Testing of regenerative filtration concepts for future Spacecraft applications

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Abstract

NASA's future planetary surface and long duration transit missions will require the development of robust and effective filtration systems. Contamination from planetary dust and build up of internally generated particulate matter over long periods will significantly encumber the nominal operation of cabin filtration systems and would involve increased maintenance resources. One option for consideration is a combination of surface prefiltration and inertial/cyclonic particulate separation which can provide critical secondary filtration and regeneration capabilities. To test this concept, an experimental apparatus was devised to demonstrate, using JSC-1af lunar simulant and mono-sized silica particles as challenge aerosols, (a) the performance and loading characteristics of various surface prefilters and (b) regeneration concepts for in-place cleaning of the surface filter. In addition, high-speed reverse flow jets were used behind the prefilter to break up the accumulated dust cake. The tests consisted of measuring flow velocities, pressure drops across filter elements, and particle counts (filter efficiency). Standard as well as high-speed video imaging was also performed in order to observe particle transport and dust cake breakup. The results from a series of filter loading and regeneration tests, including data from some low gravity tests, are presented in this paper.

Identifier

85099525579 (Scopus)

ISBN

[9781600869488]

Publication Title

41st International Conference on Environmental Systems 2011 ICES 2011

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