NASA Project
Reheating and Sterilization Technology for Food, Waste and Water
Statement of justification
We propose to develop a reusable food container that can be used either for reheating food or for sterilization of packaged contents in situ using ohmic heating technology. After food consumption, the package will be used to contain and sterilize waste materials. In so doing, we will prevent its potential gas production, rupture of container, and release of pathogenic contents. Reuse of the container will minimize the necessity for separate waste storage containers, resulting in savings in Equivalent System Mass (ESM). In addition, the heater device, as envisioned, will also be capable of heating water for personal use.
Objectives
1. Develop and optimize a reusable container and system
for processing food and waste products by Ohmic heating.
This includes
Optimization of package and enclosure to minimize ESM
Optimization of power input conditions to eliminate gas
production.
Optimization of current density to eliminate arcing.
Optimization for use under microgravity conditions.
2. Test the device for efficacy in sterilizing plant foods and waste products.
3. Test the device for efficacy in reheating packaged shelf-stable foods.
4. Test the heating system for efficacy in heating water for crew use, when not
being used for heating food.
5. Establish the oxygen and moisture barrier requirements for longer-term food
storage.
6. Develop procedures and test methods to ensure hermetic seal for
thermostabilized food containers.