“6_2_13.TXT” (6394 bytes) was created on 10-22-89<\/p>\n
SPACE SHUTTLE WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM<\/p>\n
The Space Shuttle Waste Collection System (WCS) is an
\nintegrated multifunctional system primarily utilized to
\ncollect and process biowastes from male and female
\ncrewmembers in a zero gravity environment. The system is
\nused as a standard Earth-like facility, and performs the
\nfollowing general functions:<\/p>\n
* Collects, stores, and dries solid wastes
\n * Processes urine, and transfers it to the waste water
\n tank
\n * Processes Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU)
\n condensate water from the airlock, and transfers it
\n to the waste water tank
\n * Provides an interface for venting trash container
\n gases overboard
\n * Provides an interface for dumping Air Revitalization
\n System (ARS) waste water overboard in a contingency
\n situation
\n * For flights when the galley is flown, processes wash
\n water from the Personal Hygiene Station (PHS) and
\n transfers it to the waste water tank<\/p>\n
The Waste Collection System is located on the middeck
\nof the Orbiter. A door is provided on the waste management
\ncompartment. Two privacy curtains are attached to the
\ninside of the WCS compartment door to provide privacy for
\nthe crewmember. The door serves as an ingress platform
\nduring prelaunch (vertical) operations, since the flight
\ncrew must ingress over the waste management compartment to
\nenter the flight deck. The door has a friction hinge, and
\nmust be open when the WCS is used on-orbit.<\/p>\n
The WCS consists of six major components as listed
\nbelow:<\/p>\n
* Commode
\n * Urinal
\n * Fan Separators
\n * Odor\/Bacteria Filter
\n * Vacuum Vent QD
\n * WCS Controls<\/p>\n
The commode contains a single multi-layer hyrophobic
\nporous bag liner for collecting and storing solid waste.
\nWhen in use, the commode is pressurized and transport
\nairflow is provided by the fan separator. When not in use,
\nthe commode is depressurized for solid waste drying and
\ndeactivation.<\/p>\n
Solid Waste enters the commode through the seat opening
\n(4.0 inches), drawn in by air flowing through holes under
\nthe seat. Waste material is deposited on the porous bag
\nliner. Air is drawn through the hydrophobic material to the
\nfan separator. The hydrophobic liner material prevents free
\nliquid and bacteria from exiting the collector.<\/p>\n
The urinal, essentially a funnel attached to a hose,
\nprovides the capacity to collect and transport liquid waste
\nto the waste water tank. The fan separator provides
\ntransport airflow for the liquid. The urinal can
\naccommodate both male and female crewmembers by use of a
\nmale or female attachable cap.<\/p>\n
The fan separators provide transport airflow through
\nthe commode and urinal, and separate the waste liquid from
\nthe airflow. The liquid\/air mixture from the urinal line
\nenters axially, and is carried into a rotating secondary
\nseparator which throws the liquid to the outer walls of the
\nrotating fluid reservoir, into a stationary Pitot tube, and
\nfinally to the waste water tank. Air is drawn out of the
\nrotating chamber by a blower, which also draws air from the
\ncommode. This air passes through the odor\/bacteria filter,
\nand reenters the Orbiter cabin. The filter can be removed
\nfor in-flight replacement.<\/p>\n
The WCS vacuum vent QD provides the capability for the
\ncrewmember to dump waste water directly overboard through
\nthe vacuum vent system, if the waste water tank were to
\nfail. This is accomplished by utilizing a water transfer
\nhose which is connected to the waste water crosstie QD.<\/p>\n
WCS RESTRAINT AND ADJUSTMENT FEATURES<\/p>\n
The WCS employs various restraints and adjustments to
\nenable the user to achieve the proper body positioning in a
\nzero gravity environment.<\/p>\n
Two foot restraints are provided. One (the “toe bar”)
\nis located at the commode base and is used for restraint for
\nstandup urination. This restraint consists of two flexible
\ncylindrical pads on a shaft that can be adjusted to various
\nheights by releasing two locking levers. The crewmmember
\nrestrains himself in the standing position by slipping his
\nfeet under the “toe bar” restraint.<\/p>\n
The second foot restraint (footrest) allows the
\ncrewmember’s feet to be restrained while sitting. The
\nrestraint consists of an adjustable platform with detachable
\nVelcro straps for securing the crewmember’s feet. The
\nVelcro straps are wrapped crosswire over each foot and
\nsecured around the back. The footrest can be adjusted to
\nvarious angles and heights.<\/p>\n
Two body restraints are provided. The primary
\nrestraint is the padded thigh bar. The crewmember’s sitting
\nposition is secured by lifting up each thigh bar out of its
\ndetent position, rotating over thigh, and releasing. Bar is
\npreloaded to exert approximately 10 pounds of force on each
\nthigh.<\/p>\n
The second restraint serves as a backup method. The
\nsystem consists of four Velcro thigh straps with a spring
\nhook on one end. Two of the straps are attached to the top
\nfront surface mating attached points. The remaining two are
\ninstalled on a bracket with five holes on the upper sides of
\nthe commode. These straps can be positioned accordingly to
\nprovide the proper restraint.<\/p>\n
Two handholds are used for positioning or stabilizing
\nthe user during WCS operation. They form an integral part
\nof the top cover of the WCS assembly.<\/p>\n
WCS IN-FLIGHT CLEANING\/MAINTENANCE<\/p>\n
WCS cleaning is scheduled as a daily in-flight
\nactivity. Biocidal cleanser, disposable gloves, general
\npurpose dry wipes, small wet wipes, and a Contingency
\nScraper Tool (CST) are provided for cleaning the WCS. A
\nurinal screen located at the base of the urinal funnel
\ncaptures air entrained debris and is replaced at least twice
\ndaily. The odor\/bacteria filter is removed and replaced
\nwith a spare filter when excessive odors are present. In
\naddition, the personal hygiene station water hose is used at
\nleast once per day to clean or flush areas of the urinal
\nwith water.<\/p>\n
POWER FOR WCS<\/p>\n
The WCS receives 115V ac and 28V dc power from two
\nmiddeck circuit breaker panels. The fan separator motors
\nuse ac power. In addition, the switches to the fan
\nseparators require dc power for operation. There are six ac
\nbreakers and two dc breakers.<\/p>\n
For a more detailed description of the Shuttle toilet, see
\nMain Menu option 6, submenu 2, submenu 3, submenu 13, submenu 8,
\nsubmenu 8.<\/p>\n
