Form 9.B Project Summary

Chron:

970058

Proposal

Number:

10.04-7770A

Project Title:

On Demand Electrochemical Production

of Reagents to Minimize Resupply of

Expendables.

Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

Electrochemical methods are proposed for the

on-demand generation of strong

acids (HCl, H2SO4), strong bases (KOH, NaOH),

and oxidants (KHSO5, Na2S2O8). Acids,

bases, and oxidants are required for the operation

of a variety of present and future

components of regenerative life support systems.

They will also be needed for use in

analytical instruments, and as reagents in

experiments and commercial processes which

exploit the unique aspects of the microgravity

environment. Because these chemicals are

highly reactive, their storage and use aboard

spacecraft must satisfy very stringent

containment requirements. Their use also imposes

a significant resupply burden.

UMPQUA Research Company proposes the

development of a microgravity and

hypogravity compatible process for the production

of acids and bases from the

corresponding salt by electrodialytic water splitting.

Strong oxidants such as oxone and

persulfate will be produced by the electro-oxidation

of sulfuric acid. The ability to

produce these chemicals, when needed, offers many

advantages with regard to

operational flexibility, storage, containment, safety,

and resupply logistics, and will be

particularly beneficial in support of future long

duration manned missions in space.

Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)

The primary commercial application for the

on-demand electrochemical

generation of acids, bases, and oxidants will be as

Flight Hardware purchased by NASA,

or by an aerospace contracting firm on behalf of

NASA, to provide enhanced capability

with minimum resupply requirements for component

processes in future advanced life

support (ALS) systems needed for long duration

manned missions in space, such as a

space station retrofit, a permanently inhabited

Lunar base, or a manned mission to Mars.

The technology may also be employed in support of

earth based systems which are used

in remote locations such as Antarctica, where

resupply of chemicals is difficult and

costly.

Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,

Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

James R. Akse, Ph.D.

Umpqua Research Company

P.O. Box 609 - 125 Volunteer Way

Myrtle Creek , OR 97457

Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

John S. Aker

Umpqua Research Company

P.O. Box 609 - 125 Volunteer Way

Myrtle Creek , OR 97457