing vehicle's for melting the 5mm thin ice layer. There is no water pollution and road surface damage in the whole process.
Xu, Zhicheng, Tan, Gangfeng, Sun, Xingzhi, Ge, Yongqiang, Hua, Min, Xu, Haobo
Study of Singlemode Expanded-Beam Terminus for Enhanced Optical Performance2014-01-21299/16/2014
Fiber optic physical contact connection technology has been used with multimode fiber in civilian aircraft for over 30 years with very good proven reliable performance. The extensive use of singlemode fiber (SMF) in FTTx Telecom market rollouts speeds up the development of passive optical components which significantly decreases the cost, expands capability and increases the reliability level of singlemode components. SMF transmission seems mandatory for future applications even in mil-aero and other harsh environment applications due to increased data rate requirements and new sensors applications. In harsh environment applications, is it realistic to use SMF with cores that are 30 times smaller in area compared to multimode fiber (MMF) when highly exposed to contamination? The present paper presents a technology of beam expansion interconnection that mixes a physical contact (PC) with an expanded optical surface. The optical connector brings together benefits of both technologies resulting in a reliable connection requiring low maintenance for SMF fiber optic applications. The study describes an optical design and packaging that is able to cope with drastic harsh environment requirements, and shows promising test results after rapid thermal change, and exposure to contamination such as water and oil, dust particles. Special design and modeling efforts are presented, leading to a minimum number of optical interfaces. As a result, a reliable optical transmission is achieved with insertion losses below 1dB and return losses better than −50dB.
Metzger, Vincent, Parker, Douglas, Philippe, Alain, Claudot, Sebastien
The Development of Novel Fuel Dehydrating Icing Inhibitors2013-01-21699/17/2013
Dissolved water is a normal component of jet fuel which is vapourised during combustion; however, free water is a contaminant that can starve engines, freeze to form ice crystals capable of blocking fuel feeds, support microbial growth, and contribute towards corrosion. Jet fuel may be protected from the potentially hazardous effects of free-water using biocides and icing/corrosion inhibitors. This investigation seeks to identify novel chemical approaches to the dual management of both water contamination and ice formation in jet fuel. The strategy of using organic molecules as dehydrating agents remains a relatively neglected approach perhaps because of the complexity of the physical organic chemistry involved in developing and refining these systems. However, organic molecules with well characterised dehydrating properties - such as ortho esters, acetals, hemiacetals, ketals, and hemiketals - present themselves as an excellent starting-point for the development and optimisation of novel Fuel Dehydrating Icing Inhibitors (FDII). This paper describes our systematic approach towards the development of jet fuel additives which are kinetically fast, selective, lipophilic water scavengers that produce, upon hydrolysis, a hydrophilic ice inhibitor. A brief human and environmental toxicological screening of candidates is described. We anticipate that this class of FDII represents a novel approach towards protecting jet fuel against the effects of water contamination.
Repetto, Sonia L., Costello, James F., De Lacy Costello, Benjamin, Ratcliffe, Norman M., Lam, Joseph K.-W.
Sheet Membrane Spacesuit Water Membrane EvaporatorTBMG-154971/1/2013
A document describes a sheet membrane spacesuit water membrane evaporator (SWME), which allows for the use of one common water tank that can supply cooling water to the astronaut and to the evaporator. Test data showed that heat rejection performance dropped only 6 percent after being subjected to highly contaminated water. It also exhibited robustness with respect to freezing and Martian atmospheric simulation testing. Water was allowed to freeze in the water channels during testing that simulated a water loop failure and vapor backpressure valve failure. Upon closing the backpressure valve and energizing the pump, the ice eventually thawed and water began to flow with no apparent damage to the sheet membrane.
Mathematical Model of Water Contamination in Aircraft Fuel Tanks2011-01-254010/18/2011
Water is a contaminant that can lead to fuel system icing, microbial contamination, corrosion and fuel quantity gauging problems and therefore an efficient water management system is required in order to maximise the performance of an aircraft's fuel system. This paper describes a time-transient aircraft fuel tank model with water contamination, due to the principal mechanisms of dissolution, suspension, condensation and transportation. The tank model presented is a component of the NEPTUNE fuel system model which was developed for Airbus using the A380 as an example aircraft. A description of the physics of water contaminated fuel is given and of how this has been incorporated into a mathematical model of an aircraft fuel tank. A modular approach is demonstrated which enables interconnecting fuel tanks to be configured in larger systems in a flexible and easily understood manner.
