System for Onboard Engine and Bleed Air Monitoring and Filtering

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) is proposing to build on its successful Phase I demonstration of a simple and lightweight catalytic scrubber and sensor for adsorptive destruction and monitoring of contaminants in pilot breathing air, to develop an engineering prototype for engine validation during Phase II. The concept was originally developed for NASA spacecraft life-support applications. It will be designed for drop-in integration independent of the OBOGS pilot breathing system and complement its operation. The passive device will also protect OBOGS sorbent from contaminants, and sense contaminant loading with minimal maintenance requirements. PCI has been developing catalytic and sorbent-based air cleaning solutions for manned-spacecraft, spacesuits, and chem-bio warfare agents over the last two decades, resulting in lightweight, durable, and patented filter designs with low pressure drop and long life. NASA has confirmed 17,000-hour durability with periodic exposure to simulated launch loads. PCI will leverage this experience to provide a major advance in pilot safety while maintaining compatibility with existing OBOGS systems. During Phase II, we will demonstrate an engineering prototype and develop a validated analytical model for compliance and scaling to various military aircraft. Pending success, a follow-on Phase III will be proposed for flight qualification of the component.