The end goal in developing air revitalization systems is improved performance and enhanced capability to enable long-duration interplanetary life support. The evolution of current and near-term techniques is the most likely path to achieve future systems in which consumables are regenerated to effect weight and cost savings. Regenerative solid amine sorbents are now in use in the Space Shuttle Extended Duration Orbiter (EDO); currently, the solid amine performs only the carbon dioxide (CO2) removal function. Testing was conducted on solid amines to better understand the behavior during CO2 adsorption and the influences of trace contaminant gases. Tests were conducted, beginning hi 1991, using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) system and on a sorbent column linked to a mass spectrometer and a gas chromatograph to ascertain the ability of the solid amine to remove CO2 and trace contaminants.
Solid amine adsorption and desorption test data were obtained for trace contaminants representing corrosive and reactive compounds typical of space cabin atmospheres. Test results show that the solid amine has the ability to regeneratively remove trace contaminants, although some highly corrosive gases bond irreversibly. The TGA system proved to be a rapid, versatile method to screen trace contaminants for effects on solid amine; the column system provided more realistic conditions and analysis of off-gas products. Both analysis tools have provided initial capability to assess regenerative air revitalization techniques that may then be combined to create a multifunctional, closed-loop atmosphere purification system
