Modular System for Waste Treatment, Water Recycling, and Resource Recovery
Compact modular system can perform waste treatment, water recycling, and resource recovery in small spaces.
Patent↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “Waste recycling”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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ClassNMSW- a real-time classification approach for non-recycled municipal solid waste using hyperspectral imaging
Real-time classification of non-recycled municipal solid waste (NMSW) is essential for efficient valorization. This study introduces ClassNMSW, a comprehensive framework for classifying 22 NMSW subclasses under industrial constraints by using hyperspectral imaging (HSI). A primary innovation of this work is the development of a variance-controlled spectral extraction algorithm. Unlike traditional methods that rely on simple averaging, this approach systematically investigates the extent of pixel extraction to minimize the loss of critical chemical information while maximizing data reduction thus ensuring high spectral fidelity with low computational cost. The approach developed in this work integrates automated, computer-vision-based background removal, eliminating the need for the manual thresholding common in current literature. To resolve ambiguities among chemically similar subclasses, a tiered classification and multi-camera fusion strategy (NIR17 and NIR22) is implemented. Results demonstrate that ClassNMSW achieves an object-wise weighted accuracy of 98.70% for single-sensor configurations and 100% under sensor fusion. A novel rolling-window strategy satisfies desired end-to-end latency of <2 s, satisfying the strict deterministic requirements of high-speed industrial sorting environments. The ClassNMSW framework provides a scalable foundation for advancing circularity and resource recovery in large-scale waste valorization operations.
99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
Electric Aircraft Thermal Management Using a Two-Phase Heat Transport System with Solid-State Thermal Switching Capability
Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) is collaborating with NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) to develop a heat pipe-based thermal delivery system to efficiently manage the waste heat generated onboard an electric aircraft. The heat pipe system will interface with NASA GRC’s thermoacoustic heat pump in order to recycle waste heat by transporting thermal energy to various end users onboard the aircraft. This paper discusses the layout of theoretical heat pipe networks for a MW-class commercial electric aircraft. This is followed by a discussion of progress made on the development of a novel two-phase heat transport system with solid-state thermal switching and control capabilities.
Exergy↗
Physical-Chemical Solid Waste Processing for Space Missions at Ames Research Center
As space missions become longer in duration and reach out to more distant locations such as Mars, solids waste processing progresses from storage technologies to reclamation technologies. Current low Earth orbit technologies consist of store-and dispose to space or return to Earth. Fully regenerative technologies recycle wastes. The materials reclaimed from waste can be used to provide the basic materials to support plant growth for food including carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients. Other products can also be reclaimed from waste such as hydrocarbons and activated carbon. This poster describes development at Ames Research Center of a process to make activated carbon from space mission wastes and to make an incineration system that produces clean flue gas. Inedible biomass and feces contain hydrocarbons in a form that can be pyrolyzed and converted to activated carbon. The activated carbon can then be used to clean up contaminants from various other life support systems; in particular, the activated carbon can be used regeneratively to remove NOx from incinerator flue gas. Incinerator flue gas can also be cleaned up by the use of reductive and oxidative catalysts. A catalytic incinerator flue gas cleanup system has been developed at ARC that produces flue gas clean enough (with the exception of carbon dioxide) to meet the Space Minimum Allowable Concentration limits for human exposure.
Fisher, John W.↗
Plants and men in space - A new field in plant physiology
Results are presented on a comparison of nutritional values of and human psychological responses to algae and of higher plants considered for growth as food on long-term missions in space, together with the technological complexities of growing these plants. The comparison shows the advantages of higher plants, with results suggesting that a high level of material recycling can be obtained. It is noted that the issue of space gravity may be not a major problem for plants because of the possibility that phototropism can provide an alternative sense of direction. Problems of waste recycling can be solved in association with plant cultivation, and a high degree of autonomy of food production can be obtained.
