Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N153-127

Description

To address the U.S. Marines need for an energy-efficient Squad-size water purification system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Electro-Desalination and Neutralization (EDEN) system based on the integration of the robust micro-filtering and ultraviolet (UV) sterilization technologies with POCs innovative deionization apparatus. EDEN will combine commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hollow fiber-based filtration unit with COTS UV bio-sanitization components, along with our unique, low-power desalination approach, in addition to water quality sensing capabilities. Use of the new desalinator will guarantee that EDEN, lacking the high-pressure components of reverse osmosis units, is lighter, cheaper, and more portable, making it an ideal choice for small (squad or platoon) size water purification system. The integrated device will operate automatically, producing drinkable water from local sources of contaminated and salt- or brackish water. Requiring <100 W of power, the system is capable of producing >6 gallons/hr of potable water from seawater, while reducing turbidity and eliminating microbiological contaminants. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of EDEN by developing a scaled design of its desalinator and integrating and testing a prototype of a water purification system, reaching TRL-4. This experience will be utilized in constructing an optimized prototype in Phase II (TRL-6).