SBIR-STTR Award

The use of toxic chemicals continues to increase in agriculture and other economic sectors. Environmental regulations on the handling and containment of these chemicals are becoming more rigorous. Results of our Phase II research indicate that portable and semi portable containment pads may be an effective method of reducing environmental hazards created when toxic chemicals are handled and mixed by farmers, professional applicators and others. The performance of the prototype structure made of composite materials exceeded our expectations in terms of strength and ease of handling. Potential commercial partners and users of the environmental pad expressed higher than expected interest. Significant interest in the pad was found among commercial chemical applicators, farmers, golf courses, commercial lawn care businesses and many other businesses which handle toxic chemicals. Phase II research will involve the development and testing of three different prototype systems. The systems will include: (1) a semi-permanent system for use in golf courses and other locations where chemicals are handled in one place; (2) a large portable unit for use with larger commercial chemical application equipment in the field; and (3) a small portable unit for use with small atv type spray application units. The design of each of the three units will be completed and prototypes built and tested in the field.Applications:The market for the three systems and variations of each is huge. There are thousands of farmers, commercial pesticide applicators, golf courses, lawn care businesses and others that are all potential consumers. Octa-aqua flex is in the process of negotiating a licensing agreement with a major supply of golf course maintenance supplies to market the systems to golf courses. Similar licensing agreements are anticipated for other applications. An agreement has been reached with the supplier of the composite materials to produce the needed raw materials and the company's manufacturing facility is being expanded to meet the commercial demand.

The use of toxic chemicals continues to increase in agriculture and other economic sectors. Environmental regulations on the handling and containment of these chemicals are becoming more rigorous. Results of our Phase II research indicate that portable and semi portable containment pads may be an effective method of reducing environmental hazards created when toxic chemicals are handled and mixed by farmers, professional applicators and others. The performance of the prototype structure made of composite materials exceeded our expectations in terms of strength and ease of handling. Potential commercial partners and users of the environmental pad expressed higher than expected interest. Significant interest in the pad was found among commercial chemical applicators, farmers, golf courses, commercial lawn care businesses and many other businesses which handle toxic chemicals. Phase II research will involve the development and testing of three different prototype systems. The systems will include: (1) a semi-permanent system for use in golf courses and other locations where chemicals are handled in one place; (2) a large portable unit for use with larger commercial chemical application equipment in the field; and (3) a small portable unit for use with small atv type spray application units. The design of each of the three units will be completed and prototypes built and tested in the field.Applications:The market for the three systems and variations of each is huge. There are thousands of farmers, commercial pesticide applicators, golf courses, lawn care businesses and others that are all potential consumers. Octa-aqua flex is in the process of negotiating a licensing agreement with a major supply of golf course maintenance supplies to market the systems to golf courses. Similar licensing agreements are anticipated for other applications. An agreement has been reached with the supplier of the composite materials to produce the needed raw materials and the company's manufacturing facility is being expanded to meet the commercial demand.