Andre, M.↗
Integrated Waste Trade Study: Lunar Surface to Deep Space
The Logistics Reduction Project is one of NASA's technology development projects that is preparing humanity for deep space missions. Reducing the mass and volume of logistical supplies that must be carried from Earth to support the missions and their crews is the primary goal of the project. Effective ways to achieve this goal include reducing, reusing, or recycling wastes generated throughout the mission. Due to the goal of the project, waste processing technologies were analyzed for Lunar surface missions at various lengths and an 850-day Mars transit mission to evaluate the potential benefits of waste processing pertaining to each mission. The technologies assessed include trash compaction, trash-to-gas and human metabolic waste processing technologies, integrated with the baseline architectures of each mission’s habitat. The fully integrated systems were analyzed using an equivalent system mass, which is a metric that encompasses the mass, volume, power and cooling of a system, resulting in an estimate of launch mass and serving as a proxy for cost. Each system’s equivalent system mass was compared to that of the baseline waste processing system of the respective habitat, hand compaction with storage for Lunar surface missions and hand compaction with jettisoning for Mars transit, to evaluate whether the traded waste processing technology was beneficial. This analysis identifies a general trend that more sophisticated waste processing can be beneficial depending on the mission duration. For Lunar surface missions, the water recovery from waste processing can pay off over consecutive missions, due to offsetting the losses from the system via extravehicular activities. In contrast for Mars transit, the primary objective is mass removal from the spacecraft, so technologies like trash-to-gas are competitive with the baseline. Furthermore, the technologies which can recover resources from waste, such as water, may present additional advantages to an ever-changing Mars mission architecture.
Waste processing↗
Marshall Space Flight Center solid waste characterization and recycling improvement study
The MSFC Facilities Office, which is responsible for disposing of all waste generated by MSFC, issued a delivery order to the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) to characterize current MSFC waste streams and to evaluate their existing recycling program. The purpose of the study was to define the nature, quantity, and types of waste produced and to generate ideas for improving the present recycling program. Specifically, the following tasks were to be performed: Identify various surplus and waste materials--as identified by the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR)--by source, location, and type; Analyze MSFC's current methods for handling, storage, transport, and disposition of waste and surplussed materials; Determine the composition of various surplus and waste materials as to type and quantities from various sources and locations; Analyze different methods for the disposition of various surplus and waste materials, including quality, quantity, preparation, transport cost, and value; Study possible alternatives to current methods of handling, storage, transport, and disposition of surplus and waste materials to improve the quality and quantities recycled or sold and to reduce and minimize the quantities of surplus and waste material currently being disposed of or stored; Provide recommendations for source and centralized segregation and aggregation of materials for recycling and/or disposition; and The analysis could include identification and laboratory level evaluation of methods and/or equipment, including capital costs, operating costs, maintenance requirements, life cycle and return on investment for systems to support the waste reduction program mission.
Eley, Michael H.↗
Water Walls Architecture: Massively Redundant And Highly Reliable Life Support For Long Duration Exploration Missions
The Water Wall concept proposes a system for structural elements that provide,thermal, radiation, water, solids and air treatment functions which are placed at the periphery of inflatable or rigid habitats. It also provides novel and potentially game changing mass reduction and reuse options for radiation protection. The approach would allow water recycling, air treatment, thermal control, and solids residuals treatment and recycling to be removed from the usable habitat volume, and placed in the walls by way of a radiation shielding water wall. It would also provide a mechanism to recover and reuse water treatment (solids) residuals to strengthen the habitat shell and a method of deriving radiation shielding from wastes generated on orbit. Water wall treatment elements would be a much-enlarged version of the commercially available hydration bags. Some water bags may have pervaporation membranes facing outward, which would provide the ability to remove H20, C02 and trace organics from the atmosphere and some would have hydrophobic internal membranes which would provide water, and waste recycling and some power generation.
Water Recycling↗
Technology transfer into the solid propulsion industry
This paper is a survey of the waste minimization efforts of industries outside of aerospace for possible applications in the manufacture of solid rocket motors (SRM) for NASA. The Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) manufacturing plan was used as the model for processes involved in the production of an SRM. A literature search was conducted to determine the recycling, waste minimization, and waste treatment methods used in the commercial sector that might find application in SRM production. Manufacturers, trade organizations, and professional associations were also contacted. Waste minimization efforts for current processes and replacement technologies, which might reduce the amount or severity of the wastes generated in SRM production, were investigated. An overview of the results of this effort are presented in this paper.
Campbell, Ralph L.↗
Co-gasification of Plastic, Coal Waste and Biomass for Hydrogen Rich Syngas Production
Plastic waste has increasingly become one of the most pressing environmental issues. To mitigate plastic emissions, extraordinary efforts are needed for plastic waste recycling and management. This study investigates the co-gasification of plastic, coal refuse, and biomass into hydrogen-rich syngas through steam gasification. The study focuses on the correlations between process parameters and feedstock composition. Coal refuse and biomass are used as co-feedstocks for gasification, aiming to improve the handling of plastic waste and investigating their synergistic effects on product distribution.
