A Compact CO Oxidation System

Navy aircraft is equipped with an On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) to supply the pilot and the crew with supplemental oxygen for high altitude operation. However, Navy aircraft are usually closely spaced while waiting for take-off from aircraft carriers, and the jet engine exhaust contaminates the bleed air used to supply oxygen to the pilot and crew. Among the contaminants in the engine exhaust carbon monoxide (CO) is particularly troublesome, and can be present in the OBOGS oxygen supply at concentrations as high as 120 ppmv. TDA Research Inc. (TDA) proposes to develop a compact CO oxidation system to be integrated with the OBOGS to eliminate any CO contamination in the OBOGS output. In Phase I, TDA will synthesize and screen several of highly active and durable catalysts for CO oxidation. Using the best catalyst formulation, we will evaluate the durability and long-term activity, testing for a minimum of 400 hrs. Based on the experimental results, we will carry out a detailed design of the catalytic CO oxidation module and generate 3D layouts and engineering drawings to serve as a basis for detailed engineering analysis. In the Option Phase, based on the gas analysis data provided for the OBOGS product, we will evaluate the performance of our catalyst in the presence of potential contaminants (such as SOx, NOx and ozone).