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5241478 
Technical Report 
Gas Chromatographic Measurement Of Trace Contaminants In A Simulated Space Cabin 
Mckee, HC; Rhoades, JW; Wheeler, RJ; Burchfield, HP 
1963 
Washington 
D-1825 
Methods were developed for chromatographic analysis of trace contaminants in a simulated space cabin. Air samples were obtained by the use of sampling lines mounted in the cabin. Valves were used in series. A tube containing Ascarite was placed between the inlet and the sample collector to remove carbon-dioxide. The system was evacuated, and the sampling system was connected to the atmosphere of the cabin. Air was passed through the apparatus and back into the simulator. Samples were analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. Compounds that were identified with certainty included acetaldehyde (75070), acetone (67641), methanol (67561), ethanol (64175), freon, methyl-chloride (74873), and dimethyl-sulfide (75183). Chemical tests indicated the presence of chloride ion, sulfate ion, chlorine (7782505), sulfur-dioxide (7446095), ammonia (7664417), and ozone (10028156). Other peaks appeared whose identity was unknown. Contaminants were present in extremely low concentrations. Urine samples collected showed abnormally high concentrations of volatiles, due to the fact that samples were stored at room temperature. The authors conclude that acceptable contaminant concentrations can be achieved by circulation of the air through an activated charcoal purifier once per minute. The lack of atmospheric reactions indicates there are no consistent trends toward formation or depletion of any contaminants.