URC: Electrochemical Water Recovery

Electrochemical Water Recovery (EWR) is a total water purification system consisting of three unit processes: Electrolysis (illustrated above), Electrodialysis, and Posttreatment Catalytic Oxidation. Organic contaminants are oxidized in the electrolysis step, forming organic acids. Organic acids and dissolved salts are then separated by electrodialysis. The remaining trace organics are removed from the product water by catalytic oxidation.

More information is available in the following publications :

Akse, J.R., Atwater, J.E., Thompson, J.O., and Wheeler, R.R., Jr., A Breadboard Electrochemical Water Recovery System for Producing Potable Water from Composite Wastewater Generated in Enclosed Habitats, in Water Purification by Photocatalytic, Photochemical, and Electrochemical Processes, Rose, T.L., Conway, B.E., Murphy, O.J., and Rudd, E.J, Eds., Electrochemical Society, 1994.

Akse, J.R., Atwater, J.E., Schussel, L.J., and Verostko, C.E., Development and Fabrication of a Breadboard Electrochemical Water Recovery System, SAE Trans J. Aerospace, 102, (1), 513-529, 1993.

Akse, J.R., Atwater, J.E., Schussel, L.J., Thompson, J.O., and Wheeler, R.R, Electrochemical Water Recovery Process for Treatment of Urine and Other Biological Waste Streams, Phase II Final Report Contract NAS9-18528, Prepared for Johnson Space Center, June 1993.

Akse, J.R., Electrochemical Water Recovery Process for Direct Removal of Impurities From Urine and Other Waste Streams, Phase I Final Report NASA Contract NAS9-18336, Prepared for Johnson Space Center, July 1990.

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