NASA SBIR SUCCESS STORY Marshall Space Flight Center
1999 Phase II

Ultra-Fine Particulate Matter Filtration

Y² Ultra-Filter, Inc.

Mission Viejo, CA

INNOVATION
The Y² Ultra-Filter technology employs a uniquely configured electric field surrounding porous filter media to cause airborne particulate matter in the process stream to move in a churning motion perpendicular to the flow direction without ionization. The motion significantly enhances the London/Van der Waals force interaction between the particulate matter and the filter media, resulting in a super-efficient filter. The filter is capable of capturing smoke, bacteria, viruses, odorants, dust, and many other sub-micron-sized particulate matter including ultra-fine particulate matter.
Portable Ultra-Filter Unit for Spacecraft Cabin Air Purification
Portable Ultra-Filter Unit for Spacecraft
Cabin Air Purification

Optional Powerpoint file

GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE APPLICATIONS

  • Product service for NASA is advanced air filtration/purification for long-duration crewed space flight.
  • Remaining technological development necessary ( prototype testing in a relevant spacecraft cabin environment).
  • Other USG applications include filter for the DARPA Immune Building Program, Navy surface ships, and military ground vehicles.
  • NASA, DARPA, and the U.S. Navy have issued contracts for developing the technology for target applications.
  • Phase III funding pending completion of present Phase II projects.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  • Prototype demonstration is being scheduled for automotive, aircraft, HVAC, semiconductor manufacturing, commercial cooking, and military applications.
  • Third-party verification testing for DARPA has achieved capture efficiencies of 99.999% at 100 cfm for sub-micron particulate matter. Testing at flows up to 3,000 cfm are in progress. An optimized design is being assembled at flows up to 2,000 cfm that has the goal of 99.9999% sub-micron particulate matter arrestance.
  • Advantages of Y² technology: higher efficiency, captures a wider range of particles, lower pressure drop, lower energy consumption, particle holding capability, gating filter, odor suppression, no ionization, low maintenance/operating costs, and biodegradable filter material.
  • Over $2 million of private capital has been invested by the firm over the past 10 years
  • Several multi-billion dollar corporations have had detailed discussions with Y² Ultra-Filter.
  • Has demonstrated success in particulate removal from air.
COMMERCIALIZATION
  • Technology presently holds 4 U.S. patents and 11 foreign patents.
  • Target market sectors include automotive, aircraft, HVAC, semiconductor manufacturing, and military applications.
  • Product introduction into several target markets within the next 6 months.
  • Received license fees and royalty payments. These revenues are integrated into future business ventures.
  • Business model is in the form of business units by market sector. Y² Ultra-Filter establishing strategic alliances with major filter manufacturers.
For more information about this firm, please send e-mail to company representative

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