Catalytic Methods Using Molecular Oxygen Treatment Of PMMS And ECLSS Waste Streams

A Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) contract between Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and Umpqua Research Company in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, has resulted in a very effective catalytic oxidation system (COS). Energy-efficient operation offers excellent heat recovery, with contaminant destruction depending primarily on operation temperature and catalyst contact time. The COS destroys most waterborne organic compounds, in that soluble alcohols, ketones, amides, aromatics, and halocarbons levels have been oxidized using dissolved elemental oxygen to form carbon dioxide, water, and constituent inorganic species. At the same time, the system has the capability to eliminate such inorganic contaminants as nitrite, nitrate, and perchlorate.

The original design of the COS focused on the stringent water-quality requirements of long-term manned space flight, with the manufacture of light hardware as the primary Phase II goal. The main focus for near-term commercialization is the International Space Station. Continued sales are expected for long-term missions to the Moon and Mars. The U.S. Air Force has also funded the technology for the destruction of environmental contaminants associated with aviation fuel, solvents, soluble propellant, and munitions byproducts, while the National Science Foundation has supported the effort for phenol, trichlorethylene, methylene blue, and benzene contaminants.

A marketing consultant has been retained in order to facilitate commercialization of the technology in the private sector. To date, marketing efforts have concentrated on the production of ultra-pure water for the semi-conductor and pharmaceutical industries and the treatment of a variety of contaminated aqueous streams.