Text Size  New Technology for Gas Absorption Matthew Paragano
Yale University  The proposed research aims to develop
technologies to make gas absorption systems for carbon dioxide
or other waste gases smaller and more lightweight through a
novel gas-liquid contact mechanism. Furthermore, this technology
would permit use of liquid solvents in microgravity where
previously only solids were permissible. The overall goal of
this proposal is understand the transport mechanics for these
waste gases into and within nanometer-sized droplets. Once
transport mechanics are characterized, a prototype device may be
designed and tested using flight-like conditions. Finally, a
full size system will be constructed and tested to ensure scale-
up is performed adequately. The full size system will be capable
of reduced gravity testing.  Carbon dioxide capture is of
particular interest to NASA since it is the primary waste gas of
human metabolism and must be controlled within any closed
environment (spacecraft, spacesuit, etc.).