[Design of reaction canister in a solid amine carbon dioxide removal system]

Abstract

Objective. To design a reaction canister using in solid amine carbon dioxide removal system for long-duration spaceflight. Method. On consideration of system demand and properties of solid amine, key problems must be solved were found out: 1) the rated resistance limit tends to shorten the length of the canister while absorption and concentration require to increase the length of the canister; 2) limited quantity of heat for keeping the temperature of the canister; 3) inflation or contraction of the solid amine under micro-gravity. Result. After appropriate measures were taken, effective adsorption and desorption, as well as concentration of CO2 were achieved, the concentration of CO2 in the space cabin could be controlled below 0.5%; and the concentration of the concentrated CO2 was as high as 98% so that it could be directly send to the CO2 reduction system; and that the resistance of the canister was below 160 mm H2O; moreover, the energy consumption was decreased to below 650 W. Conclusion. The designed reaction canister could meet the requirements of the solid amine carbon dioxide (correction of bioxide) removal system under microgravity.