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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Wet oxidation as a waste treatment in closed systems

The chemistry of the wet oxidation process has been investigated in relation to production of plant nutrients from plant and human waste materials as required for a closed life-support system. Hydroponically grown lettuce plants were used as a model plant waste and oxygen gas was used as oxidant. Organic nitrogen content was decreased 88-100% depending on feed material. Production of ammonia and nitrogen gas account for all of the observed decrease in organic nitrogen content. No nitrous oxide (N2O) was detected. The implications of these results for closed life-support systems are discussed.

Onisko, B. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Wet Oxidation as a Waste Treatment Method in Closed Systems

The chemistry of the wet oxidation process was investigated in relation to production of plant nutrients from plant and human waste materials as required for a closed life support system. Hydroponically grown lettuce plants were used as a model plant waste, and oxygen gas was used as an oxidant. Organic nitrogen content was decreased 88-100%, depending on feed material. Production of ammonia and nitrogen gas accounted for all of the observed decrease in organic nitrogen content. No nitrous oxide (N2O) was detected. The implications of these results for closed life support systems are discussed.

Onisko, B. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Packaged Waste Treatment

This Jacksonville, Florida, apartment complex has a wastewater treatment system which clears the water, removes harmful microorganisms and reduces solid residue to ash. It is a spinoff from spacecraft waste management and environmental control technology.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2015

Micro-scale Plasma Arc Gasification for Waste Treatment and Energy Production Project

As NASA continues to develop technology for spaceflight beyond low earth orbit, we must develop the right systems for sustaining human life on a long duration or planetary mission. Plasma arc gasification (PAG) is an energy efficient mechanism of waste management for power generation and synthetic gas(syngas) production.

Technology Portfolio System↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Prototype Early Planetary Organic Processor Assembly (OPA) Based on Dual-Stage Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR) for Fecal and Food Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery

Long-duration, deep-space exploration and habitation missions demand robust and reliable technologies to ensure crew health, safety, and mission success. Local food production will be essential for crew nutrition and morale. However, at $10,000/lb, the payload costs and mass/volume limitations to transport and provide the necessary resources, including fertilizer, for an anticipated 30-month mission become challenging over time. For mission success and sustainability, the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) of the near future will need to recover resources from all “waste” sources and be near-closed loop. Organic wastes (e.g., fecal and food) offer a renewable source of C, N, P, water and other trace elements necessary to sustain crop production. However, these high solidwastes are often difficult to treatdue to factors includingheterogeneity, complexity, high organic strength, and the presence of pathogens. To date, there is no flight-ready technology capable of treating mixed organic wastes, creating a technology gap for future space missions. To address this need, a prototype Organic Processor Assembly (OPA) was developed through collaboration between the University of South Florida (USF) and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The OPA is based on the anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR), a hybrid technology coupling high-rate anaerobic digestion with membrane filtration. The system is designed for an early planetary base (EPB) scenario to aid in closing the resource recovery loop and decreaseresupply dependence. This presentation discusses initial research pertaining to: 1) design challenges in maximizing hydraulic/organic throughputandReliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety(RAMS)while minimizingmass and volume; 2) create capabilities for treating simulated high solids waste under steady and non-steady state conditions; and 3) measuresolids performance parameter(s). Future research and development pertaining to further optimization on system operation, performance, and expanded treatment capabilities arepresented.

Bioreactor↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hanford Waste Treatment Plant LAB Facility Stack Effluent Monitoring: Sampling Probe Location Qualification Evaluation

The WTP LAB stack monitor locations were qualified using scale model stacks to mitigate the risk of identifying that sampling locations do not meet the qualification criteria on the full-scale stack. As required by the ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999 standard, the scale model and its sampling location were geometrically similar to the actual stack and the Reynolds numbers for both the actual and model stacks were >10,000. An additional criterion is that the DV of the full-scale stack must be between 1/6 DV and 6 DV of the scale model stack tests. Verification tests of the LAB stacks were performed at normal operating conditions. The maximum 6 DV value from the scale model testing determines the maximum conditions for which the full-scale stack may be operated and remain in compliance with the stack verification criterion. The remaining criteria for the stack verification to be considered valid involve the flow angle and velocity uniformity results. First, the flow angle at the full-scale stack must be = 20°. Second, the velocity uniformity at the full-scale stack must be = 20% COV. Finally, the velocity uniformity results for the actual and scale model stacks must agree within 5% COV. In general, these criteria were met through the full-scale stack tests at the LAB facility. Some specific items for each scale model and full-scale stack comparison should be noted in assessing the validity of the verification tests. The LB-C2 scale model stacks were performed with single fan operations at then-minimum flow conditions. These conditions resulted in DV values that were too low to meet the DV range criterion, and therefore are unable to be used in qualifying single fan operations on the full-scale stack. However, the single fan operations demonstrated COV values for velocity uniformity as well as flow angles that were comparable to the dual-fan operations at high flows. Overall, the test conditions and test results were within the range of acceptable values based on current design flow rates. Single fan operations are expected to only occur infrequently for maintenance needs and is therefore not a planned operating condition at this time. The LB-S1 scale model stacks were performed at three fan combinations, and in each combination, at least one test was performed at the then-minimum flow conditions as well as at then-maximum flow conditions. While the then-minimum flow conditions result in a DV range that is lower than the verification test DV value, and therefore does not meet the criterion, these tests are un-necessary for the verification test acceptance. The normal and maximum flow conditions from the scale model stack tests meet the DV range criterion, and the velocity uniformity test results compare favorably with the full-scale stack results. The LB-S2 scale model stacks were performed at nominally the same maximum flow condition; however, the 6 DV value for Fan A operation was slightly lower than the full-scale stack test DV. The COV values from the scale model stacks were comparable between the Fan A and Fan B results, and the overall test conditions are within the range of acceptable values. The stack verification is therefore considered acceptable for both Fan A and Fan B operations. The verification tests were performed at flows that were appreciably higher than the design conditions, and further elevated flow rates would be beyond the range of acceptable DV. Based on these stack verification test results, the three LAB filtered exhaust stacks meet the qualification criteria provided in the ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999 standard. Further changes to the system configuration or operating conditions that are outside the bounds described in this and the scale model test reports (Glissmeyer, Flaherty, and Piepel (2001), Glissmeyer and Geeting (2013)) may require additional tests and additional analyses to determine compliance with the standard.

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NASA NTRS1974

Raw Liquid Waste Treatment System and Process

A raw sewage treatment process is disclosed in which substantially all the non-dissolved matter, suspended in the sewage water is first separated from the water, in which at least organic matter remains dissolved. The non-dissolved material is pyrolyzed to form an activated carbon and ash material without the addition of any conditioning agents. The activated carbon and ash material is added to the water from which the non-dissolved matter was removed. The activated carbon and ash material adsorbs the organic matter dissolved in the water and is thereafter supplied in a counter flow direction and combined with the incoming raw sewage to at least facilitate the separation of the non-dissolved settleable materials from the sewage water. Carbon and ash material together with the non-dissolved matter which was separated from the sewage water are pyrolyzed to form the activated carbon and ash material.

Humphrey, M. F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Raw liquid waste treatment process

A raw sewage treatment process is disclosed in which substantially all the non-dissolved matter, which is suspended in the sewage water is first separated from the water, in which at least organic matter is dissolved. The non-dissolved material is pyrolyzed to form an activated carbon and ash material without the addition of any conditioning agents. The activated carbon and ash material is added to the water from which the non-dissolved matter was removed. The activated carbon and ash material absorbs organic matter and heavy metal ions, it is believed, are dissolved in the water and is thereafter supplied in a counter current flow direction and combined with the incoming raw sewage to facilitate the separation of the non-dissolved settleable materials from the sewage water. The used carbon and ash material together with the non-dissolved matter which was separated from the sewage water are pyrolyzed to form the activated carbon and ash material.

