A novel, high-efficiency gas particulate filter has precise particle size screening, low pressure drop, and a simple and fast regeneration process. The regeneration process, which requires minimal material and energy consumption, can be completely automated, and the filtration performance can be restored within a very short period of time.

This filter media may not be the complete replacement for other filtration technologies, but can be a key component in a complete system. This design removes the majority of airborne particulates, with its fast regeneration time allowing a significant increase in the operating period of other filtration media (if necessary) between replacement/regeneration.

Conventional filter media are based on polymer/glass fibers, but this filter is of a novel material composite that contains the support structure and a novel coating. The support structure gives the filter good mechanical properties, while the novel coating creates a unique regeneration character. Also, this support structure can be prepared by laser micromachining etching (i.e. a chemical laser), or micro-molding technology. A novel coating shell is then formed on the support structure to further reduce the pore diameter.

This work was done by Han Liu, Anthony B. LaConti, Thomas J. McCallum, and Edwin W. Schmitt of Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC for Glenn Research Center. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Materials category.

Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention should be addressed to

NASA Glenn Research Center
Innovative Partnerships Office
Attn: Steve Fedor
Mail Stop 4–8
21000 Brookpark Road
Cleveland
Ohio 44135.

Refer to LEW-18498-1.