Solids Waste Processing and Resource Recovery for Long-Duration Missions – A Workshop

Verostko, Charles E.; Alazraki, Michael P.; Joshi, Jacob Thomas; Fisher, John W.

doi:10.4271/2001-01-2351

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…This significantly reduces the reactor size (volume) and mass required for conversion. This work has enabled reduction of the reactor system size from the originally estimated 3.2 m 3 (Verostko et al, 2001) to ,1 m 3 . Compaction of the feedstocks to higher densities (, 300 kg/m 3 ) is a major parameter for influencing the size of this system and giving it an advantage over aerobic composting.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Focus was on a 600-day exploratory mission (e.g., to Mars) which would require growth of plants as a food supplement as well as for oxygen regeneration. A six-person crew would generate about 10.5 kg/d dw (7.5 kg organic matter) solid wastes, including 9% dry human wastes, 51% inedible plant residues, 5% trash, 19% packaging material, 10% paper, 2% tape, 3% filters, and 0.7% other miscellaneous wastes (Verostko et al, 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Anaerobic digestion of space mission wastes

Chynoweth

Owens

Teixeira

et al. 2006

Water Science and Technology

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The technical feasibility of applying leachbed high-solids anaerobic digestion for reduction and stabilization of the organic fraction of solid wastes generated during space missions was investigated. This process has the advantages of not requiring oxygen or high temperature and pressure while producing methane, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and compost as valuable products. Anaerobic biochemical methane potential assays run on several waste feedstocks expected during space missions resulted in ultimate methane yields ranging from 0.23 to 0.30 L g-1 VS added. Modifications for operation of a leachbed anaerobic digestion process in space environments were incorporated into a new design, which included; (1) flooded operation to force leachate through densified feedstock beds; and (2) separation of biogas from leachate in a gas collection reservoir. This mode of operation resulted in stable performance with 85% conversion of a typical space solid waste blend, and a methane yield of 0.3 Lg per g VS added after a retention time of 15 days. These results were reproduced in a full-scale prototype system. A detailed analysis of this process was conducted to design the system sized for a space mission with a six-person crew. Anaerobic digestion compared favorably with other technologies for solid waste stabilization.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anaerobic digestion of space mission wastes

Chynoweth

Owens

Teixeira

et al. 2006

Water Science and Technology

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show abstract

“…The function of the process is to reduce volume and weight of, stabilize, and recover inorganic nutrients, stabilized compost, carbon dioxide, and methane from biodegradable waste fractions. Focus was on a 600day exploratory mission (e.g., to Mars) based on this emphasis at a recent NASA-sponsored solid waste workshop (Verostko et al 2001). This type of mission would require growth of plants as a food supplement as well as for oxygen regeneration.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This type of mission would require growth of plants as a food supplement as well as for oxygen regeneration. As shown in Table 1, a 6-person crew would generate about 10.5 kg/d dw (7.5 kg organic matter) solid wastes, including dry human wastes, inedible plant residues, trash, packaging material, paper tape, filters, and other miscellaneous wastes (Verostko et al 2001). These estimates are constantly being revised based on actual International Space Station (ISS) data and revised scenarios for food and packaging materials as well as other factors contributing to solid wastes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anaerobic Digestion for Reduction and Stabilization of Organic Solid Wastes During Space Missions: Laboratory Studies

Chynoweth¹,

Haley²,

Owens³

et al. 2002

SAE Technical Paper Series

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The technical feasibility of applying anaerobic digestion for reduction and stabilization of the organic fraction of solid wastes generated during space missions was investigated. This process has the advantages of not requiring oxygen or high temperature and pressure while producing methane, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and compost as valuable products. High-solids leachbed anaerobic digestion employed here involves a solidphase fermentation with leachate recycle between new and old reactors for inoculation, wetting, and removal of volatile organic acids during startup. After anaerobic conversion is complete, the compost bed may be used for biofiltration and plant growth medium. The nutrientrich leachate may also be used as a vehicle for nutrient recycle. Physical properties of representative waste feedstocks were determined to evaluate their space requirements and hydraulic leachability in the selected digester design. Anaerobic biochemical methane potential assays were run on several feedstocks to determine extent and rates of bioconversion. Modifications for operation of a leachbed anaerobic digestion process in space environments were incorporated into a modified design, including flooded operation to force leachate through feedstock beds and separation of biogas from leachate in a gas collection reservoir. The results of runs in a prototype laboratoryscale reactor system operated on simulated solid waste blends are presented.

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Impact of Waste Processing Options on System Closure and Mission ESM

Drysdale

Maxwell

2002

SAE Technical Paper Series

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Solids Waste Processing and Resource Recovery for Long-Duration Missions – A Workshop

Cited by 7 publications

References 22 publications

Anaerobic digestion of space mission wastes

Anaerobic digestion of space mission wastes

Anaerobic Digestion for Reduction and Stabilization of Organic Solid Wastes During Space Missions: Laboratory Studies

Impact of Waste Processing Options on System Closure and Mission ESM

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