3 ms·
> Regenerative CO2 scrubbers exist AFAIK those still need consumables. NASA says there are ways to reduce the amount of consumables, but not eliminate them [1]
by calcifer 6y ago
> Regenerative CO2 scrubbers exist
AFAIK those still need consumables. NASA says there are ways to reduce the amount of consumables, but not eliminate them [1]:
In the current [...] configuration, carbon dioxide is removed from the cabin and discharged overboard. The gases lost during venting must be replaced, and thus represent a consumable. By comparison, a closed-loop CDRA system could selectively remove carbon dioxide from the cabin air supply, and the concentrated CO, would be routed to a carbon dioxide reduction system, where the oxygen would be recovered, thereby reducing the consumables.
[1] https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050210002 https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050210002
- petertodd 6y agoI think that quote is considering the oxygen in the CO2 to be a consumable, not the scrubber material itself. That's relevant on a spacecraft. But here on earth we've got plenty. :)