Tomlinson, Stephen, Barker, Matt, Venn, Darran, Hickson, Luke, Lam, Joseph Kah-Wah
Effect of Contamination on Acoustic Performance of Microperforated Panels2011-01-16275/17/2011
Microperforated panel (MPP) absorbers are rugged, non-combustible, and do not deteriorate over time. That being the case, they are especially suitable for long term use in harsh environments. However, the acoustic performance is modified when contaminated by dust, dirt, or fluids (i.e. oil, water). This paper examines that effect experimentally and correlates the absorption performance with Maa's theory for micro-perforated panels. Transfer impedance and absorption coefficient are measured for different levels of aluminum oxide and carbon dust accumulation. The amount of dust contamination is quantified by measuring the luminance difference between clean and dirty panels with a light meter. The porosity and hole diameter in Maa's equation are modified to account for dust obstruction. The effect of coating the MPP with oil, water, and other appropriate viscous fluids was also measured. This effect was simulated by modifying the viscous factor in Maa's equation.
Liu, J., Herrin, D. W.
NASA Water Purification Improves Dental CareTBMG-93183/1/2011
Going to the dentist is always a less-than-welcome experience. However, a water purification technology developed for NASA could lead to a more satisfying end result and cleaner teeth.
In-Line Filtration Improves Hygiene and Reduces ExpenseTBMG-651011/1/2009
Water is highly prized in the unforgiving realm of space travel and habitation. Ample water reserves for drinking, food preparation, and bathing would take up an inordinate amount of storage space and infrastructure, which is always at a premium on a vessel or station. Water rationing and recycling are thus an essential part of daily life and operations on the space shuttles and International Space Station (ISS). The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), under continuing development at Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, helps astronauts use and reuse their supplies of water.
Filtering Water by Use of Ultrasonically Vibrated NanotubesTBMG-56099/1/2009
Devices that could be characterized as acoustically driven molecular sieves have been proposed for filtering water to remove all biological contaminants and all molecules larger than water molecules. Originally intended for purifying wastewater for reuse aboard spacecraft, these devices could also be attractive for use on Earth in numerous settings in which there are requirements to obtain potable, medical-grade, or otherwise pure water from contaminated water supplies. These devices could also serve as efficient means of removing some or all water from chemical products — for example, they might be useful as adjuncts or substitutes for stills in the removal of water from alcohols and alcoholic beverages. These devices may be constructed using various materials, such as ceramics, metallics, or polymers, depending on end-use requirements.
Ersatz Formulas for Lunar Outpost Wastewater and Brine2009-01-24027/12/2009
Early development of wastewater and brine processing equipment must rely upon ersatz formulations because authentic urine and hygiene water are variable in composition, difficult to acquire in quantity, and have limited storage life. Previous wastewater ersatz formulations (e.g. Verostko et al, 2004) were designed for chemical fidelity, to match the elemental ratios and VOC profile of defined blends of wastewater components. This paper presents an alternative spreadsheet approach to brine and wastewater ersatz formulation by combining “building block” recipes in user-selected ratios and accounting for compositional shifts upon evaporation.
Hunter, Jean B., Arquiza, JMR Apollo, Sahbaz, Jasmin
Benchtop Antigen Detection Technique Using Nanofiltration and Fluorescent DyesTBMG-52325/1/2009
The designed benchtop technique is primed to detect bacteria and viruses from antigenic surface marker proteins in solutions, initially water. This inclusive bio-immunoassay uniquely combines nanofiltration and near infrared (NIR) dyes conjugated to antibodies to isolate and distinguish microbial antigens, using laser excitation and spectrometric analysis. The project goals include detecting microorganisms aboard the International Space Station, space shuttle, Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), and human habitats on future Moon and Mars missions, ensuring astronaut safety. The technique is intended to improve and advance water contamination testing both commercially and environmentally as well. Lastly, this streamlined technique poses to greatly simplify and expedite testing of pathogens in complex matrices, such as blood, in hospital and laboratory clinics.
