Superoxide Configurations for Atmosphere Control Systems
Report Number: AMRL TR 66-167
Author(s): McGoff, M. J., King, J. C.
Corporate Author(s): Mine Safety Appliance Company
Laboratory: Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories
Date of Publication: 1966-11
Pages: 86
Contract: AF 33(615)-2792
DoD Project: 6373
DoD Task: 637302
Identifier: AD0647135
Abstract:
Solid superoxide forms were studied to evolve optimized configuration designs for life support of one man on 2-, 4-, 8-, 24-, and 48-hour space missions. Suitable designs were developed to generate O2 for these missions, but CO2 control becomes progressively more difficult as mission time decreases. Optimization for short mission configurations were gained by dynamic flow designs, preheating inlet flow streams, and use of a catalyzing agent. The evolution of available O2 was as high as 85% for 4-hour mission configurations and as high as 98% for 24-hour missions. The superoxide configurations that were developed are in plate form as opposed to discs since the former have more efficient O2 generation and CO2 absorption characteristics. The configurations feature rippled superoxide plates, which, when packaged, achieve a 20% increase in bulk density over granules, and a lower pressure drop, thereby minimizing fan power. Heat generated by the superoxide reaction was utilized in the following manner: the inlet flow stream was preheated by refluxing a part of the outlet stream with it. Effects of humidity, reduced pressure, O2/N2 balance and densification of solid forms on the mass transfer behavior of the superoxide configurations are described.
Provenance: RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine
Author(s): McGoff, M. J., King, J. C.
Corporate Author(s): Mine Safety Appliance Company
Laboratory: Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories
Date of Publication: 1966-11
Pages: 86
Contract: AF 33(615)-2792
DoD Project: 6373
DoD Task: 637302
Identifier: AD0647135
Abstract:
Solid superoxide forms were studied to evolve optimized configuration designs for life support of one man on 2-, 4-, 8-, 24-, and 48-hour space missions. Suitable designs were developed to generate O2 for these missions, but CO2 control becomes progressively more difficult as mission time decreases. Optimization for short mission configurations were gained by dynamic flow designs, preheating inlet flow streams, and use of a catalyzing agent. The evolution of available O2 was as high as 85% for 4-hour mission configurations and as high as 98% for 24-hour missions. The superoxide configurations that were developed are in plate form as opposed to discs since the former have more efficient O2 generation and CO2 absorption characteristics. The configurations feature rippled superoxide plates, which, when packaged, achieve a 20% increase in bulk density over granules, and a lower pressure drop, thereby minimizing fan power. Heat generated by the superoxide reaction was utilized in the following manner: the inlet flow stream was preheated by refluxing a part of the outlet stream with it. Effects of humidity, reduced pressure, O2/N2 balance and densification of solid forms on the mass transfer behavior of the superoxide configurations are described.
Provenance: RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine