Development and Operation of Separation and Heat-Transfer Equipment of Water Recovery Systems for Space Stations

The paper deals with description and results of long-term operation of separation and heat-and-mass transfer hardware incorporated in Mir's water recovery systems. Static separators outfitted with hydrophilic capillary/ porous elements, a rotary separator, a through-flow condenser/static separator combination, a membrane evaporator as well as separation and distillation schematics are reviewed. Operational and life performance data are discussed and recommendations for hardware use on ISS are made.