International Space Station USOS Potable Development Water Dispenser2008-01-20106/29/2008
The International Space Station (ISS) Russian Segment currently provides potable water dispensing capability for crewmember food and beverage rehydration. All ISS crewmembers rehydrate Russian and U.S. style food packages from this location. A new United States On-orbit Segment (USOS) Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) is under development. This unit will provide additional potable water dispensing capability to support an on-orbit crew of six. The PWD is designed to provide incremental quantities of hot and ambient temperature potable water to U.S. style food packages. It will receive iodinated water from the Fuel Cell Water Bus in the U.S. Laboratory element. The unit will provide potable-quality water, including active removal of biocidal iodine prior to dispensing. A heater assembly contained within the unit will be able to supply up to 2.0 liters of hot water (65 to 93°C) every thirty minutes. This quantity will allow three to four crewmembers to rehydrate their food and beverages from this location during a single meal. The unit is designed to remain functional for up to ten years with replacement of limited life items such as filters. It will be the size of two stacked Shuttle Middeck lockers (approximately the size of two small suitcases) and integrated into a science payload rack in the U.S. Laboratory element. Providing potable-quality water at the proper temperature for food and beverage reconstitution is critical to maintaining crew health and well-being. The numerous engineering challenges as well as human factors and safety considerations during the concept, design, and prototyping are outlined in this paper.
Shaw, Laura A., Barreda, Jose L.
NASA Advanced Life Support Systems Group Uses Water Reclamation PrototypeTBMG-228310/1/2007
DynaJets® and DynaSwirl® cavitating jet technologies DynaFlow Jessup, MD 301-604-3688 www.dynaflow-inc.com
Utilization of Aminosilane Antimicrobial Coatings in Spacecraft Potable and Technical Water Systems2007-01-31417/9/2007
Microbial control in spacecraft is currently achieved by environmental control of humidity, forced air filtration, and the use of antimicrobials for surface application (i.e., isopropyl alcohol) and biocidal agents for treatment of potable and technical water supplies (e.g., iodine and iodide or ionic and colloidal silver). Continuous monitoring is required to ensure water quality for shuttle and ISS missions. Water distribution systems for exploration missions on the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) may benefit from a single-application surface-bound antimicrobial coating that limits microbial surface attachment. Consequently, we investigated the use of 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, a commercially available quaternary aminosilane that bonds permanently to surfaces and inhibits microbial growth. To assess its suitability in spacecraft applications, we previously employed a test method to assess the effectiveness of aminosilane coatings on textiles. This method gave highly reproducible results showing as little as 0.1% aminosilane solution was effective in eliminating viable organisms from cloth swatches. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of an aminosilane coating for prevention of bacterial contamination of a potable water reservoir. Metallic coupons, composed of materials (i.e., Inconel 718, 21-6-9 Stainless Steel (aka, Nitronic 40), and 316 Stainless Steel) used in the construction of the Space Shuttle potable water distribution system, were treated with the antimicrobial, submerged into a volume of potable water, and inoculated with a known concentration of Burkholderia cepacia, a common bacteria isolated from Space Shuttle drinking water samples. The sample coupons were subjected to ultrasonic energy to re-suspend attached organisms. At various time-points, sample dilutions of inoculated potable water were plated on nutrient agar for enumeration of viable colony forming units. Reduction in the bacterial load and/or cell viability of bacteria in the reservoir was observed (less than 10 CFU/mL), providing support for the use of aminosilane coatings to prevent microbial contamination of spacecraft environmental systems.
Hodges, Michael P., Woodard, Daniel, Roberts, Michael S.
Solid-State Viscosity Sensors For Military and Aerospace ApplicationsTBMG-45926/1/2007
Embedded OEM application markets such as the military and aerospace industries are experiencing a growing demand for sensors that provide instantaneous and continuous process control and machine health information. For a large segment of these industries, fluid viscosity is the key physical parameter that can assist in final process control and machine diagnostics. To that end, it is imperative that a solid-state chip be cost-effective and provide the functionality and scalability that is demanded.