Bashir, Muhammad↗
Biomanufacturing and bioprocessing of lunar regolith
Microbial biomanufacturing is important to accelerate lunar construction because it can leverage lunar material and waste streams as feedstocks to create a circular production system. In-space bio-mining and biomanufacturing using moon and asteroidal source material will enable the creation of infrastructure, produce industrial fuels and lubricants, and enable recovery of actinides and rare-earth elements (REEs) present in trace concentrations. Moreover, biomanufacturing in closed-loop systems (recycling and reuse of resources toward the establishment of a circular economy) will enable long-term lunar activities by recycling waste (CO 2 , gray water) and producing oxygen and biomaterials. Our response focuses on the use of lunar regolith and waste streams as feedstocks for protein and microbial-enabled biomining and bioprocessing to extract actinides and REEs, and to create biocomposites for lunar infrastructure. We envision an enclosed process that initiates with (1a) extracting actinides and REEs from lunar regolith using immobilized proteins, followed by (1b) creating biocomposites from the post-extracted lunar regolith for infrastructure, and (1c) cultivating diatoms and other microalgae on waste streams to harvest silica shells for incorporating into biocomposites and to generate O 2 for human respiration and/or producing refinable feedstocks. LLNL has significant expertise in all three processes and provides facilities, personnel, and expertise at the intersection of metal (lanthanide, actinide, transition) separations, purifications, biohydrometallurgy, radiobiochemistry, synthetic and systems biology, and materials science and engineering. Importantly, all three processes are relatively well-studied for Earth-based workflows and can be derisked for demonstration on the lunar surface by 2029.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
Technoeconomic Analysis of a Microwave-Assisted Novel Process That Converts Polypropylene Plastic Waste to Propylene
Propylene is an important petrochemical that is used in various industries, including the automobile and polymer sectors. Conventionally, propylene has been produced through fluid catalytic cracking, steam cracking, and propane dehydrogenation. In this project, a novel process to produce propylene from polypropylene plastic waste using a microwave reactor is introduced. Propylene production is simulated in Aspen Plus for both the conventional propane dehydrogenation process and the novel design, with heat integration applied to minimize utility demands and the conventional process serving as the base case for comparison. Finally, a tailored technoeconomic analysis is carried out for both simulated cases to estimate important economic indicators. Analysis of the results shows that the novel microwave-assisted process outperforms the conventional route for propylene production, achieving a single-pass conversion of almost 100%, compared with only 33.8% in the conventional plant. The Net Present Value of the novel plant is $\$1720.3$ MM, which is 3.5 times higher than the conventional process, while the Levelized Cost of Propylene is reduced by 40%. Capital and operating expenditure are also improved in the proposed scheme, with reductions of approximately $\$29$ MM and $\$222$ MM/yr, respectively. In addition to cost savings, this novel process also provides a convenient means to recycle waste polypropylene.
42 ENGINEERING↗
Biofilm mitigation in hybrid chemical-biological upcycling of waste polymers
Accumulation of plastic waste in the environment is a serious global issue. To deal with this, there is a need for improved and more efficient methods for plastic waste recycling. One approach is to depolymerize plastic using pyrolysis or chemical deconstruction followed by microbial-upcycling of the monomers into more valuable products. Microbial consortia may be able to increase stability in response to process perturbations and adapt to diverse carbon sources, but may be more likely to form biofilms that foul process equipment, increasing the challenge of harvesting the cell biomass. To better understand the relationship between bioprocess conditions, biofilm formation, and ecology within the bioreactor, in this study a previously-enriched microbial consortium (LS1_Calumet) was grown on (1) ammonium hydroxide-depolymerized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) monomers and (2) the pyrolysis products of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Bioreactor temperature, pH, agitation speed, and aeration were varied to determine the conditions that led to the highest production of planktonic biomass and minimal formation of biofilm. The community makeup and diversity in the planktonic and biofilm states were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results showed that there was very little microbial growth on the liquid product from pyrolysis under all fermentation conditions. When grown on the chemically-deconstructed PET the highest cell density (0.69 g/L) with minimal biofilm formation was produced at 30°C, pH 7, 100 rpm agitation, and 10 sL/hr airflow. Results from 16S rRNAsequencing showed that the planktonic phase had higher observed diversity than the biofilm, and that Rhodococcus, Paracoccus, and Chelatococcus were the most abundant genera for all process conditions. Biofilm formation by Rhodococcus sp. And Paracoccus sp. Isolates was typically lower than the full microbial community and varied based on the carbon source. Ultimately, the results indicate that biofilm formation within the bioreactor can be significantly reduced by optimizing process conditions and using pure cultures or a less diverse community, while maintaining high biomass productivity. The results of this study provide insight into methods for upcycling plastic waste and how process conditions can be used to control the formation of biofilm in bioreactors.