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