Development of Vapor-Phase Catalytic Ammonia Removal SystemTBMG-17945/1/2007
A report describes recent accomplishments of a continuing effort to develop the vapor-phase catalytic ammonia removal (VPCAR) process for recycling wastewater for consumption by humans aboard a spacecraft in transit to Mars. The VPCAR process is implemented by a system of highly integrated design in which some power consumption is accepted as a cost of minimizing the volume and mass of a wastewater-processing system and eliminating the need to resupply water. The core of the system is a wiped-film rotating-disk (WFRD) evaporator, which removes inorganic salts and nonvolatile organic compounds from the wastewater stream and concentrates these contaminants into a recycle-and-bleed stream. The WFRD evaporator is also part of a subsystem that distills water from the wastewater stream. This subsystem operates in a vacuum-vapor/compression distillation configuration in the temperature range from 20 to 65 °C. Volatile organic compounds and ammonia, distilled along with water, are oxidized to CO2, H2O, and N2O in a packed-bed, hightemperature catalytic reactor placed at the outlet of the vapor-phase compressor of the distillation subsystem. A VPCAR engineering demonstration unit is expected to be included in a humanrated simulation of a mission to Mars.
Electroporation System for Sterilizing WaterTBMG-27110/1/2005
A prototype of an electroporation system for sterilizing wastewater or drinking water has been developed. In electroporation, applied electric fields cause transient and/or permanent changes in the porosities of living cells. Electroporation at lower field strengths can be exploited to increase the efficiency of chemical disinfection (as in chlorination). Electroporation at higher field strengths is capable of inactivating and even killing bacteria and other pathogens, without use of chemicals. Hence, electroporation is at least a partial alternative to chlorination.
Removing Pathogens Using Nano-Ceramic-Fiber FiltersTBMG-2655/1/2005
Filters remove greater than 99.9999 percent of viruses and bacteria from wastewater.
Rotating Reverse-Osmosis for Water PurificationTBMG-18276/1/2004
A new design for a water-filtering device combines rotating filtration with reverse osmosis to create a rotating reverse- osmosis system. Rotating filtration has been used for separating plasma from whole blood, while reverse osmosis has been used in purification of water and in some chemical processes. Reverse-osmosis membranes are vulnerable to concentration polarization — a type of fouling in which the chemicals meant not to pass through the reverse-osmosis membranes accumulate very near the surfaces of the membranes. The combination of rotating filtration and reverse osmosis is intended to prevent concentration polarization and thereby increase the desired flux of filtered water while decreasing the likelihood of passage of undesired chemical species through the filter. Devices based on this concept could be useful in a variety of commercial applications, including purification and desalination of drinking water, purification of pharmaceutical process water, treatment of household and industrial wastewater, and treatment of industrial process water.
Electrochemical, H2O2-Boosted Catalytic Oxidation SystemTBMG-8052/1/2004
An improved water-sterilizing aqueous-phase catalytic oxidation system (APCOS) is based partly on the electrochemical generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This H2O2-boosted system offers significant improvements over prior dissolved-oxygen water-sterilizing systems in the way in which it increases oxidation capabilities, supplies H2O2 when needed, reduces the total organic carbon (TOC) content of treated water to a low level, consumes less energy than prior systems do, reduces the risk of contamination, and costs less to operate. This system was developed as a variant of part of an improved waste-management subsystem of the life-support system of a spacecraft. Going beyond its original intended purpose, it offers the advantage of being able to produce H2O2 on demand for surface sterilization and/or decontamination: this is a major advantage inasmuch as the benign byproducts of this H2O2 system, unlike those of systems that utilize other chemical sterilants, place no additional burden of containment control on other spacecraft air- or water-reclamation systems.
Treatment To Destroy Chloro-hydrocarbon Liquids in the GroundTBMG-11916/1/2003
A relatively simple chemical treatment that involves the use of emulsified iron has been found to be effective in remediating groundwater contaminated with trichloroethylene and other dense chlorohydrocarbon liquids. These liquids are members of the class of dense, non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), which are commonly recognized to be particularly troublesome as environmental contaminants. The treatment converts these liquids into less-harmful products.
Space Mission Wastewater Recovery System Using Rotating Reverse Osmosis: Process Simulation2002-01-25287/15/2002
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a compact process for the removal of ionic and organic pollutants from space mission wastewater. However, flux decline and rejection deterioration due to concentration polarization and membrane fouling hinders the application of RO technology. In this study, a rotating cylindrical RO membrane system is investigated as a novel method to reduce concentration polarization for space mission wastewater recovery. The model developed for rotating RO [1] allows the prediction of flux and pollutant rejection over a wide range of design and operation parameters. The model matches the experimental results from a lab-scale rotating RO very well. Operating parameters such as rotational speed and transmembrane pressure play an important role in determining the flux and rejection in rotating RO. A rotational speed sufficient to generate Taylor vortices in the annulus is essential to maintain high flux as well as high rejection. The theoretical energy consumption by rotating RO is almost the same as that by conventional RO under most conditions.