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Accelerating Discovery to Deployment: Argonne's Materials Engineering Research Facility (MERF) and Its Role in Scaling Materials Technologies for Water and Resource Solutions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories represent a unique class of government‐owned, contractor‐operated research institutions dedicated to conducting research and development (R&D) related activities that address national priorities, supporting and advancing the DOE mission. They play a vital role in sustaining U.S. innovation capacity, stewarding the nation's technical base, and nurturing science and technologies. In this perspective, we highlight the processing science and scaleup capabilities of the Materials Engineering Research Facility (MERF) at DOE's Argonne National Laboratory to demonstrate how DOE National Laboratories bridge fundamental science and applied technology development to accelerate deployment. Case studies are presented on selective membranes for critical mineral recovery, sensors for per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detection, surface functionalization via atomic layer deposition (ALD) and sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS), and lithium recovery from battery recycling waste streams using a novel electrodialysis process. These examples underscore MERF's role in translating innovative technologies into practical solutions for renewable water and critical resource recovery, which also leverage Argonne's analytical and computational capabilities. This perspective also outlines mechanisms for collaborating with the DOE national laboratories to strengthen partnerships across government, the national laboratories, academia, and industry.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Holistic Microstructure Control Strategies in Photopolymerization‐Induced Phase Separation of Acrylate Systems
Open porous materials, known for their large surface area and interconnected structures, are essential in various applications, including batteries, ion exchange, catalysis, filtration, and electronic waste recycling. A critical aspect of the functionality of porous membranes is the precise control of pore size and morphology. Photopolymerization-induced phase separation (photo-PIPS) offers a convenient and versatile methods for creating porous structures. However, controlling the porous morphology remains challenging due to the complex interplay between thermodynamics, polymerization kinetics, and monomer structures, which makes it difficult to establish the relationship between processing conditions and resulting morphology in photo-PIPS. Herein, a physics-based phase-field model capable of generating and characterizing the microstructures of porous materials based on both average and localized features is developed. Using the phase-field simulations as test bed, the effects of polarity, light intensity, and curing temperature, as well as the previously unexplored roles of chain transfer agents and substrates, on the morphology of the resulting porous microstructure are investigated. Experiments are performed to verify the results predicted by the simulations. This work lays out a comprehensive guide for designing PIPS-derived porous microstructures and offers practical engineering strategies for tailoring microstructure-level topology and size of pores for application-specific needs.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Industrial and Laboratory Technologies for the Chemical Recycling of Plastic Waste
Not Available
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Microwave-Mediated Extraction of Critical Metals from LED E-Waste
This study introduces a microwave-assisted technique for extracting critical minerals from LED electronic waste. The process begins with microwave irradiation, which thermally decomposes the LED’s plastic lens into a brittle, charred residue. During this stage, the LED chip undergoes deflagration—being rapidly ejected from the reflective cavity and becoming embedded within the decomposed lens material. Consequently, the chip is encapsulated in the resulting charred residue. This composite, consisting of the charred lens and the LED chip, can be easily separated from the metallic pins (Fe, Ni, Ag), which remain almost undamaged. Subsequent calcination of the charred material in air exposes the materials making up the LED chip, which contain critical metals (e.g., Ga, As, In, Y, Au). These metals are then extracted through a two-step acid leaching process involving aqua regia followed by hot concentrated hydrochloric acid, yielding them in potentially recoverable forms. The synergistic effect of microwave irradiation and acid treatment achieves an average extraction efficiency of 96% for critical metals. Notably, this approach enables complete and loss-free recovery of the LED chip, offering a practical and efficient solution for LED e-waste recycling.
Bourlinos, Athanasios B.↗
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) End-of-Performance and Decommissioning Considerations [Slides]
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of end-of-performance and decommissioning considerations for large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It outlines expected system lifespans, midterm assessment needs, and pathways for extending operational life through augmentation or repowering. The presentation details regulatory requirements that govern decommissioning plans, cost estimates, financial assurance mechanisms, and performance obligations across multiple jurisdictions. It further examines end-of-life equipment management, including recycling, waste handling, transportation, and environmental compliance. Designed to support Malawi's electricity-sector institutions, the presentation highlights how planning for decommissioning and environmental stewardship can be integrated early in project development to ensure safe, financially accountable, and environmentally responsible BESS system retirement.
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