Most SOG processes for the COIL exceed the carrying capacity of the ABL airframe. The key to SOG weight savings is to recycle and recharge an exchange media after each laser discharge. A recharge process reduces the weight of the exchange media by 80% compared to loading charged BHP media for an entire flight. All SOG recharging excites the oxygen by energy radiation. This work will develop fluidized bed reactors that will agitate and irradiate dry particulate media to speed the transfer and exchange of energy. These dry, gas phase reactions will require no chlorine. Reactor volume and power usage will increase. For some SOG processes two reactors will be required. For others the potential exists to combine recharge and release in one reactor at the laser. Phase I will identify ideal exchange media attributes, model energy transfer, and estimate SOG performance improvement rates for changes in energy density, media, and agitation. Phase I will also develop, assemble, and demonstration a bench scale lighted fluidized bed. Phase II will develop a full scale SOG reactor capable of recycle rates faster than BHP reloads at half the weight for preflight tests. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: The primary commercial market will likely be for use in materials cutting and machining industries. Commercial applications for high volume singlet oxygen production includes municipal water treatment, pulp and paper, and the chemical process industries. The processes will be attractive because yields may be easily controlled by adjusting flow, contract area, and energy density.
Keywords: Fluidized Bed, Singlet Oxygen, Airborne Laser, Rechargeable, ACTS, Generation, Polymer, COIL