Lee, Sangho, Lueptow, Richard M.
Lubricants, Industrial Oils and Related Products -- Type X (Greases) -- SpecificationMS1011_200201 (Historical)1/4/2002
The greases have been classified according to the operating conditions under which they are used, because the versatile nature of greases makes it impractical to classify them according to end use. It will therefore be necessary to consult the supplier to be certain that the grease can be used in, for example, rolling bearings or pumped supply systems, and also concerning the compatibility of products (see Remarks in Table 1). NOTE--In this classification, a grease cannot have more than one symbol. This symbol should correspond to the most severe conditions of temperature, water contamination and load in which the grease can be used.
Fuel and Lubricants TC2 Industrial Lubricants
Enhancing the Removal of Chlorocarbons From GroundwaterTBMG-74249/1/2001
Experiments have shown that ultrasound could be an effective means of enhancing the removal of chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants from groundwater by the zero-valent-metal treatment process. This process, which has been a subject of research in recent years, is attractive because it does not involve above-ground treatment or the use of pumps, and because the materials needed to effect treatment are safe and relatively inexpensive.
Hybrid Regenerative Water-Recycling SystemTBMG-70932/1/2001
A wastewater-recycling system contains biological and physicochemical water-treatment units. The system is suitable for use in environments in which clean water supplies are limited. Waste streams containing urine and washwater are purified into potable water with a recovery rate of 99 percent. The system includes a two-stage trickling-filter bioreactor, a reverse-osmosis unit, and a photocatalytic post-treatment subsystem. The first stage of the bioreactor reduces the concentrations of organic (carbon-based) compounds, while the second stage removes nitrogen compounds. The effluent from the reactor is sent to the reverse-osmosis unit, which passes 85 percent of the water and diverts the other 15 percent into a concentrated brine. Water is recovered from the brine by evaporation. Finally, the water is treated by ultraviolet light and titanium oxide for disinfection and for oxidation of any organic residue. The system can treat small amounts of very concentrated wastewater, without use of pretreatment chemicals, at low power consumption.
Technique for Controlling Gas Generation in a BioreactorTBMG-699511/1/2000
A pressure-swing technique has been developed for controlling the generation and flow of gas in an anaerobic biological reactor and associated equipment in a system that processes wastewater. The purpose and effect of the technique is to prevent the formation of gas bubbles in the reactor; if allowed to coalesce in the reactor, gas bubbles could impede the flow of the liquid stream, rendering the treatment system less effective. The technique was conceived for application to a wastewater treatment system that would operate in microgravity, but could also be applied to bioreactor systems (e.g., fermentation systems) that operate in Earth-normal gravity.
Water Recovery in Space Development of a Membrane Based Water Treatment Process for Long Range Missions2000-01-23887/10/2000
In the absence of recycling, water represents over 90% of the life-support consumables for a human spacecraft. In addition, over 90% of the waste water generated can be classified as either moderately or slightly contaminated (e.g. shower water, condensate from the air-conditioning system, etc..) The ability to recover potable water from moderately contaminated waste water hence enables significant savings to be made in resupply costs. A development model of such a water-recovery system, based on membrane technology, has been produced and tested using ‘real waste water’ based on used shower water. Results indicate some 95% recovery of potable water meeting European Space Agency (ESA) standards, with total elimination of microbial contaminants such as bacteria, spores and viruses. A second phase focused on improving the functioning of the breadboard and to test it in a long duration test (5-6 months).
Amblard, P., Lasserre, E. C., Lasseur, C., Personne, E. C.
