Develop New Innovative Filtration Designs and Components for Improved Service Life, Performance and Durability

The concept of improving the service-life, performance and durability of air filters by replacement of disposable fiber air filters with permanently installed self–cleaning filters that can be cleaned by air blast in the opposite direction without removing the filter from its canister was proposed for Phase I. A lab model of a self-cleaning filter made from plastic discs that form micro-passageways for the airflow was evaluated and tested in Phase I for performance and repeatability. In view of Phase I results that demonstrated feasibility of the proposed concept, Phase II effort will focus on establishing a technological infrastructure and performing engineering tasks that will lead to a self-cleaning filter prototype, adapted for the HMMWV vehicle, which filter will be delivered for testing by the US Army at the end of the second year. The main tasks will focus on producing discs designed to fit the HMMWV existing canister, to comply with the required quality specifications, to build a sample filter for performance tests and then to manufacture a prototype for screening environmental tests and installation on the vehicle. After implementation of any corrective items (if needed), the final prototype will be delivered to the US Army. The Phase II proposal includes evaluation of the MILOW technology in two alternatives – either as a stand-alone unit or utilizing the Disc Filter and Back-Blow method as a pre-cleaner for extending the life span of an in-line ordinary secondary filter. At the end of Year 1 of Phase II program a CDR will be held with the customer to determine which solution is preferred.