Humphrey, Marshall F.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Phosphate-Based Approaches for Dechlorination and Treatment of Salt Waste from Electrochemical Processing of Used Nuclear Fuel: A Perspective on Recent Work

Phosphate-based reagents are being considered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy to process halide salt-based nuclear wastes for stabilization prior to disposal. As evidenced by the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) project, electrochemical processing (pyroprocessing) can be employed to recover uranium and other actinides for reintegration into the nuclear fuel cycle from metallic fuels. The resultant salt-based wastes generated from electrochemical processing of EBR-II fuel contains fission products within a LiCl–KCl eutectic salt that necessitate appropriate disposal. This paper provides an overview of recent efforts to support halide-based salt waste treatment for disposition, as well as a basis for comparison with other related efforts in salt waste treatment through salt partitioning initiatives. The U.S. DOE has selected a phosphate waste form reference material for further investigation and longer-term studies.

electrorefiner↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) for the treatment of spacecraft waste.

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is a powerful waste treatment that has been considered as a substitute or complement to other potential spacecraft waste handling methods including jettisoning, compacted sealed storage, drying, and others. Combustible trash and garbage is mixed with water and then heated and pressurized above the critical point of water (705 °F and 218 atmospheres). The waste is nearly all oxidized to produce carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen. NOx is not formed. The combustion energy can be used to heat the input stream. SCWO is relatively complex, expensive, and hazardous compared to other methods. Oxidation of compounds containing chlorine and sulfur produces hydrochloric and sulfuric acid which can cause corrosion in the reactor. Neutralizing these acids produces salts which can precipitate and cause clogging. The major engineering challenges to implementing SCWO are chemical corrosion and fouling due to the deposition of salts. SCWO was first proposed for general waste treatment and for spacecraft in the 1980’s and extensive research has been carried out.

Harry W Jones↗
DOE OSTI2021

Waste Management Fundamentals for Environmental Professionals (UTrain 50448) [Slides]

At the pilot of this course, we discovered that we need to focus on how we do waste management at LANL. Environmental Professionals have a variety of jobs - most impact waste in some way. Finding a balance between comprehensive enough and too much is key. The goals of this training are for it to be good, consistent, and helpful, not just a requirement. The course modules are: Intro to Waste, Waste Regulations and Requirements, Waste Planning, Waste Generation and Tracking, Waste Characterization, Waste Packaging, Waste Accumulation and Storage, Waste Treatment, Waste Shipping, and Operation Experience and Lessons Learned.

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DOE OSTI2020

A Study on Establishment of Scenario Considering to Location and Treatment for Waste Tracking System

Radioactive waste of domestic generated KAERI, KHNP and KNFC etc. Agency of radioactive waste generation have each waste tracking system and waste streaming. We need to establish integrated waste classification for waste tracking and management efficiency. This study main point is the integration of radioactive waste classification and the cording of domestic generators, waste disposal site, etc. We also created a scenario through this coding. First, This study was able to identify the status of domestic radioactive Waste Tracking System. Second, through this study, WTS scenarios were prepared by analyzing each waste management agency and transportation report. If WTS scenario establish from integration of waste streaming, it will be possible tracking, back tracking and management of radioactive waste more efficiency. Third, This study coded all the sources of radioactive waste generators, acceptor agency, waste classification and treatment. Using this code, we tracking the scenario from generator to acceptor and display it as bar-code. Also, if we later convert this bar-code to a Qr-code, it thought that it will be easier tracking radioactive waste.

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DOE OSTI2020

Review of Mercury in the SRS Tank Waste Storage and Treatment Processes for Applicability to Hanford Waste Processing

The Savannah River Site (SRS) and Hanford produced large quantities of plutonium and other radioisotopes. The separations processes recovered plutonium and produced large quantities of High- Level Waste (HLW) that accumulated at each site in large, underground storage tanks. SRS has been retrieving the stored HLW, pretreating the waste for immobilization, and immobilizing the waste in glass or grout waste forms since the mid-1990s. Treatment of the waste at Hanford is expected to start in the early 2020s. Mercury is present in both the SRS and Hanford tank waste. SRS has recently completed an evaluation of mercury speciation throughout the tank waste treatment and immobilization flowsheet. This study was reviewed to determine what information from the study can be applied to the Hanford tank waste treatment program.

