Form 9.B Project Summary

Chron: 972072

Proposal Number: 09.03-9892

Project Title: Non-Contact Furnace and Quencher for Microgravity Environments

Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

This research proposal will investigate the feasibility of developing a non-nontact furnace capable of maintaining the position and shape of a sample in microgravity. Our innovation involves the supply of a quenching or heating inert fluid without disturbing liquid or solid phases in microgravity.

The ability to transport samples will also be assessed, and thermal fluxes and pressure gradients will be logged and analyzed for feasibility. It is anticipated that a compact and non contaminating materials processing chamber can be demonstrated feasible through an appropriate investigation under surface gravity conditions.

Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)

Commercial applications for our innovation could relate to improving the performance of convection furnaces. Non contaminating processing and transport of solid phases under gravity could also be developed. Other applications as heating and quenching relating to thermal management of electronics and materials could be developed. Furnaces with selective surface temperatures and slow cooling rates could also be developed for specialized materials processing.

Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,

Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Meredith C Gourdine

Energy Innovations, Inc.

8709 Knight Rd.

Houston , TX 77054

Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Clement Isonguyo

Energy Innovations, Inc.

8709 Knight Rd.

Houston , TX 77054