SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 1

ONTENTS

ter 1: Introduction ...................... 3

enteen Companies That 

cessfully Commerialized 

hnologies Developed Under

files of Commercialized

 SBIR Program

graphic Distribution

R and ORD’s Strategic Plan ............. 4

ter 2: Commercialization

Assistance ...................... 5

ter 3: Success Stories ................ 8

’s SBIR Program ............................... 9

echnologies ....................................... 10

ndix: EPA’s SBIR Program ..... 45

roposal and Award Data ................. 46

f EPA SBIR Awards .......................... 49

 Program Contacts .................... 51
IES
WHAT IS THE SBIR PROGRAM? 

 Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program 

ed by the Small Business Innovation Develop

of 1982 to assist small businesses in trans

novative ideas into commercial products. EPA 

0 federal agencies that participates in the SBIR 

EPA’s SBIR Program has two phases—Phase I 

sibility study to determine the validity of the 

concept and Phase II is the development of 

ology or product proven feasible in Phase I. EPA 

s a Phase II Option to accelerate the commer

 of SBIR technologies. Companies that lever

-party financial support before completing 

can request additional funds from EPA under 

e II Option. This additional support is intended 

age companies to take the steps necessary to 

alize their technologies early in the develop

se. EPA issues annual solicitations for Phase I 

e II SBIR proposals and awards approximately 

ase I and 15-20 Phase II contracts each year. 

he Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is an important part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 

research and development efforts and helps the Agency in its mission to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment. Through the SBIR Program, EPA makes awards to small, hightech firms to help develop and commercialize cutting-edge environmental technologies. The Program is intended to spawn commercial ventures that improve our environment and quality of life, create jobs, increase productivity and economic growth, and improve the international competitiveness of the U.S. technology industry. 

ince initiating its SBIR Program in the early 1970s, EPA has been supporting small business innovators in the development of 

technologies, products, and processes that are helping the Agency to achieve its strategic, longterm goals. These goals include clean air, clean water, safe drinking water, better waste management and restoration of contaminated waste sites, preventing pollution, and reducing the health and ecological risks associated with climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion. These SBIR technologies are helping to solve many of today’s complex environmental problems and to equip our Nation to address the environmental challenges of tomorrow. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 3 
he SBIR Program 

ogies that address 

problems. Each 

nd Development 

BIR proposals. 

solicitation are 

orities identified in 

urn are designed to 

egic, long-term 

f the various mecha

shing the research 

which identifies pri

e next few years. 

r, high-priority air 

tal issues (with a 

uptors), improve

ent and health risk 

ntion and new tech

ction. The Strategic 

of high importance 

art of ORD’s re

spheric ozone, glo

oring, contaminated 

nd toxic sub

y, and air toxics. 

resses one or more 

These topics are 

h plans that are de

e Program Offices to 

the ORD Strategic 

nking water treat

 toxic air emissions 

he topic areas in the 

e described in the 

updated as the stra

ts to address high

ORD’S STRATEGIC PLAN 

In May 1996, EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) completed work on the Strategic Plan for the Office of Research and Development, which provides a blueprint for ORD’s research program in the years to come. With this Strategic Plan, ORD has instituted a new system for determining research priorities based on risk assessment and risk management principles. ORD uses this plan to direct its resources toward understanding and solving priority environmental problems, while supporting EPA in fulfilling its mandates. The Strategic Plan identifies ORD’s vision, mission, long-term goals, the process for identifying specific research topics and setting priorities and criteria for measuring success. The Strategic Plan was updated in 1997 to reflect ORD’s continuing evolution, to elaborate on the evaluation criteria for determining research priorities, and to provide a more detailed description of ORD’s high-priority research areas. 

IES
cade, dozens of innovative 

nd products have emerged 

R Program. A number of 

y from “proof of concept” 

other cases, companies 

-up capital or other sup

ommercialization of their 

gnizes that there are a 

mmercialization of envi

 including obtaining the 

w facilities, equipment, 

d marketing often demand 

lable internally to a small 

ore successful at commer

chnologies when they 

anning early. One of the 

mercialization is a good 

ology commercialization 

 have successfully com

al technologies stress the 

ntion to identifying the 

pany’s competitive edge, 

strategy that focuses on 

s as quickly as practi

 strong management 

nd/or investors. 

ed several initiatives to 

anies in overcoming the 

rcialization. These initia

g companies to submit 

commercialization plans with their SBIR proposals; (2) providing technical commercialization assistance to companies as they conduct their Phase I feasibility studies; (3) preparing and disseminating publications and resources designed to assist small businesses in commercializing their technologies; (4) organizing venture capitalist forums to help companies obtain financing; (5) sponsoring environmental forums to educate 

the investment and economic development communities about trends, challenges, and opportunities in the environmental industry; and (6) informing companies of the resources offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to small firms seeking to commercialize technologies. 

o encourage SBIR awardees to consider commercialization early in the develoment process, EPA now requires companies to 

submit an abbreviated commercialization plan as part of the Phase I technical proposal. EPA also provides commercialization technical assistance to companies during Phase I that is designed to help them prepare detailed commercialization plans, which must be submitted as part of their Phase II proposals. These detailed plans must address the following: a. SBIR Project: A brief description of the 

company, its principal field(s) of interest, size, and current products and sales is required. A concise description of the SBIR project and its key technical objectives also 

must be included in the commercialization plan. 

