Combined temperature and water vapor effects on the lithium hydroxide-carbon dioxide reaction in underwater life support systems

Reaction of CO2 with LiOH requires the presence of water in an amount sufficient to produce monohydrate thium hydroxide (LiOH . H2O) prior to or simultaneously with the CO2 reaction. For a given CO2 content in the air stream at any given temperature, there is a corresponding humidity of the feed stream which results in maximum CO2 absorption efficiency. Two commercially available LiOH granules with different porosities and water contents were studied. The combined effects of temperature and humidity on CO2 absorption patterns and CO2 absorption capacities were observed. Results showed that temperature and water content of the air stream did change the CO2 absorption pattern and the CO2 absorption capacity for LiOH absorbent.