Hollow Fiber Freeze Thaw Filter

The Marine Corps currently uses an ultrafiltration device to provide safe drinking water in situations where outside supply is not possible and local water sources are of questionable purity. However, the current device is susceptible to freeze/thaw damage that degrades its filtration capabilities to the point where the user may no longer be protected from endemic biological threats. Under the proposed Phase I SBIR program, METSS plans to use its expertise in testing and polymer chemistry to characterize the current failure mechanism and develop improved porous fibers resistant to freeze/thaw damage while still possessing filtration capabilities that meet the Navy’s requirements. This approach will involve commercial industrial support and thus, if fully successful, have an effective plan to provide the product to the Navy.