Project Title:

Single Phase Space Laundry

12.06-5201B
Single Phase Space Laundry
Umpqua Research Co.
PO Box 791
Myrtle Creek
OR
97457
Gerald V.
Colombo
(503-863-5201)
JSC

Abstract:

The baseline design of NASA's Space Station includes a clothes laundry facility.
Foaming and air entrainment in the microgravity of space cause serious materials
handling problems. Anti-foaming agents add contaminants that must be removed in the
water reclamation system. Phase separators add additional weight and power. To alleviate
the requirements for phase separation and the problems associated with foaming, this
project will pursue the development of a single phase laundering apparatus.
Clothes drying should be also accomplished in the same unit to minimize weight and
space requirements of the laundering facility. Therefore, the laundering apparatus
will include a clothes drying capability. The drying cycle will use microwave energy
transfer to the wet clothing. Microwave drying offers several advantages: low power
consumption, low lint production, and sterilization of clothes.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Microwave drying could result in significant
power savings, clothing sterilization, lower shrinkage, and low limit production.