Effects of humidity swings on adsorption columns for air revitalization: Modeling and experiments

摘要

Air purification systems are necessary to provide clean air in the closed environments aboard spacecraft. Trace contaminants are removed using adsorption. One major factor concerning the removal of trace contaminants is relative humidity. Water can reduce adsorption capacity and, due to constant fluctuations, its presence is difficult to incorporate into adsorption column designs. This report describes progress made during the first year of a two-year Joint Research Interchange between the NASA-Ames Research Center and the University of Virginia. The goal of this research is to allow for better design techniques in trace contaminant adsorption systems, especially for feeds with water present. Experiments and mathematical modeling research on effects of humidity swings on absorption columns for air revitalization are being carried out.