Faraday Technology, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A18-097

Description

The steady decline in JP-8 fuel suppliers and consequent cost increase results in increased costs and fuel shortages for the US government.Conversion to civilian aviation fuels with additives represents savings in terms of fuel costs as well as simplified infrastructure and reduced costs associated with distribution and storage of JP-8, which requires segregation from other fuels.This proposal responds to the stated need for development of field portable analytical capabilities to determine low concentrations of the JP-8 additive package.This program will result in the development of a robust, electrochemical sensor for quantification of JP-8 fuel additives.The proposed sensor is based on novel electrodes and highly sensitive electroanalytical techniques.The issues associated with electroanalytical evaluation of non-polar, low-conductivity solutions, such as aviation fuels will be circumvented through use of novel electrodes. The proposed technology is well suited to field use due to its simple operation and instrumentation and is amenable to in-line monitoring which would provide real-time analysis capabilities.In addition, the instrumentation necessary to conduct analytical measurements is readily available on the same size scale as a smart phone, which helps meet the DoDs specification for a unit weighing less than 10 pounds.