What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to develop and validate a fine carbon particle filter for efficient carbon removal in oxygen recovery systems operated in space.

May 9, 2026Open Access

Regenerable Fine Carbon Particle Filter for Oxygen Recovery Systems

Key Points

This research aims to develop and validate a fine carbon particle filter for efficient carbon removal in oxygen recovery systems operated in space.
Developed a multi-stage filter integrating a cyclone separator and electrostatic precipitator.
Modeled the system using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and validated it at varying carbon loadings and fluid streams.
Focused on optimizing size, weight, power, and filter regeneration efficiency under different operational conditions.
Achieved >99.9% efficiency in carbon particle collection.
Modeling and prototyping validated the filter operation at sub-ambient pressures and without gravity.
Current iterations are reducing overall system weight and power consumption while enhancing filter regeneration speed.

Abstract

Oxygen in space is recovered through advanced oxygen recovery systems, which generate large amounts of carbon particles that must be removed for proper operation, integration into the habitat, and crew safety. There are multiple oxygen recovery technologies that may be used in the future (e.g., Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly PPA, Bosch) that each suffer from unique carbon challenges. The PPA generates a small amount of extremely fine carbon (99.9% collection efficiency. The system has been modeled through computation fluid dynamics (CFD), rapid prototyped, and validated at relevant carbon loadings and fluid streams, at sub-ambient pressures, and operation independent of gravity. Current work focuses on reducing size, weight, and power, fully validating operation under all conditions (e.g., start-up), evaluating final carbon collection, and speed of filter regeneration. This carbon filter system enables long-term operation and implementation of advanced oxygen recovery systems.

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