Accession Number:

AD0417420

Title:

DESIGN STUDY OF GRAVITY-INDEPENDENT PHOTOSYNTHETIC GAS EXCHANGER,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO PHILADELPHIA PA MISSILE AND SPACE DIV

Personal Author(s):

• Newland,Robert G.
• Price,Richard W.

Report Date:

1963-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

54.0

Abstract:

A Photosynthetic Gas Exchanger System utilizing a strain of Chlorella vulgaris algae has been de signed and fabricated, and tested for periods up to fourteen days. A maximum oxygen evolution of 1.97 liters per day and carbon dioxide absorption of 1.44 liters per day was achieved during the testing. T S CAPABILITY IS PROVIDED IN A COM PLETELY CLOSED SYSTEM WHICH CAN OPERATE AT AT MOSPHERIC PRESSURES BETWEEN . PSIA AND . PSIA. The design is capable of gravity indepen dent operation and is adaptable to automatic and semi-automatic operation by regulation of illumi nation intensity on the algae in response to sur rounding chamber oxygen level. The design of the system provides for continuous harvesting of algal cells and maintenance of an adequate nutrient level in the algal solution. The design utilizes a non-wettable, open pore membrane for diffusion of oxygen out of the algal solution and carbon dioxide into solution by partial pressure dif ferences. At the same time, the membrane re tains the algal solution within the Photosynthetic Gas Exchanger. The peak power required by the system is 172 watts. The system is mounted on a structure which illustrates a possible subsequent design for flight application. A follow-on pro gram is recommended to perform further development tests to increase the performance of the system and to adapt the system for testing in an orbiting satellite. Author

Descriptors:

• ALGAE
• OXIDATION REDUCTION REACTIONS
• OXYGEN
• CARBON DIOXIDE
• REDUCTION

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE