SBIR-STTR Award

This STTR Phase I proposal proposes to design and develop reactive filter media using nanofiber technology to capture corrosion inducing particulate matter present in coastal region air. The fibrous filter media will be functionalized using ion exchange chemistry which is known to react with salt ions. The media will be characterized for its filtration performance, resistance to airflow, and dust holding capacity. The performance will be tailored by fiber diameter, porosity of the media and pore size. The filter media will be used to assemble a prototype filter device and be tested as a system. The filter will remove solid and dissolved salt particulate matter from the air stream and provide cleaner air. The corrosion inducing salt particulate matter will be removed via reactive chemistry on the filter media. The filter will be tested per American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineer?s (ASHRAE) standards to establish its filtration performance, resistance to airflow, and dust loading capacity. Additional parameters such as energy use and air quality will also be determined during the study. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7663 (8 January 14).

Keywords:
Filtration, Salt, Particulate Matter, Aerosol, Corrosion, Pressure Drop, Hvac

This SBIR Phase II proposal will design and develop a reactive nanofiber based heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) air filter to capture corrosion inducing particulate matter (PM) and dissolved ions present in coastal region air. Nanoparticle-polymer will be combined to produce high surface area reactive nanofiber filtermedia. The performance of media will be tailored by controlling fiber diameter, porosity of the media, pore size, and nanoparticle type and loading. The filtermedia will be characterized for its filtration performance, resistance to airflow, dust holding capacity, and ion exchange capacity. The filter media will be used to assemble prototype high surface area mini-pleat filter. The filter will be tested per American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and Mil-Spec Standards. Successful filter design will be tested at test sites to study corrosion, energy, and overall cost reduction. The filter will remove solid particulates and dissolved salt ions from air stream and provide cleaner air under extreme environment. The corrosion inducing salt PM will be removed via mechanical filtration and dissolved salt ions via reactive ion exchange chemistry. Filtration performance, airflow resistance, dust loading, and ion exchange capacity of filter along with energy use and labor cost will allow us to determine life cycle cost of innovative filters in operational environment. Approved for Public Release 15-MDA-8303 (1 July 15)