Nanocrystalline Filters of Cleanup of Used Non-destructive Testing Fluids

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the development and implementation of nanoparticle metal-oxide based filters for cleanup of wastes generated by non-destructive testing fluids. The key component of the proposed system will be a highly reactive nanocrystalline solid sorbent material. Specifically, wastes related to three types of non-destructive fluids will be targeted: penetrant testing fluids containing dyes or fluorescent additives, used photographic fixer solutions containing silver, and magnetic particle testing fluids containing ferromagnetic particles. Components of these testing fluids contaminate water used for cleaning of tested equipment and generate waste streams that require purification prior to disposal. The proposed filters will utilize highly efficient NanoActive metal oxide sorbents employed as columns of granulated materials against aqueous solutions containing non-destructive testing fluids. The NanoActive metal oxides have been already shown to be very effective for removal or even destruction of various contaminants from aqueous and non-aqueous solutions.