SBIR-STTR Award

FAA aviation security has expressed a need for technologies to provide increased sensitivity/response to airborne forms of explosives. The technologies associated with space charge atomizing electrostatic precipitation (SCAEP) have capabilities in concentrating the contaminants in large volumes of air into small volumes of liquid with increased detection capability. An R&D program to define capture efficiencies for particles/gases as well as instrument dwell/response times would be initiated. A field ready prototype instrument would be delivered to the FAA for evaluation. The sampling techniques have displayed capture efficiencies of 40-90% over a wide range of particle sizes. The application would help satisfy the requirements of the FAA. The air sampling requirements of the clean air act amendments may be assisted. The techniques involved offer increased response to chemical/biological agents for defense needs.

The FAA Aviation security need for enhanced sensitivity/response to airborne forms of explosives will be further addressed. The phase I project demonstrated high capture efficiencies for sub-micron particles and gases with scaep technologies. A field prototype instrument was constructed. Air to liquid concentration factors were greater than 100,00:1. The phase II R&D program will define capture erriciencies for particles approaching the aiken range as well as other gases and will evaluate additional capture fluids and wetting agents. The effect of air and liquid flow settings, high boltage level nozzle pressures, capture fluid conductivity, etc., on SCAEP performance will be evaluated and defined. In situ field trials of the prototype instrument will be conducted at FAA designated test sites. The results of Laboratory and field tests will define the design and construction of a second generation field instrument. The unit will be lighter and smaller than tie prototype and be safe, reliable, and suitable for operation by a single individual.

Anticipated Results:
The project is anticipated to result in a improved knowledge of factors/variable for SCAEP capture, concentration, and detection of airborne explosives. Are liable field ready instrument will be constructed, The technology and instrumentation has commercial application in Meteorology, public health, environmental science, and military disciplines.