Russia develops a system that transforms breath into water

The new system made by Russian researchers can turn CO2 in space stations or spacecraft into methane and water.

The Institute of Chemical Technology Research and Design (NIIKhimMash), Russia's leading research unit for life support equipment in space, confirms the plan to develop a system to convert CO2 into water, according to Sputnik News. The institute is developing water regeneration systems along with other projects, including baths, saunas, sinks, washing machines, drinking water systems and drinking water.

The Vozdukh system is being used to remove CO ₂ on the International Space Station.(Photo: Twitter).

In an enclosed space, astronauts' CO2 emissions should not exceed 0.5% of air volume (on the ground this figure is 0.03%). Too much CO2 will lead to discomfort, physical impairment, headaches and reduced ability to concentrate. 13% CO ₂ concentration will cause death for humans.

'People can work when CO2 concentrations are below certain limits , ' explains Margarita Levinskh, an expert at the institute. 'Beyond that threshold, when the body accumulates excess CO2 and cannot work, the increase in carbon anhydride occurs. Breathing, circulation and brain function will be interrupted '.

Currently, the CO ₂ removal system on the International Space Station is Vozdukh , a design of NIIKhimMash. This system uses a special zeolite to absorb and remove CO ₂ . The director of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Alexander Suvorov, believes that the new system will be built based on stricter standards of CO2 allowed. He gave an example of American astronauts finding that they suffer from visual impairment in current conditions.

"The cause may be due to high CO ₂ concentrations, affecting blood vessels and leading to problems of cerebral circulation, resulting in decreased vision , " Suvorov explained. "In the space of Russian astronauts on the ISS station, the old standards are still maintained. But these standards are likely to be reviewed. The desired CO2 limit is 0.3% or less." , the researcher added.

Some other systems created by NIIKhimMash are operating on ISS space station, SRV-K2M multistage filter, SRV-UM urine collection system, Electron-VM oxygen electrolysis system and SOA system- MP, filter ventilation in ISS from microscopic dirt.