Truck recycling: Environmental-friendly guidelines2000-05-03576/12/2000
Transport is a fundamental aspect of community prosperity and it is closely connected to its development. Transport plays an essential role among the production cycles of a nation, and the commercial vehicle (trucks or buses) makes it possible to become true. From the days when commercial vehicles first appeared, to the early ''80s, main research themes were those intended to increase "productivity" and "profitability." In the ''80s a new and common ecological awareness had induced the industrial sector, and specially motor vehicle manufacturers to try reducing atmosphere and water pollution effects as much as possible. Starting with the ''80s, new needs have appeared in addition to the "usual" ones, entailing entirely new research trends for commercial vehicles. In agreement with Fiat strategies, Iveco made available its know-how, technology and managing capacity, looking for the best and innovative problems created by the birth of vehicles, by their use, and nowadays also by the "end of their lives." In these last years, attention was drawn on the problem of pollution by solid materials, of which the best solution is recycling.
Montali, Marcello, Fumarola, Massimo
Continuous Electrolytic Generation of Hydrogen PeroxideTBMG-3001511/1/1999
Electrolytic cells for the continuous generation of hydrogen peroxide in streams of water have been developed. Cells of this type could be incorporated into wastewater-treatment systems based on advanced oxidation processes that utilize hydroxyl radicals. In addition to H2O2- generating cells, such a treatment system would include catalysts for the decomposition of H2O2 and the formation of hydroxyl radicals as decomposition products. The hydroxyl radicals would oxidize organic contaminants, thereby removing them from the wastewater.
Electrodialysis To Remove Ammonium Ions From WastewaterTBMG-17599/1/1999
Electrodialysis has been shown to be an effective means for removing ammonium ions from wastewater without use of consumable chemicals and without adding other substances to the treated water. Provided that continuing efforts to develop efficient electrodialysis equipment prove successful, it should be possible to apply this treatment principle to wastewater streams to be recycled in life-support systems for spacecraft and other closed habitats. Effluents from some industrial processes that generate high concentration of ammonium ions may also be treatable by this principle.
The Use of a Total Organic Carbon Analyzer in Testing of Water Recovery Systems for a Space Station1999-01-20347/12/1999
The paper reviews the results obtained with a Sievers-820 total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer during ground tests of the Mir water recovery system (WRS). Calibration analysis results for water solution samples of individual compounds, typical of spacecraft atmospheric humidity condensate, and their mixtures are provided. Comparison of the test results to the calculated data and laboratory analyses performed by other methods are made. Analyzer readings are in good agreement with the chemical analyses of initial condensate and recovered water. The analyzer shows promise as an instrument for ground and future onboard spacecraft testing.
Protasov, N. N., Komolov, V. V., Sinjak, Y. E., Skuratov, V. M., Bobe, L. S., Novikov, V. M., Amiragov, M. S., Gurovskaya, R. A.
Spinach: Nitrate Analysis of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Crop Cultured Under ALS Candidate Artificial Light Sources1999-01-21077/12/1999
Nitrate concentration in spinach and lettuce is known to be influenced by light quantity. The enzyme nitrate reductase is regulated by phytochrome in some species, and in the presence of light, electrons that reduce nitrite to ammonium come from photosynthetic electron transport. It was hypothesized that light quality as well as light quantity may be used to manipulate nitrate concentration in spinach. To test this, narrow-band wavelength light-emitting diode (LED) sources (670 nm and 735 nm peak emission) were utilized in combination with cool white fluorescent (CWF) lamps. Nitrate concentration was compared in spinach seedlings grown for four weeks under CWF, followed by one of three 5-day pre-harvest light treatments. The three different light quality regimes were 1) CWF, 2) CWF + RED (670 nm) LED, and 3) CWF + FR (735 nm LED). Ion chromatograph analysis of freeze-dried tissue showed a 10-fold increase in nitrate concentration in the CWF+ FR (0.12 mmoles/g dw) treatment over the CWF (0.01 mmoles/g dw) and CWF+Red (0.01 mmoles/g dw) treatments. The results of this study suggest that selection of ALS light sources should not only consider crop yield and energy efficiency, but should also take into account the influences of light quality on food safety and human nutrition.
Welch, Ross M., Heller, Laurence, Glahn, Raymond P., Johnson, Corinne F., Langhans, Robert W., Albright, Louis D., Combs, Gerald F., Wheeler, Raymond M., Goins, Gregory D.
Kit for Sampling Nitrosamines From Aqueous SolutionsTBMG-299246/1/1999
Scientists at White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) have devised a kit for extracting nitrosamines from aqueous solutions. In comparison with extractions according to the method recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), extractions by use of the kit are faster, cheaper and less labor-intensive, and they yield greater recoveries as well as test results that are more accurate. No other nitrosamine test kit performs at the level of this kit while satisfying requirements unique to WSTF.
