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Development of an in-line filter to prevent intrusion of NO2 toxic vapors into A/C systemsThe hypergolic propellant nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4 or NTO) is routinely used in spacecraft launched at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS). In the case of a catastrophic failure of the spacecraft, there would be a release of the unspent propellant in the form of a toxic cloud. Inhalation of this material at downwind concentrations which may be as high as 20 parts per million (ppm) for 30 minutes in duration, may produce irritation to the eyes, nose and respiratory tract. Studies at both KSC and CCAS have shown that the indoor concentrations of N2O4 during a toxic release may range from 1 to 15 ppm and depend on the air change rate (ACR) for a particular building and whether or not the air conditioning (A/C) system has been shut down or left in an operating mode. This project was initiated in order to assess how current A/C systems could be easily modified to prevent personnel from being exposed to toxic vapors. A sample system has been constructed to test the ability of several types of filter material to capture the N2O4 vapors prior to their infiltration into the A/C system. Test results will be presented which compare the efficiencies of standard A/C filters, water wash systems, and chemically impregnated filter material in taking toxic vapors out of the incoming air stream.
Document ID
19960009746
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Meneghelli, Barry (I-NET, Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Mcnulty, R. J. (I-NET, Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Springer, Mike (I-NET, Inc. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Lueck, Dale E. (NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
December 8, 1995
Subject Category
Propellants And Fuels
Report/Patent Number
NIPS-96-07026
NASA-CR-199958
NAS 1.26:199958
Accession Number
96N16912
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS10-11943
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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