| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2018.1 |
| Topic No.: |
N181-071 |
| Topic Title: |
Functionalized Ceramic Filter Media for Selective Removal of Copper in Jet Fuels |
| Proposal No.: |
N181-071-0135 |
| Firm: |
HiFunda LLC
421 Wakara Way Ste 210
Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 |
| Contact: |
Jim Steppan |
| Phone: |
(801) 750-4928 |
| Web Site: |
http://www.hifundallc.com |
| Abstract: |
HiFunda proposes to develop and demonstrate a functionalized ceramic filter media for selective removal of copper from jet fuels. The HiFunda team will employ a balanced program of experiments and analysis to develop a novel functionalized ceramic filter media that will lead to a demonstration of a copper removal system which selectively removes copper and decreases its contamination level from as high as 1000 ppb to below 10 ppb and satisfies the US Navy thermal oxidation stability standards. The proposed Phase I project will be focused developing the functionalized ceramic filter media and provide notional shipboard implementation including how the solution will work in existing distribution systems and accommodate high flow rates. |
| Benefits: |
The development of a novel functionalized ceramic filter media that can remove copper contamination from JP-5 fuels has the potential to save the Navy $1B annually in aircraft engine maintenance costs. Reducing maintenance costs for aircraft engines is addressed through avoidance of installation of a more expensive redesigned JP-5 piping system. Reducing operating and maintenance costs is addressed by reducing the adverse effects of copper contamination, such as coking, in aircraft engines. Reducing production cost requirements is addressed through avoidance of aircraft engine redesign that would be capable of meeting mission requirements despite the presence of copper in JP-5 fuel greater than 10ppb. If successfully demonstrated, there may be a commercial market for a fuel contaminant reduction system. Global producers of JP-5, Jet A, and Jet A-1 aviation turbine fuels may benefit from this technology in their efforts to minimize the deleterious effects of copper introduced to these fuels during product handling and desulfurization processes. This technology may also reduce maintenance cost for commercial aviation. |