Hydromars’ first payload, the Hydro4M2, purifies and recovers water on the basis of thermal pervaporation. Heated feed water is recirculated across a hydrophobic membrane while the pure vapor pass through sub-micron pores into the permeate side, where it condenses into pure liquid water.
The structure which houses the membrane is called a membrane module. It has several functions, for example – seal the membrane from the environment, seal the permeate side from the feed side, provide minimal pressure drop and best flow characteristics, have a compatible material among others. For space, the requirements increase to being able to survive vibrations and thermal changes.
The flight membrane module for the Hydro4M2 payload is now ready and has been delivered to our Stockholm office after passing several functionality tests, including leak and process tests. We are happy to announce that performs well in 1g conditions. It is also transparent, allowing visual analysis of flow phenomena on the feed side.
The design of the membrane module shall be the basis of patents owned by Hydromars as the first ever space-grade membrane module.