Aviation Filtration Technology for the Replacement of Filter Monitors

The objective of this proposal is the completion of the design and fabrication of a full-size prototype EI 1588 qualified fuel filter element as well as a MIL-PRF-52308J qualified filter element. The purpose is to take advantage of the technology developed in this project to benefit both commercial and military applications.  The project will continue to optimize the design based on the foundation created in Phase I, in which modern nonwoven fabrics that are made from micro-fiberglass and synthetic media will be utilized to achieve water separation and solids removal from aviation fuel.  These materials can be treated with fluoropolymers to enhance their hydrophobicity and the fibers can be configured to form a gradient structure to improve solids holding capacity. In addition, the unique technique, which takes advantage of the polarity of the surfactants (additives) that displays an affinity to water and also interacts with metal (a stainless-steel surface protection screen) to form a water-grabbing mechanism, will be further optimized and incorporated in the design. The completed prototype of both elements will be tested at the aviation jet fuel filtration test facility at Southwest Research Institute to prove that they are qualified for their respective specification.