SOCOM is seeking an innovative solution for a simpler, high capacity scrubber to reduce the levels of CO2 in underwater breathing apparatus and re-breathers. Existing CO2 scrubbers are absorbent based and suffer from slow reaction rates under pressure, at colder temperatures, and under heavy breathing, as well as limited CO2 capacity and the dangers of a caustic cocktail if the scrubber floods. Lynntech Inc. proposes to develop a high capacity, nanocomposite CO2 removal media that will be smaller and lighter and have improved CO2 adsorption properties. The proposed system will be based on Lynntechs modified zeolite that has exhibited a 235% increase in CO2 adsorption capacity in the presence of humidity versus unmodified zeolite. The device will be sized for the Mk 25 and Mk 16 underwater breathing apparatus and will preferentially adsorb CO2 rather than moisture. The Phase I will optimize, test and characterize the media that will comprise the adsorption matrix, and perform analyses of the capture capacity, flow resistance, and low temperature performance of the sorbent. The Phase II will design, develop and demonstrate a prototype CO2 scrubber system that is smaller and lighter than current absorbers and has improved adsorption properties.
Benefits: Lynntechs proposed high capacity, nanocomposite CO2 sorbent offers a smaller and lighter solution with improved adsorption properties that will be beneficial to numerous applications. Potential military applications of the technology are CO2 scrubbers used in underwater breathing apparatus, closed circuit rebreathers, manned submersibles and hyperbaric chambers. Potential commercial applications of the technology range from underwater research vessels, submersible rescue vehicles, oil rig, exploration, and tourist submersibles to civilian/recreation diving equipment and hyperbaric systems. Other potential applications include the space sector, military and commercial aviation sector, the mining industry, and industrial workers in tanks and other enclosed spaces.
Keywords: Scrubber, Hyperbaric, Carbon Dioxide, Regeneration, Adsorption, High Capacity, Underwater Breathing Apparatus, Closed Circuit Rebreather
