FEASIBILITY OF REMOVING GASEOUS CONTAMINANTS FROM MANNED SPACE-CABIN ATMOSPHERES BY IONIC PROCESSES
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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0635522
Entities
People
- George J. Doyle
- Robert G. Caldwell
Organizations
- SRI International