Nanoalumina Water Filtration System

A miniature, transportable filter system is required for warfighters when traditional resupply is unavailable. The desired technology would remove both chemical and biological agents. A device that integrates sensing capability to actuate the purification system is also desired. We developed a non-woven filter using a nano alumina fiber only 2 nanometers in diameter. It is capable of > 99.9999% (6 logs) retention of bacteria and virus and > 5 logs of Cryptosporidium. The filter is effective at flow velocities hundreds of times greater than virus-rated ultraporous or RO membranes. We propose a filter capable of meeting the biological, chemical and some of the radiological contaminants listed for military potable water (TBMed577). The system coincides with our in-house development of a virus filter for a portable water purification system. In Phase I we will demonstrate that a similar filter will retain >4 logs of virus and bacteria, >90% of a soluble metal ion (arsenic and nickel), and >90% of a soluble organic (metanil yellow dye) to levels that are consistent with drinking water standards. In a Phase I option, we will demonstrate that the filter can also retain > 99% of ethanolamine and methylphosphonic acid.