Dosing Pump Mixing Pretreatment Fluid for Space Urine Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing liquid waste in space, such as diapers, venting overboard, or storing urine, are inadequate for long-term use in space due to odor control and equipment fouling issues.
Innovation Solution
A dosing pump that mixes pretreatment fluid with a diluent fluid to create a diluted solution for urine waste, preventing decomposition and bacterial contamination, and extending the time between equipment cleanings in zero-gravity environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If urine is stored onboard for long periods without treatment, then storage capacity is maintained, but odor control and microbial growth become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies pretreatment fluid to urine before long-term storage to prevent odor and microbial growth. The dosing pump delivers the pretreatment fluid in advance, and the mixing assembly ensures thorough mixing, so the urine is protected against harmful effects during extended storage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
A pretreatment fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the urine and the storage environment. This fluid acts as a mediator that controls odors and inhibits microbial growth, allowing urine to be stored onboard without direct exposure to harmful degradation processes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pretreatment fluid is added to urine, then odor and microbial control is improved, but precipitates may form and reduce equipment life
Solution Approach 1:
The system carefully controls the concentration and dosage parameters of the pretreatment fluid to achieve effective odor and microbial control while maintaining urine solubility. The dosing pump delivers precise amounts of pretreatment fluid, and the mixing assembly ensures uniform distribution, preventing precipitate formation that would reduce equipment life.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a dosing pump system is implemented to mix pretreatment fluid with diluent, then urine treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system is divided into distinct functional modules: a dosing pump for precise pretreatment fluid delivery, a mixing assembly for thorough mixing, and a delivery system for distributing the treated urine. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing pump and mixing assembly are designed to handle multiple fluid types (pretreatment fluid and diluent) and can be adjusted for different urine flow rates and storage durations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for different treatment scenarios, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dosing pump effectively treats urine waste by preventing solids from precipitating, reducing the need for frequent equipment cleaning and maintaining hygiene in space environments.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the piston from the suction position to the discharge position discharges fluid from the first and second chambers into the mixing area
Implementation Method 2
mixes pretreatment fluid with a diluent fluid to create a diluted solution for urine waste, preventing decomposition and bacterial contamination
Data Source
AI summary
A dosing pump according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes, among other things, a first chamber having an outlet fluidly coupled to a mixing area, and a second chamber having an outlet fluidly coupled to the mixing area. The dosing pump further includes a piston moveable between a suction position and a discharge position. The piston has a first head portion moveable within the first chamber, and a second head portion moveable with the second chamber. Further, movement of the piston from the suction position to the discharge position discharges fluid from the first and second chambers into the mixing area.