"6_2_13.TXT" (6394 bytes) was created on 10-22-89 SPACE SHUTTLE WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM The Space Shuttle Waste Collection System (WCS) is an integrated multifunctional system primarily utilized to collect and process biowastes from male and female crewmembers in a zero gravity environment. The system is used as a standard Earth-like facility, and performs the following general functions: * Collects, stores, and dries solid wastes * Processes urine, and transfers it to the waste water tank * Processes Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) condensate water from the airlock, and transfers it to the waste water tank * Provides an interface for venting trash container gases overboard * Provides an interface for dumping Air Revitalization System (ARS) waste water overboard in a contingency situation * For flights when the galley is flown, processes wash water from the Personal Hygiene Station (PHS) and transfers it to the waste water tank The Waste Collection System is located on the middeck of the Orbiter. A door is provided on the waste management compartment. Two privacy curtains are attached to the inside of the WCS compartment door to provide privacy for the crewmember. The door serves as an ingress platform during prelaunch (vertical) operations, since the flight crew must ingress over the waste management compartment to enter the flight deck. The door has a friction hinge, and must be open when the WCS is used on-orbit. The WCS consists of six major components as listed below: * Commode * Urinal * Fan Separators * Odor/Bacteria Filter * Vacuum Vent QD * WCS Controls The commode contains a single multi-layer hyrophobic porous bag liner for collecting and storing solid waste. When in use, the commode is pressurized and transport airflow is provided by the fan separator. When not in use, the commode is depressurized for solid waste drying and deactivation. Solid Waste enters the commode through the seat opening (4.0 inches), drawn in by air flowing through holes under the seat. Waste material is deposited on the porous bag liner. Air is drawn through the hydrophobic material to the fan separator. The hydrophobic liner material prevents free liquid and bacteria from exiting the collector. The urinal, essentially a funnel attached to a hose, provides the capacity to collect and transport liquid waste to the waste water tank. The fan separator provides transport airflow for the liquid. The urinal can accommodate both male and female crewmembers by use of a male or female attachable cap. The fan separators provide transport airflow through the commode and urinal, and separate the waste liquid from the airflow. The liquid/air mixture from the urinal line enters axially, and is carried into a rotating secondary separator which throws the liquid to the outer walls of the rotating fluid reservoir, into a stationary Pitot tube, and finally to the waste water tank. Air is drawn out of the rotating chamber by a blower, which also draws air from the commode. This air passes through the odor/bacteria filter, and reenters the Orbiter cabin. The filter can be removed for in-flight replacement. The WCS vacuum vent QD provides the capability for the crewmember to dump waste water directly overboard through the vacuum vent system, if the waste water tank were to fail. This is accomplished by utilizing a water transfer hose which is connected to the waste water crosstie QD. WCS RESTRAINT AND ADJUSTMENT FEATURES The WCS employs various restraints and adjustments to enable the user to achieve the proper body positioning in a zero gravity environment. Two foot restraints are provided. One (the "toe bar") is located at the commode base and is used for restraint for standup urination. This restraint consists of two flexible cylindrical pads on a shaft that can be adjusted to various heights by releasing two locking levers. The crewmmember restrains himself in the standing position by slipping his feet under the "toe bar" restraint. The second foot restraint (footrest) allows the crewmember's feet to be restrained while sitting. The restraint consists of an adjustable platform with detachable Velcro straps for securing the crewmember's feet. The Velcro straps are wrapped crosswire over each foot and secured around the back. The footrest can be adjusted to various angles and heights. Two body restraints are provided. The primary restraint is the padded thigh bar. The crewmember's sitting position is secured by lifting up each thigh bar out of its detent position, rotating over thigh, and releasing. Bar is preloaded to exert approximately 10 pounds of force on each thigh. The second restraint serves as a backup method. The system consists of four Velcro thigh straps with a spring hook on one end. Two of the straps are attached to the top front surface mating attached points. The remaining two are installed on a bracket with five holes on the upper sides of the commode. These straps can be positioned accordingly to provide the proper restraint. Two handholds are used for positioning or stabilizing the user during WCS operation. They form an integral part of the top cover of the WCS assembly. WCS IN-FLIGHT CLEANING/MAINTENANCE WCS cleaning is scheduled as a daily in-flight activity. Biocidal cleanser, disposable gloves, general purpose dry wipes, small wet wipes, and a Contingency Scraper Tool (CST) are provided for cleaning the WCS. A urinal screen located at the base of the urinal funnel captures air entrained debris and is replaced at least twice daily. The odor/bacteria filter is removed and replaced with a spare filter when excessive odors are present. In addition, the personal hygiene station water hose is used at least once per day to clean or flush areas of the urinal with water. POWER FOR WCS The WCS receives 115V ac and 28V dc power from two middeck circuit breaker panels. The fan separator motors use ac power. In addition, the switches to the fan separators require dc power for operation. There are six ac breakers and two dc breakers. For a more detailed description of the Shuttle toilet, see Main Menu option 6, submenu 2, submenu 3, submenu 13, submenu 8, submenu 8.