Optical Engine Bleed Air Detoxification System

The Navy is seeking the development of a non-chemical/non-electrical discharge means to break down toxic hydrocarbons in aircraft breathing air systems. To address this need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel Optical Engine Bleed Air Detoxification (Opti-BLADE) system based on photolysis and photocatalytic oxidation. This novel combination allows for efficient detoxification of hydrocarbon compounds, volatile organic compounds, and air contaminants. The new Opti-BLADE system design results in a small form factor, light weight, and low power consumption. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate Opti-BLADE feasibility by designing, fabricating, and testing a prototype. The detoxification efficiency of selected toxic compounds common in engine bleed air will be measured, and a way to deal with different velocity classes will be developed. Phase II plans will be prepared. In Phase II, POC plans to further develop a fully operational Opti-BLADE system by refining and optimizing the design, investigating various catalysts, fabricating a prototype, and conducting thorough evaluation of detoxification performance against more than twenty compounds recommended by the Navy. By the completion of Phase II, we will demonstrate a mature prototype capable of working in an operational environmental such as an F/A-18 aircraft, which meets all Navy requirements.