An Experimental Investigation and System Design for Humidity and Carbon Dioxide Level Control Using Thermal Radiation

Item

Title
An Experimental Investigation and System Design for Humidity and Carbon Dioxide Level Control Using Thermal Radiation
Date
1969
Index Abstract
Not Available
Photo Quality
Not Needed
Report Number
AMRL TR 68-174
Corporate Author
Dynatech Corporation
Laboratory
Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory
Extent
114
Identifier
AD0692169
Access Rights
This document has been approved for public release and sale; its distribution is unlimited
Distribution Classification
1
Contract
F33615-67-C-1587
DoD Project
6373
DoD Task
637302
DTIC Record Exists
No
Distribution Change Authority Correspondence
None
Distribution Conflict
No
Abstract
An experimental investigation was carried out to verify the feasibility of controlling carbon dioxide levels in space cabin atmospheres by freeze-out techniques using thermal radiation as the only mode of heat rejection. A one-tenth scale system was constructed with the primary aim of gaining understanding of the CO2 precipitation mechanism and determining the operating characteristics of a precipitator plate. Both quantitative measurements and visual observation of the frost formation were made. The geometric characteristics of the precipitator channel were found to be not critical. Uniform frost layer formation could be obtained and premature channel plugging was not a problem. Typical precipitator plate effectivenesses of 0.75 - 0.85 were easily obtainable. Simultaneous CO2 sublimation was achievable at a controllable rate. System stability was easily achieved. Solid CO2 carryover in both the precipitating and sublimating streams is a real possibility and preventive measures must be taken in the final design of the system. Based on these results, a complete test system was designed to handle the water vapor and carbon dioxide loads in a one-man, manned space enclosure. The system, with a total weight of 51.2 lb, is a two-loop configuration where one loop maintains humidity control and the other removes the generated carbon dioxide and returns all of the accompanying water vapor to the cabin. The system will operate indefinitely with no operator intervention, is operable in zero-gravity, and is of low weight, volume, and power.
Report Availability
Full text available
Date Issued
1969-04
Provenance
RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine
Type
report
Format
1 online resource
Creator
Maulbetsch, John S.
Media
AMRLTR68-174.pdf

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