Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Employing Ionomer Membrane Technology to Extract Water from Brine, Phase I
Project Introduction
Paragon Space Development Corporation proposes the use of an microporous-ionomer membrane pair to improve the robustness and effectiveness of membrane-based water separation processes. Improved robustness and effectiveness will be evident through (1) reduced loading on the downstream post processor due to the ionomer's unique property of selective permeability, and (2) inclusion of a backup barrier between the rententate and permeate. The microporous membrane's function is to prevent liquid wastewater from direct contact with the ionomer, a condition that would reduce the effectiveness of the ionomer. The ionomer's unique characteristic of selective permeability suggests a possible role in water purification processes. This activity is accomplished by means of the sulfonic acid groups. It is this property that we wish to exploit.
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Anticipated Benefits
The non-NASA applications are significant as fresh water demands are becoming a serious problem at many regions of the planet. The technology generated here may very well help improve the efficiency and/or portability of terrestrial-based water recovery systems. Contemplated long-duration missions to the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids, and Mars will be mass-constrained. The successful development and application of NafionREG membrane technology to spacecraft water processing will lead to improvements in the efficiency, robustness, and reliability of these systems. These improvements will in turn translate directly into safety improvements and mass reductions.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paragon Space Development Corporation | Lead Organization | Industry | Tucson, Arizona |
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Arizona
-
California
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Paragon Space Development Corporation
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2011
End: Aug 2011
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 3 |
| Estimated End: | 3 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX06 Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems
- TX06.1 Environmental Control & Life Support Systems (ECLSS) and Habitation Systems
- TX06.1.2 Water Recovery and Management
Target Destination
Mars
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.