N093-194 TITLE: Universal Atmospheric Contaminant Scrubber for Submersibles

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Chemical/Bio Defense, Ground/Sea Vehicles, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS399 SOF Undersea Mobility Program, Advanced SEAL Delivery System and DDS

OBJECTIVE: Although there are both single-use chemical based cannisters and recycling systems capable of removing CO2 from atmospheres for much longer duration missions, nothing currently exists to remove VOCs at a high rate via a compact recycling system. This effort is focused on researching innovative methods to remove multiple classes of VOC compounds via one integrated system. The system must be capable of removing VOCs from a confined air volume rapidly, while minimizing the need to replace any consummable chemicals used. Furthermore, since the atmosphere is enclosed, the system cannot introduce any by-products back into the enclosed atmosphere that, while less harmful, still represent a health hazard to divers (e.g. CO2). The only products the system may exhaust are O2 and H2O vapor. Ideally, the developed system will use chemical catalysts that do not require replacement, or some other innovative method, that will break down the hazardous chemicals into less harmful products, that will also be removed by the scrubber system. The system must also be lightweight and compact, requiring minimal power to operate, and minimal maintenance by field personnel. The system must meet safety requirements for use by people in a closed atmosphere by adhering to the requirements and guidelines defined within the System Certification Procedures and Criteria Manual of Deep Submergence Systems (NAVSEAINST SS800-AG-MAN-010/P-9290). The system should be compatible with the dimensional, power and weight constraints of both the ASDS and DDS.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is seeking innovative solutions is to reduce the levels of both CO2 and other VOC contaminants in manned compartments or within piping systems aboard deep submergence systems. Although many commercially available methods to remove CO2 exist, none of these methods currently remove both CO2 and other VOC contaminants from the atmosphere simultaneously, in one system. These confined spaces are primarily susceptible to accumulating high levels of CO2, but occupants may potentially be exposed to a wide range of other contaminant gasses. Gasses to be removed from the atmosphere by the system are, in order of importance: Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia, Hydrogen, Sulfur Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Benzene, Chlorine, Mercury vapor, Trichloroethane and other gasses (as listed in Appendix F of NAVSEAINST SS800-AG-MAN-010/P-9290). In addition, the system should be capable of reducing contaminants sourced from non-metallics and materials used in the manufacturing, maintenance and cleaning of DSS (i.e. curing paints, adhesives, resins and solvents). The designed system shall be fully compatible with a 28V DC power supply. The designed system shall be sized as necessary (or scalable to different sizes) to �scrub� a manned space as small as 180 cubic feet (with 6 people) to one as large as 1700 cubic feet (with 10 people) for a duration of up to 10 hours without requiring any maintenance or replacement of chemicals. The system shall be able to reduce the concentration of the target gasses in the atmosphere by a factor of � in a maximum of five minutes. The designed system shall be capable of withstanding operating and non-operating conditions where temperatures and pressures vary from 1 to 6 atmospheres and 29 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit Any materials used within the system must remain effective across this temperature and pressure range, and shall not themselves off-gas any harmful gasses or pose any additional risks to personnel. The proposed solution and its integration into the DSS at baseline operation and maximum operating conditions will be verified, as well as its ability to remove CO2 and other containments to the threshold levels identified in Tables 3 and 4 of Appendix F.

PHASE I: Research potential chemical or other methods to remove all the VOC gasses listed from an enclosed atmosphere, without introducing any other by-products back into the atmosphere, and without requiring overboard discharge of any by-products. Develop laboratory-scale test beds and conduct testing to determine the validity of each approach by demonstrating appreciable reduction of CO2 and other contaminants (Obtain approval from the TPOC for testing methods and criteria). Using these results, determine which approach is most effective, and can be scaled up to work in a full-scale system. Demonstrate through engineering analysis the ability of such a full-scale system to remove CO2 and other contaminants from up to 1700 cubic feet of enclosed volume within the limits described above.

PHASE II: Design and incorporate best scrubbing method(s) identified during Phase I into a prototype. Perform testing in a realistic environment by simulating a submersible environment. Use the test results to select the optimum system configuration and settings. Perform suitability, performance and reliability analysis of the prototype system. Develop an Engineering Development Model that is representative of the expected final commercial design, and capable of being tested (real-world testing will occur during a Phase III follow-on transition period) to ensure final system design will meet shock, vibration, and Scope of Certification requirements for unrestricted Navy Deep Submergence System operations. Phase II Option: Develop installation drawings, required Objective Quality Evidence, (as defined in NAVSEAINST SS800-AG-MAN-010/P-9290 under Material Control Divisions) and commercialization, and transition plans for full-scale shipboard implementation.

PHASE III: Provide EDM and vendor support for real-world operational test and evaluation of the system, finalizing the final packaging, user interface, etc. and qualifying the system to allow it to be installed as a Temporary Modification onboard a US Navy Submersible. Develop technical and user manuals, end-user training programs, logistics/ repair support plans, and troubleshooting and repair guides. Conduct initial end-user training and operator certification. Field the validated system.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The selected CO2 and contaminant scrubber system could find use in other Navy combat submersibles or private submersibles (tourist submersibles, oil rig submersibles, exploration submersibles such as ALVIN, etc.). It may find use in any application where exposure to harmful gases is possible such as waste facilities, workers in confined thanks or coal mines or certain factories.

REFERENCES:
1. System Certification Procedures and Criteria Manual for Deep Submergence Systems (SS800-AG-MAN-010/P-9290)

KEYWORDS: Submersible; underwater; atmospheric, contaminants, carbon-dioxide, removal

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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