Design Considerations for Space Mission Washwater Processing by Reverse Osmosis

Abstract

Reverse osmosis (RO) is shown to be a promising method of reclaiming wash water. The amounts of wash water and cleansing agent required for showering, personal hygiene, housekeeping, dish washing, laundry, and experiment purposes are presented and the impact of clothing types and laundry schedule are discussed. A theoretical estimate of the contaminants found in wash water is made based on published data for sebum, sweat, and other body excretions. An analytical method for calculating mass balances in a reverse osmosis recycle system is presented and concentrations of the major chemical constituents expected in the RO feed, product and brine streams are projected.