Location
Howard Johnson Plaza-Hotel, Columbia/ Atlantis Rooms
Start Date
27-4-1995 1:00 PM
End Date
27-4-1995 4:00 PM
Description
A need for a simple and effective method of providing biologically safe potable water on the Shuttle Program resulted in the development of the Microbial Check Valve (MCV®1 ). Subsequently, the need for extended duration potable water microbiological treatment on the proposed International Space Station required the development of the Regenerable Microbial Check Valve (RMCV). This paper will describe the technology relating to this development and discuss the commercial potential of the devices.
The MCV® is a flow through canister containing iodinated ion exchange resin. It provides a means to disinfect the Space Shuttle fuel cell produced water prior to its stowage and use as drinking water. The MCV® produces a significant contact kill of a broad variety of microorganisms and additionally provides a controlled release of biocidal concentrations of elemental iodine into the flowing water stream. Similar devices are used as bacterial filters to prevent back contamination of the water supply when cooling water is supplied to the Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU) used by astronauts during spacewalks. The patented RMCV provides for in situ replenishment of the iodine in the resin bed. This will make the RMCV useful for protracted use in the International Space Station when extended space occupancy is planned.
The basic MCV® technology is currently being applied in terrestrial water purification systems ranging in size from portable travel filters and countertop units for home use to 15 gpm units for schools, hospitals, and other community facilities in third world nations. The RMCV with its improved cost effectiveness is being developed for significantly larger applications up to small city size.
The development of the MCV® and RMCV technology are examples of how a space flight need has led to the development of technology that has commercial terrestrial applications. The technology developed in this instance provides for a simple, effective and reliable means of providing microbially safe drinking water in a variety of applications.
Paper Session III-A - NASA Technology Provided Alternative Water Purification Method for Domestic Use
Howard Johnson Plaza-Hotel, Columbia/ Atlantis Rooms
A need for a simple and effective method of providing biologically safe potable water on the Shuttle Program resulted in the development of the Microbial Check Valve (MCV®1 ). Subsequently, the need for extended duration potable water microbiological treatment on the proposed International Space Station required the development of the Regenerable Microbial Check Valve (RMCV). This paper will describe the technology relating to this development and discuss the commercial potential of the devices.
The MCV® is a flow through canister containing iodinated ion exchange resin. It provides a means to disinfect the Space Shuttle fuel cell produced water prior to its stowage and use as drinking water. The MCV® produces a significant contact kill of a broad variety of microorganisms and additionally provides a controlled release of biocidal concentrations of elemental iodine into the flowing water stream. Similar devices are used as bacterial filters to prevent back contamination of the water supply when cooling water is supplied to the Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMU) used by astronauts during spacewalks. The patented RMCV provides for in situ replenishment of the iodine in the resin bed. This will make the RMCV useful for protracted use in the International Space Station when extended space occupancy is planned.
The basic MCV® technology is currently being applied in terrestrial water purification systems ranging in size from portable travel filters and countertop units for home use to 15 gpm units for schools, hospitals, and other community facilities in third world nations. The RMCV with its improved cost effectiveness is being developed for significantly larger applications up to small city size.
The development of the MCV® and RMCV technology are examples of how a space flight need has led to the development of technology that has commercial terrestrial applications. The technology developed in this instance provides for a simple, effective and reliable means of providing microbially safe drinking water in a variety of applications.
Comments
Spin-Offs and Setbacks
Session Chairman: Paul Curto, Chief Technologist of the Inventions and Contributions Board (ICB), NASA Headquarters
Session Organizer: Suzanne Hodge