Feasibility of Removing Gaseous Contaminants from Manned Space-Cabin Atmosphers by Ionic Processes
Report Number: AMRL TR 66-22
Author(s): Doyle, George J., Caldwell, Robert G.
Corporate Author(s): Stanford Research Institute
Laboratory: Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories
Date of Publication: 1966-02
Pages: 72
Contract: AF 33(615)-2405
DoD Project: 6373
DoD Task: 637302
Identifier: AD0635522
Abstract:
The application of ionic processes to the purification of manned space-cabin atmospheres was investigated in anticipation of a need for a radically new atmospheric purification system for some of the presently scheduled space journeys. Processes considered are (1) ion-molecule reactions of contaminant molecules with specific added molecule ions (O2(+), O2(-)) and (2) clustering of contaminant molecules about specific ions (H3O(+)). Either reaction type can lead to charging of the contaminant molecules (or molecules derived therefrom), allowing collection by an externally applied electric field. Ion-molecule reactions were found to be potentially useful for removal of a large class of contaminant species. However, charge-trapping reactions involving such species as water and oxygen--occurring or energetically capable of occurring concurrently or subsequently to the desired reaction--could interfere, thereby allowing no clear-cut decision as to the applicability of ion-molecule reactions to purification. Clustering was investigated in greater detail than ion-molecule reactions. Detailed calculation of ion-polar molecule interaction energies for typical molecules were carried out.
Provenance: RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine
Author(s): Doyle, George J., Caldwell, Robert G.
Corporate Author(s): Stanford Research Institute
Laboratory: Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories
Date of Publication: 1966-02
Pages: 72
Contract: AF 33(615)-2405
DoD Project: 6373
DoD Task: 637302
Identifier: AD0635522
Abstract:
The application of ionic processes to the purification of manned space-cabin atmospheres was investigated in anticipation of a need for a radically new atmospheric purification system for some of the presently scheduled space journeys. Processes considered are (1) ion-molecule reactions of contaminant molecules with specific added molecule ions (O2(+), O2(-)) and (2) clustering of contaminant molecules about specific ions (H3O(+)). Either reaction type can lead to charging of the contaminant molecules (or molecules derived therefrom), allowing collection by an externally applied electric field. Ion-molecule reactions were found to be potentially useful for removal of a large class of contaminant species. However, charge-trapping reactions involving such species as water and oxygen--occurring or energetically capable of occurring concurrently or subsequently to the desired reaction--could interfere, thereby allowing no clear-cut decision as to the applicability of ion-molecule reactions to purification. Clustering was investigated in greater detail than ion-molecule reactions. Detailed calculation of ion-polar molecule interaction energies for typical molecules were carried out.
Provenance: RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine