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Closed Loop Waste Processing Dryer (DRYER)

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNJ05JE74C
Agency Tracking Number: 030101
Amount: $600,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: T5.01
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2003
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-05-18
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2007-05-17
Small Business Information
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison, WI 53717-1961
United States
DUNS: 196894869
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Robert Morrow
 Principal Investigator
 () -
 morrowr@orbitec.com
Business Contact
 Thomas Crabb
Title: Business Official
Phone: (608) 827-5000
Email: johnsond@orbitec.com
Research Institution
 Cornell University, Office of Sponsored Programs
 Mora Harris
 
120 Day Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
United States

 (607) 255-1050
 Domestic Nonprofit Research Organization
Abstract

The objective of this proposal is to develop a gravity-independent pasteurization and hot air drying process suitable for stabilization of ALS wet cabin waste, drying of crew laundry, water recovery from water-reprocessing brines and drying of food and biomass. This process uses an energy-efficient closed air-loop Heat Pump Desiccant dryer to remove moisture from wet starting material and a Porous Membrane Condensing Heat Exchanger (PMCHX) to trap condensate. Water recovered during drying is of good quality and available for reuse with standard processing. The process is energy efficient since enthalpy released by the condensing vapor is used to reheat the drying air. Volatile organic compounds are contained throughout the drying process and can be scrubbed with existing filter technologies. The key objective for the PMCHX is to extend its range of application from low-load humidity control in plant growth chambers to high-load condenser duty at up to 80oC air temperature and at temperatures varying over a 40oC range during a single drying run. Since the presence of organics in the condensate, and the predicted condenser temperatures of 5-40oC are conditions favorable to biofilm growth, PMCHX membranes will need to be configured to inhibit the formation of biofilms.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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