This paper reports on design improvements made to a full-scale prototype solid waste management system designed to support a 6-person crew on long-term space missions. The original system design is based on Sequential Batch Anaerobic Composting (SEBAC), a patented process for odorless bioconversion of organic solid wastes to methane and compost by anaerobic digestion. The system consists of five reactors and two gas-liquid separators designed for operation under closed conditions in micro-gravity. During any week of operation, one reactor is being used for feed collection and compaction, three for stage-wise anaerobic composting, and one for post-treatment by aerobic stabilization while simultaneously serving as a bio-filter in the pretreatment of cabin air within the air revitalization subsystem. Previous work resulted in preliminary operating performance data that revealed the need for further design improvements [1]. This paper will present the results from design improvements including a control system for flow reversal of leachate through the system to accomplish higher efficiency and minimize channeling of leachate through feedstock beds during pressurized pumping operations.


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    Title :

    Automated SEBAC-II Prototype Solid Waste Management System for Long Term Space Mission


    Additional title:

    Sae Technical Papers



    Conference:

    International Conference On Environmental Systems ; 2005



    Publication date :

    2005-07-11




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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