A Novel Thermo-Vacuum Microlith Adsorber for TCCS

The Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) used onboard the International Space Station provides for control of trace cabin air contamination originating from materials off-gassing, human metabolism, hygiene activities, experimental facilities, etc. The TCCS removes contaminants via a combination of techniques. The U.S. segment uses an expendable, activated charcoal bed (22.7 kg charcoal), a high temperature catalytic oxidizer assembly and a postsorbent LiOh bed. The Russian system uses an expendable activated carbon canister (1.3 kg) followed by two regenerative activated charcoal beds (16 kg apiece, 7.4 kg charcoal in each) and a room temperature CO oxidizer. PCI is proposing to develop a novel, regenerable adsorber using zeolites/adsorbents coated on Microlith? substrates to replace the activated charcoal beds. Phase I results indicate the potential to reduce 15 kg charcoal weight to less than 2 kg of adsorbent with a proportionate reduction in size and a reduction in housing weight. The Phase II proposes to develop and optimize a resistively heated, thermo-vacuum Microlith? adsorber to be used as a simple, lightweight and cost effective system that aims to demonstrate safe and reliable operation with minimal maintenance, electrical power and crew-time requirements. A prototype will be delivered to NASA upon Phase II conclusion.