Filtration of Bio-Degradable Oils in the Earthmoving Industry - 10 Years of Specialist Experience in the Demanding German Market9814984/8/1998
Legislation is forcing the introduction of biodegradable lubricants onto the earthmoving industry. It is the responsibility of both manufacturers and users to protect the environment whilst maintaining the highest engineering standards. The use of biodegradable oils is important, but is only part of the solution. A comprehensive approach is required which goes beyond the simple, but normally adopted method, of replacing a mineral oil with a biodegradable alternative. An Environmentally Friendly Lubricants Policy is required which increases the benefits for both the user and the environment. A combination of biodegradable oil, specialist off-line filtration and a monitoring program is the key to this policy. Cardev International in association with Panolin AG has successfully implemented this policy in the demanding German market for over 10 years, and it has enabled hydraulic machinery to run over 56,000 hrs without oil change, and over 12,000hrs so far in an earthmoving machine.
Cartwright, Stephen, Devonshire, Colin
Regenerable Foam SuppressorTBMG-319984/1/1998
A foam suppressor removes soap and other foaming agents from a stream of wastewater that is being treated electrolytically. This wastewater is a combination of laundry, hygiene, and urine wastewater. It is desirable to prevent foaming because foaming reduces, by about 15 percent, the efficiency of electrooxidation of waste chemical species. In the absence of foam, the electrochemical sensors used to monitor the treatment process also function more effectively and thus provide more-accurate control of the electrolytic process.
Sonochemical Treatment To Remove Hydrazines From WaterTBMG-320194/1/1998
A sonochemical treatment has been proposed for removing hydrazine contaminants from water. The basis of the proposal is a conjecture that the sonochemical effect in water containing hydrazines would cause the hydrazines and some of the water to decompose, forming relatively innocuous products like nitrogen, ammonia, and derivatives of ammonia. On a large scale, this treatment could be incorporated into processes for remediation of industrial wastewater streams. On a smaller scale, this treatment could be effected by portable equipment that could be brought to locations where water contaminated by hydrazines has been spilled; examples of such locations include industrial chemical processing sites and spacecraft-launching sites, where hydrazines are used as hypergolic fuels.
Water Rejection of Vegetable Oil Base Stocks for Tractor/Hydraulic Fluids9520739/1/1995
Separation of water from vegetable oil base stocks for environmentally acceptable tractor/hydraulic fluids was studied. Mixtures of canola, a representative vegetable oil, with mineral oil and three synthetic esters were emulsified and allowed to separate. In additional work, hydrogen bonding interfering compounds, alcohols and nitrogen containing compounds, were added to base stocks and finished fluids to improve the water rejection properties. Two of the synthetic esters were found to improve water rejection in economical concentrations, while the other formed a stable emulsion with the vegetable oil and water. The mineral oil tested formed a stable water-in-oil emulsion with low concentrations of canola oil, then reacheed a maximum rejection concentration as the canola increased, since canola forms a oil-in-water emulsion. The hydrogen bonding inhibitors worked with base stocks but were not helpful when the additive package was included.
Rhodes, Blaine N., Mammel, William, Landis, Phillip, Erickson, Frank L.
ESA's Potable Water Recycling Concept, System's Architecture and Test Results9415316/1/1994
Preliminary development of a core water-recycling system for potable water reprocessing has been performed, supported by a critical assessment of the required architecture and extensive experimental testing of materials, technologies and procedures. The functional architecture of the water-recycling system is characterised by a Core Water-Recycling System (CWRS) reprocessing potable water from moderately contaminated water such as hygiene water and condensation and CO2-reduction waters, and a complementary treatment technology allowing further processing of highly contaminated sources such as urine and brines from the core system. The quality of this last processed water is sufficient to allow its reprocessing by the core system. Technologies involved in the core water-recycling system and complementary brine recycling system are based on chemical treatment, ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis at acidic and neutral pH, photo-oxidation and phase-change. For the brines and urine processor, a vapour-compression distillation (VCD) concept is considered. A simplified breadboard of the Core Water-Recycling System was installed, consisting of a microbial stabilisation step (peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide and a short UV treatment) followed by ultra-filtration and two successive reverse osmosis steps at acidic and neutral pH. Long-duration testing with this breadboard treating real shower water was performed showing that the resulting water quality fulfilled the drinking water standard except for the total organic carbon content that was slightly above the standard value of 0.5 pmm. The reprocessed water also proved to be safe from a microbiological and toxicological (including pyrogens) point-of-view.
