Environmental Control and Life Support on the International Space Station Engineering 2
Dec 25, 2015
Environmental Control and Life Support on the International Space
Station
• Mimics Earth’s natural life support system– provides the air we breathe, the water we
drink, and other conditions that support life.
Environmental Control and Life Support on the International Space
Station
• Provides oxygen for metabolic consumption.• Provides potable water for consumption, food preparation, and
hygiene uses.• Removes carbon dioxide from the cabin air.• Filters particulates and microorganisms from the cabin air.• Removes volatile organic trace gases from the cabin air.• Monitors and controls cabin air partial pressures of nitrogen,
oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen, and water vapor.• Maintains total cabin pressure.• Maintains cabin temperature and humidity levels.• Distributes cabin air between connected modules.
The Water Recovery System (WRS)
• Provides clean water by reclaiming wastewater – hand wash, showers, and oral hygiene waters– crewmember urine– cabin humidity condensate– extravehicular activity wastes
• Recovered water must meet stringent standards before it can be used to support crew, EVA, and payload activities.
• Recycling wastewater reduces the net mass of water and consumables that would need to be launched from Earth to support six crewmembers by 2,760 kg (6,000 lbs) per year.
The Water Recovery System
• Public water systems have to
meet a pH level of 6.5 to 8.5.
• The ISS water is required to
be within the range of 6.0 to
8.5. The recycled water on
the ISS is sterile, and there is
no odor or bad taste.
Build a Water Filter
• Filter dirty water and
then test the quality– pH
– Conductivity
– Clarity
http://survivalcache.com/use-coffee-filters-to-extend-the-life-of-your-water-filtration-system/
Example of a Filter
• Function of a Coffee
filter?
http://survivalcache.com/use-coffee-filters-to-extend-the-life-of-your-water-filtration-system/
Example of a Filter
http://survivalcache.com/use-coffee-filters-to-extend-the-life-of-your-water-filtration-system/
Build a Water Filter
• Layer different materials
inside the bottle to filter
dirty water.
• What kind of materials can
be used to filter…– Large particles
– Small particles
– Acids/bases
– Bacteria
How to make one:• Take two file folders, trim off the tabs and
glue/tape them so that one panel from each overlap—leaving a trifold, mini-poster framework. Tape or glue on headings.
Title
• The title should describe the work to the reader. Include the variables that are manipulated and the authors
INTRODUCTION
• The introduction has three parts: 1. The question asked
2. Background context—where does this question fit with what is known
• explain how a water filter works, reasons for the specific materials chosen
3. Your hypothesis presented in an “If…then” prediction that structures your research.
MATERIALS & METHODS
• This section should include three sections in sufficient detail so that others can repeat your research.– list materials used– diagram of your water filter (labeled,
measurements included)– describe tests conducted on water sample
RESULTS
• Describe the results clearly. Use graphs, tables and charts to help clarify the results. Include a discussion on the statistics you use to describe or test your data. Save any conclusions for the discussion section.– tables and graphs indicating water quality
before and after filtration
CONCLUSION
• What do your results mean when you consider the original question or hypothesis?
• Discuss your actual results and the performance of your water filter.
• How efficient was the water filter at purifying the sample? • Discuss how each layer in your filtration system affected the
“dirty” water. • What changes could you make to your filter to improve the
quality of the water if you were to repeat the experiment?• If the results are unexpected or contradictory, you should
attempt to explain why and point out possible avenues for further research.