SBIR-STTR Award

Mainstream Engineering will demonstrate continuous, reliable long-term active removal of CO2 without any appreciable heat generation, addressing issues of limited-capacity adsorbent scrubber materials. Breath monitoring micro-sensors incorporated into the rebreather will feedback information to a microcontroller that regulates and balances closed circuit rebreather (CCR) components, providing a synergistic system enhancement and ensure the reliable operation of the CO2 removal system. To further enhance the performance capacity of the CCR, Mainstream will integrate our smart monitoring and respiratory tracking (SMART) system into the next-generation rebreather. Our SMART technology continuously monitors CO2, O2, and breathes per minute (BPM) and tidal volume (VT) to regulate the rate of CO2 removal and supply of O2 to balance the amount consumed by the user; ultimately extending and maximizing the O2 supply, minimizing the venting of bubbles and maximizing the usable operation. The Phase I will address the feasibility of each technology and allow for the design of the next-generation rebreather, size, weight, and power analysis, as well as a technological and economic assessment. Phase II will culminate in prototype evaluation under a simulated environment with anticipated operational conditions.

Benefit:
Current life support systems for rebreathers are limited by the CO2 scrubber and finite O2 supply; therefore, advanced technologies to improve and extend the capacity and increase supply is needed to complete full missions. This effort will establish the ability of Mainstreams O2 delivery and CO2 removal technology to meet the demands of the next-generation rebreather. There is a clear need for new technologies for underwater life-support systems; however, first responders, medical equipment, space and aviation, and security industries would also increase the demand for this technology. The Phase I will address technological and economic feasibility by experimentally validating the CO2 removal and O2 supply and regulation technology. The commercialization potential for the next-generation rebreather and each component is immense, with military and commercial products anticipated at the conclusion of Phase II.

Keywords:
CO2 removal, CO2 removal, rebreather, life-support system, O2 supply