Analysis of Urine Treatment and Recovery Technology Used in Manned Deep Space Exploration

Abstract

BLSS (Bioregenerative life support system) is a key technology for humans to conduct deep space exploration activities and realize long-term manned space flight. The urine wastewater treatment and recovery of the occupants is a very important part in the BLSS system. The large amount of water and nutrients contained in urine could be applied for the preparation of the nutrient solution required for plant growth in the system，which can not only ensure the normal growth of plants within the BLSS，but also contribute to the realization of the substances recycling and improvement in the closure of BLSS. The large amount of salt contained in urine would stress the growth of plants，so it is necessary to treat urine wastewater through certain technical means and recover water and nutrients. In the article，we analyzed several urine treatment technologies studied for space station，such as distillation technology，and then based on the needs of nutrients recovery，we discussed several mature and civilian urine treatment and recovery technologies，such as ion-exchange adsorption technology，ammonia stripping technology，and struvite precipitation technology. The prospects for the application of the urine treatment and recovery technologies in BLSS were discussed as well. In the end，based on the actual needs of BLSS，a urine treatment and recovery technology process that is expected to be used in BLSS is proposed.

Keywords

bioregenerative life support system / urine / water / nutrient / recovery