Silver Biocide Analysis & Control Device

Status: Completed

Start Date: 2019-09-13

End Date: 2020-03-29

Description: This Phase IIE program is proposed to address additional performance and application enhancements to the SEMS™-5500 electroanalytical instrument design. This effort is a key part of an overall strategic plan to develop a new flight capability for microbial monitoring & control in potable waters and water recovery and managements systems. Phase II is underway to develop an integrated electroanalytical device (Ag-SEMS™-5500) for analysis and process control of biocidal silver in potable water, with the option integrating feedback control for Ag+ ion generation. The device will automatically provide continuous and on-demand maintenance of Ag+ ion biocide levels in spacecraft water streams and storage tanks, as well as providing output data for silver concentrations and a profile of total silver added to the system over time. Phase IIE effort will execute instrumental modifications specifically targeted toward three design upgrades that will simplify instrument operation over long-duration missions, particularly with regard to extending operational performance periods, minimization and elimination of expendables, and increasing the instrument operating conditions range. Additionally, a specific task is included that is dedicated to expanding the SEMS™ platform to include capability for monitoring of additional biocides beyond ionic silver, to increase starting TRL for future developments.
Benefits: Crew Health and Safety in Long-Duration Missions L1/L2, Lunar & Mars Platforms ISS Water Recovery System

Addressable Market >$300M for this NASA-funded tech Pharmaceutical, Life Science and Medical Field Research Industrial Process Monitoring Environmental Monitoring

Lead Organization: Environmental and Life Support Tech.