![]() After each drying cycle, organic solids are removed by thermal oxidation leaving inorganic salts on the wick. Several sub-processes are utilized to regenerate these wicks. Water is evaporated from brine-saturated ceramic wicks in a drying chamber resulting in the recovery of water vapor by condensation while brine solids accumulate on ceramic wicks. This novel approach utilizes hydrophilic ceramic fabrics, felts, or fibers as a refractory wicking material. This paper describes a microgravity-compatible Advanced Air Evaporation System (AAES) for reclaiming nearly 100% of water from brine without concern for these solids. Additional water recovery has been limited by the high level of solids in urine, one of the largest wastewater sources, because inorganic solids reach saturation levels and precipitate while organic solids tend to form sticky pastes that foul equipment and impede water removal. ![]() Current primary water processes recover greater than 90% of the water in wastewater and produce highly contaminated brine. Water contained in brine is critical to water loop closure during future extended manned space missions where resupply logistics become increasingly prohibitive beyond earth orbit.
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