Filtering Molecules with Nanotube Technology

health medicine and biotechnology
Filtering Molecules with Nanotube Technology (MSC-TOPS-29)
Conceived to eliminate contaminants from water or other molecules
Overview
Innovators at NASA's Johnson Space Center have identified a method to create a filtration device to eliminate contaminants from water supplies. Originally developed to purify wastewater for reuse aboard the International Space Station, the innovation is applicable to numerous situations on Earth where there is a need to collect potable, medical-grade water from a contaminated water supply. The unique aspect of the technology is its use of acoustics rather than pressure to drive water through small-diameter carbon nanotubes. The invention requires less power than conventional filtration systems and is well-suited to a variety of water processing needs. This NASA patent is available for your company to license, mature the technology and develop into a commercial product. NASA does not manufacture products for commercial sale.

The Technology
This water filtration innovation is an acoustically driven molecular sieve embedded with small-diameter carbon nanotubes. First, water enters the device and contacts the filter matrix, which can be made of polymer, ceramic, or metallic compounds. Carbon nanotubes within the matrix allow only water molecules to pass through, leaving behind any larger molecules and contaminants. The unique aspect of the technology is its use of acoustics to help drive water through the filter. An oscillator circuit attached to the filter matrix propagates acoustic vibration, further causing water molecules to de-bond and move through the filter. This use of acoustics also eliminates dependence on gravity (and thus filter orientation) to move water through the device. When water exiting the system diminishes to a pre-determined set point, a cleaning cycle is triggered to clear the sediment from the inlet of the filter, reestablishing the standard system flow rate. Unlike other filtration systems, flushing of the filter system is not required. The combination of acoustics and small-diameter carbon nanotubes in this innovation make it an effective and efficient means of producing contaminant-free, clean water.
Filtering Molecules with Nanotube Technology Existing water filtration technologies are generally plagued by limited performance, high energy consumption, and high costs.
Benefits
  • Produces clean water by eliminating contaminants
  • Requires less power than conventional filtration systems
  • Does not depend on gravity for water to flow through the system
  • Potentially scalable to a large bank of integrated filters

Applications
  • Medical facilities
  • Laboratories
  • Distilleries
  • Ultrapure Water Filtration: Semiconductor Fabrication Facility
  • Desalination plants
  • Wastewater treatment facilities
  • Consumer markets
Technology Details

health medicine and biotechnology
MSC-TOPS-29
MSC-24508-1 MSC-24180-1
8343403 7935259
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Contaminated Water Treatment
Contaminated Water Treatment
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NASA Space Station Image
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NASA's Debris-Tolerant Valve being tested for the atmospheric revitalization system on the International Space Station (ISS)
Debris-Tolerant Valve
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