The lithium hydroxide canister was designed as a replaceable filter for the Apollo Command Module environmental control unit (ECU). The main purpose of the canister was as a CO2 scrubber for breathable air for the astronauts. The ECU provided cooling, water and breathable oxygen for the astronauts’ and was connected to their spacesuits and spacecraft cabin.
Two canisters were used in the oxygen system at all times and were alternately replaced, one every twelve hours. To maintain a safe pure-oxygen environment, the canisters contained lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and charcoal and were covered by a felt cloth barrier. The LiOH within the canister absorbed carbon dioxide, the charcoal eliminated odors, and the felt trapped particles and debris. Depending on the mission length, 20 to 30 of these units were carried on each Apollo mission. Depending on the mission length, 20 to 30 of these units were carried on each Apollo mission.
According to the tags, this particular canister, made by Airesearch under NASA contract number NAS-9-150, was checked on March 13, 1968.
The dimensions: 7 1/4" x 5 3/8 x 7 3/8
A similar CO2 absorber element was employed onboard the Lunar Module but was sized/shaped differently (the CM used this "Mailbox" scrubber; the LM employed a cylindrically shaped canister).
During the Apollo 13 Mission, as a result of an explosion in the Command Service Module Liquid Oxygen tank which provided the crew and Fuel Cells with oxygen, the Lunar Module was needed as a "life boat" but was only designed to accommodate 2 crew members; the requirement to support the third crew member and affiliated increased metabolic loading rapidly expended the LM CO2 absorber elements. The Command Module CO2 absorber elements were needed in the LM. Working with Mission Control in Houston, the astronauts fabricated a novel adapter from existing material onboard the spacecraft (plastic bags, plastic-coated cue cards, spacesuit hoses and lots of duct tape) allowing the Command Module's square canisters to be interfaced to the Lunar Module Environmental Control System (ECS), preventing a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide.
Thanks to Scott Schneeweis for help with the description of this artifact.
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