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NASA NTRS1981

Treatment of CELSS and PCELSS waste to produce nutrients for plant growth

The research program entitled 'Development of a Prototype Experiment for Treating CELSS (Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems) and PCELSS (Partially Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems) Wastes to Produce Nutrients for Plant Growth' consists of two phases: (1) the development of the neccessary facilities, chemical methodologies and models for meaningful experimentation, and (2) the application of what methods and devices are developed to the interfacing of waste oxidation with plant growth. Homogeneous samples of freeze-dried human feces and urine have been prepared to ensure comparability of test results between CELSS waste treatment research groups. A model of PCELSS food processing wastes has been developed, and an automated gas chromatographic system to analyze oxidizer effluents was designed and brought to operational status. Attention is given the component configuration of the wet oxidation system used by the studies.

Modell, M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Adapting Waste Processing for Space Applications

It has been estimated that on a 1-year mission, a four-astronaut crew will produce approximately 2,600 kg of waste materials. The current International Space Station practice for waste management is a stow and jettison model in which the trash is simply ejected. The immediate challenge waste poses for long duration space flight is that it represents unproductive mass. Longer term, waste accumulation on planetary surfaces will also pose challenges. A waste management/disposal solution is greatly needed. Simultaneously, significant research and development efforts are being made to enable in-situ resource extraction and recovery for lunar and Mars surface operations. A waste management solution could free up volume, reduce mass and thereby propellant needs, as well as contribute to resource recovery for spacecraft, and eventually, surface operations. The adaptation of many chemical engineering unit operations to the microgravity environment is critical to achieve this goal. An ideal spacecraft waste treatment system would convert waste into useful gases. It should be largely self-sustaining in that it should have the ability to recycle commodities to avoid imposing mass penalties associated with transporting feedstock on the spacecraft at launch. At NASA KSC, a model of what such a system would look like is being developed. In addition, the team has recently completed a suborbital flight campaign with a combustion reactor to demonstrate rudimentary conversion in a microgravity environment and identify challenges for future design. This presentation will discuss what a full waste treatment system could look like, point out challenges relating to various unit operations involved in such a system, and highlight recent progress in space waste management research and development.

Waste Processing↗
DOE OSTI2020

DEM and MELT In-Can Vitrification Process for Fukushima Daiichi Water Treatment Secondary Waste - 20034

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station was severely damaged by a tsunami induced by the earthquake on March 11, 2011. A large amount of water treatment secondary waste has been generated from the purification work of contaminated water that consists of the water flowing into the reactor building. The Mid and Long-Term Road map specifies that solid waste at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station should be stored safely and reasonably according to its characteristics. In order to meet this goal, a versatile treatment solution is needed, and the In-Can vitrification seems to be a suitable solution. The DEM and MELT In-Can vitrification process is being developed and qualified in France to treat waste arising from decommissioning and dismantling operations. This qualification is carried out through the consortium of the DEM and MELT project coordinated by CEA which gathers Orano, ECM technologies and Andra. The DEM and MELT In-Can vitrification process is a robust, simple and versatile in situ vitrification process. It is designed for high or intermediate level waste and is compact enough to be implemented in an existing facility or close to the waste to be treated. It is developed to treat liquid and solid waste, to produce a small amount of secondary waste and to minimize investment and operating costs. The DEM and MELT In-Can vitrification process is also developed with a modular design in order to be adapted to nuclear operators needs and requirements. The In-Can melting process has already been developed and fully qualified by the CEA for Alpha liquid waste and can be rated TRL 7 for this scope. The In-Can vitrification technology is considered as a qualified solution that could be applied for the treatment of waste resulting from the D and D work in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The feasibility evaluation of the DEM and MELT In-Can vitrification process for Fukushima Daiichi water treatment secondary waste is a project led by Orano, CEA and ANADEC. This R and D project is performed by the funds from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as The Subsidy Program 'Project of Decommissioning and Contaminated Water Management'. This paper presents the first results of this feasibility evaluation, from the scenarios and glass formulation definition to the industrial implementation feasibility. (authors)

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