SBIR Phase I: Compact and Portable Chlor-Alkali Generator for Emergency Response

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project aims to develop and demonstrate a compact and portable chlor alkali generator for emergency response operations. A portable system that uses an electrochemical reactor to generate chlorine and caustic soda efficiently in a compact manner will be developed. These products may be combined to produce hypochlorite giving the emergency responder a range of chemical reactants produced on-site that can be used for disinfecting water or decontaminating surfaces. During the Phase I program, we will develop and demonstrate the compact reactor culminating in a prototype design that will be developed in a Phase II follow-on effort. Emergency response personnel need improved methods to disinfect or decontaminate such exposed areas quickly. Of particular importance is providing improved water quality for consumption in disaster areas along with quicker decontamination of buildings, personnel, and equipment. Extensions of our compact electrochemical reactor technology may also be applied toward smaller units for disinfecting water for recreational and military soldiers.