Binot, Roger A., Barreau, J. M., Amblard, P.
Generation of Iodine Disinfection By-Products (IDP's) in a Water Recycle System9213627/1/1992
Iodine is being considered for disinfection of recycled hygiene and potable water in Space Station Freedom. Like chlorine, the halogen iodine can form disinfection by-products (DBPs) when used as a disinfectant in waters with dissolved or colloidal organic compounds. Recycled shower and laundry wastewater, urine and condensate from the space cabin atmosphere all have large amounts of dissolved and colloidal organic compounds and may generate iodinated DBP's which can be toxic to humans. We have investigated the formation of iodinated DBP's (IDP's) in model compounds typical of shower wastewater and condensate. The selection of these model compounds and flask experiments to test for IDP formation have been described. Methods for reaction, extraction and analysis for IDP's also have been developed. We have tentatively identified likely organic precursors from recycled water and several iodinated organic compounds formed during the reaction with iodine. As we increase the complexity of the water matrix, eventually studying recycled shower wastewater, the flask experiment data will allow understanding of the reactions of iodine disinfectant with the organic compounds found in space water recycle systems.
Barkley, Robert, Hurst, Charles, Dunham, Andrew, Silverstein, JoAnn, Brion, Gail M.
Quality Assessment of Plant Transpiration Water9012307/1/1990
It has been proposed to use plants as elements of biologically-based life support systems for long-term space missions. Three roles have been brought forth for plants in this application: recycling of water, regeneration of air and production of food. This report discusses recycling of water and presents data from investigations of plant transpiration water quality. Aqueous nutrient solution was applied to several plant species and transpired water collected. Our findings indicated that this water typically contained 0.3-6 ppm of total organic carbon, which meets hygiene water standards for NASA's space applications. It suggests that this method could be developed to achieve potable water standards.
Janik, Daniel S., Benson, Brian L.
The Use of Models to Predict Potential Contamination Aboard Orbital Vehicles8914927/1/1989
Biological contamination is a real, perhaps inevitable, event aboard inhabited orbital vehicles. A major form of this contamination is fungal growth on exposed surfaces. While numerous models exist for microbial growth on air-water and surface-water interfaces, no models are available for fungal growth on air-solid surfaces and, evidently, none have been developed for a surface that is non-nutritive, e.g. a surface that not agar or a food stuff. We develop and present a model of fungal growth on air-exposed, non-nutritive solid surfaces. A unique feature of this testable model is that the development of a fungal mycelium can facilitate its own growth by condensation of water vapor from its environment directly onto fungal hyphae. The fungal growth rate is limited by the rate of supply of volatile nutrients and fungal biomass is limited by either the supply of non-volatile nutrients or by metabolic loss processes.
Boraas, Martin E., Seale, Dianne B.
CO 2 Processing and O 2 Reclamation System Selection Process for Future European Space Programmes8915487/1/1989
This paper describes the process used to select the physico-chemical system configuration to meet the requirements of manned European space development plans from the year 2005 onwards. From the investigated sixty four candidates, eight candidate system configurations were preselected from which one baseline configuration was finally selected. This will enable the European space industry to identify and establish the required capabilities and technologies in Europe. The selection process took available technology, cost impact, oxygen, water, carbon and hydrogen loop closure considerations and a synergetic approach with the propulsion system into account. Both quantitative and qualitative assessments were used.
Arlow, M., Traxler, G.
Thermoelectric Integrated Membrane Evaporation Subsystem Testing8714467/1/1987
Art advanced preprototype Thermoelectric Integrated Membrane Evaporation Subsystem (TIMES) has been developed to provide high quality water recovery From various types of wastewater on extended duration space flights. The subsystem has undergone extensive wastewater processing testing, in order to evaluate its potential as an essential part of the Space Station Hater Reclamation System. A discussion of the operating performance of the TIMES is presented in this paper, with special attention given to the water quality attained for a number of simulated Space Station wastewater feedstocks.
Dehner, Gerard F., Price, Don F.
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