Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: ABSTRACT: To meet the Air Forces need for a high-efficiency liquid desiccant system that

Description

ABSTRACT: To meet the Air Forces need for a high-efficiency liquid desiccant system that simultaneously removes moisture and chloride from the ambient air, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Moisture and Chloride Scrubber (MaCS), consisting of a proprietary novel liquid desiccant, waterfall dehumidifier, reservoir, circulation pump, air blower, regenerator, controller, moisture sensor, and chloride sensor. The pump circulates the desiccant between the dehumidifier and regenerator for continuous scrubbing and regeneration. The proprietary desiccant scrubs moisture and chloride simultaneously as it flows down the dehumidifier. Regenerating the desiccant to provide continuous scrubbing allows the relative humidity to be<50%. POCs MaCS can be packaged in various configurations, ranging from a modular version for scrubbing aircraft on a flightline to a facility, such as a depot or hanger. In Phase I, POC will develop a conceptual MaCS system design and the optimum chloride sensor to measure atmospheric chloride concentrations in near-real time. We will fabricate the MaCS prototype and provide parametric testing to demonstrate the technologys feasibility and to quantify its potential benefits. In Phase II, we will develop a full-scale mature prototype for use on C-130 aircraft, support equipment, war-readiness material, and in buildings and storage units. BENEFIT: POCs MaCS is not only applicable to Air Force aircraft, but also equally applicable to the aircraft and ships for other military branches, such as the Navy and Coast Guard. The U.S. Navys aircraft and ships of all sizes are constantly operating in humid and salty environments. Implementing MaCS technology to Navy platforms will result in significant cost savings associated with corrosion related maintenance and mitigation. Other government programs that will certainly benefit from MaCS technology include federal facilities along the coasts because coastal humidity and salty environments accelerate infrastructure degradation, especially electronic and metal components. Commercial aircraft and ships face some of the similar operating environments as the military aircraft and ships. Thus humidity and chloride induced corrosion is also a never-ending maintenance challenge, which can be mitigated by MaCS.