TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM Infantry Combat Equipment, ACAT IV

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Research and test alternatives to existing industry standard electrochemical (EC) technology used in portable water purification applications. Evaluate operational performance based upon resistance to anode contaminates, increased current densities, effectiveness at removing microbiological organisms and minimizing/optimizing electrode substrate thickness and size.

DESCRIPTION: The generation of on-demand disinfection solution for individual-use water treatment requires an EC technology. Current ECs utilize conventional dimensionally stable anodes (DSA) to generate free available chlorine for disinfecting drinking water. DSAs perform well in batch and flow-through ECs, but are susceptible to premature anode failure when questionable salt is utilized as feed electrolyte to the cell. Current research shows that Hi-performance electrodes (HPE), such as boron doped diamond, offer several advantages to the user, including reduced cost, fewer consumables, and longer life. While recent research indicates the improved possibilities, the design parameters and resulting chemical constituents have not been rigorously proven.

Novel EC technologies with the ability to perform longer under adverse conditions are sought. Metrics for success will include resistance to corrosion and fouling relative to existing technologies, ability to produce effective advanced oxidants, such as ozone or hydroxyl radicals, size, and cost. Performers will demonstrate the ability to meet these criteria by building prototypes and conducting rigorous testing. Cost considerations will also contribute to engineering design. Methods to determine engineering success will include fouling tests and evaluation of optimal operational parameters for extended product life. Methods to determine disinfection effectiveness will be based upon removal of microbiological organisms within the drinking water.

PHASE I: Evaluate the best EC performing materials. Build prototype electrolytic cells for concept demonstration.

PHASE II: Incorporate lessons learned from prototype electrolytic cells and perform stringent comparative efficacy tests on up to 10 promising EC technology candidates. Stringent efficacy tests should include metrics that assess engineering performance, and effectiveness against microorganisms.

PHASE III: Build four units for field evaluation. Collect and evaluate field evaluation data, and obtain user feedback. Conduct cost trade off analysis for most cost effective balance that meets user needs. Build eight units from this design user trials, and acceptance by the end user as a viable system for incorporation in the field and for full-production and commercialization runs.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Development of the technology represents the potential to be low-cost for individual water purification. Products could easily be commercialized and used by outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers where water at the point of entry to buildings is often suspect.

KEYWORDS: Electrochemical; EC; portable water purification.

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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