You are here

Novel, Regenerable Microlith Catalytic Reactor for CO2 Reduction via Bosch Process

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX11CH39P
Agency Tracking Number: 105854
Amount: $99,990.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: X3.01
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-02-18
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2011-09-29
Small Business Information
410 Sackett Point Road
North Haven, CT 06473-3106
United States
DUNS: 178154456
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Saurabh Vilekar
 Principal Investigator
 (203) 287-3700
 sVilekar@precision-combustion.com
Business Contact
 John Scanlon
Title: Business Official
Phone: (203) 287-3700
Email: jscanlon@precision-combustion.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to develop an extremely compact, lightweight and regenerable Microlith<SUP>REG</SUP> catalytic CO2 reduction reactor, capable of converting mixtures of CO2 and H2 to carbon and water vapor with high CO2 conversions at high throughputs and at low operating temperatures. This is based on a novel catalytic reactor approach with high heat and mass transfer, high conversion efficiency, narrow temperature distribution, and novel approaches to carbon removal. The utilization of carbon dioxide to produce life support consumables, such as O2 and H2O, via Bosch reaction offers a potential advance for NASA's cabin atmosphere revitalization system (ARS) and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) concepts for long-term manned space missions. Current Bosch reactor designs suffer from a large recycle penalty due to slow reaction rates and the inherent limitation in approaching thermodynamic equilibrium, plus significant challenge in carbon removal. PCI's short contact time catalysts offer the potential for faster reaction rates, higher conversions and a reduced need for recycle. In addition, strategies will be explored for more effective mechanical and chemical approaches to carbon removal and catalyst regeneration. The approach offers a potential for an ultra-compact Bosch reactor with improved effectiveness and robustness, with lower pressure drop and power requirement.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government