b. Commercial Applications: The plan 

should identify primary applications, markets, and uses of the technology specifying the potential customers and specific needs that will be satisfied. The contractor is not required to identify the capacity for secondary market opportunities or alternate uses associated with these markets. The contractor is expected to identify specific potential partners for the primary markets/uses identified for the technology. 

c. Competitive Advantages: The plan should 

describe what is particularly innovative about the anticipated technology or product. (Innovation may be expressed in terms of applications, performance, efficiencies, or reduced cost.) It also should identify the significant advantages of the proposed product over existing technologies. 

d. Markets: The anticipated market for the resulting technology, its estimated size, class 

of customers, and the company’s estimated market share 5 years after the SBIR project is completed and/or first sales should be specified in the plan. It also should identify the current major competitors in the market as well as those anticipated in the future. 

e. Commercialization: The plan should briefly 

describe how the company expects to produce the product (e.g., manufacture it inhouse, subcontract manufacturing, enter into a joint venture or manufacturing agreement, license the product). It also should describe the approach and steps (e.g., market the product itself, market it through dealers, contract sales, marketing agreements, 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 5 
reign companies; 

e company plans 

e technology or 

ificant sales. In 

ategy for raising 

ialization activi

 the commercial

thorizes federal 

ams to enter into 

ical assistance 

PA also offers financial assistance to accelerate commercialization of SBIR technologies through a Phase II Option. Companies 

that receive Phase II contracts can request additional funds from EPA if they are able to leverage third-party financial support to accelerate Phase II. This Phase II Option is not intended to extend Phase II or delay market entry, only to accelerate technology commercialization by encouraging companies to attract third-party financing before completing Phase II. EPA’s Phase II Option is aimed at helping small businesses explore commerciallication entitled Making Money With Your Technol- ogy: A Guide to Commercial Success, which was prepared by the Research Triangle Institute under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This guide offers insights from other companies that have successfully de­ veloped and marketed new technologies and iden­ tifies what these companies consider to be the key factors for commercialization success. EPA has plans to develop a guide that will assist small companies in obtaining financing for development and commercialization of environmental technolo­ gies and products. 

enture capitalist forums are organized by EPA to provide SBIR companies the opportunity to meet and discuss their 

technologies and financing needs with large companies, venture capitalists, and other small businesses. The Agency has found that such forums are an effective means of fostering partnerships as well as investments in new technologies. These forums offer SBIR awardees the opportunity to obtain the capital and resources needed to commercialize and market their technologies. EPA also sponsors environmental forums to educate the investment and economic development communities about trends, challenges, and opportunities in the environmental industry. These environmental forums promise to be an excellent vehicle to help investors and partner companies recognize the potential of small environmental technology firms. 

of commercial

EPA can provide 

e the Phase I 

such technical 

actor experi

commercializa

es in preparing 

n plans. These 

ion of the project, 

tions, and the 

ed by the com

ns also include 

 a strategy for 

 Over the past 2 

shown to be in

es to develop 

s that will help 

ation goals in a 

ization at the same time they are conducting the research needed to develop the technology. 

PA published the Guide to Technology Commercialization Assistance for EPA SBIR Program Awardees (EPA/600/F-97/014), 

which identifies federal, state, and private resources for commercialization assistance. This commercialization assistance guide presents information on various programs and organizations that offer technical and financial assistance as well as information and other resources, to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The guide also identifies resources available on the Internet that may provide useful information for companies interested in commercializing a technology. EPA also has disseminated to SBIR companies a pub

IES
 GUIDES FOR 

SBIR A

MERCIALIZATION

WARDEES 

he SBA has a number of resources, many of which can be accessed on the Internet at www.sba.gov, to assist small businesses that 

are seeking commercialization assistance, including: a. Commercialization Matching System (CMS): 

The CMS links potential sources of capital with firms that are participating in the SBIR Program. 

b. Small Business Development Centers 

(SBDCs): The SBDC Program provides management and technical assistance to current and prospective small business owners. 

c. Service Corps of Retired Executives 

(SCORE): Executives and business owners donate their time to counsel, educate, and advise small businesses. 

d. Business Information Centers (BICs): The 

BICs offer counseling and training services to small businesses. 

e. Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) 

Program: SBICs use their own capital, plus funds borrowed at favorable rates with an SBA guarantee, to make venture capital investments in small businesses. 

f. Financial Assistance Programs: The SBA 

offers low interest loans to small businesses. 

g. Angel Capital Electronic Network (ACE-Net): 

The ACE-Net is an Internet-based service that provides information to angel investors on small companies seeking equity financing. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 7 
IES 

WHERE ARE THESE 17

UCCESSFUL COMPANIES LOCATED?

ozens of small businesses have successfully commercialized technologies developed under EPA’s SBIR Program. Seventeen of these companies are described in this

chapter. These 17 success stories have been selected because these companies have successfully transitioned their ideas into commerciallyviable products which have generated revenuesthat exceed the funding provided by EPA’s SBIRProgram. Each profile includes a description ofthe technology, its environmental benefits, andthe company’s commercialization efforts.

his chapter highlights just a few of the innovative technologies that have resultedfrom EPA’s investment in research at small

companies across the country. These successstories testify to the important role that EPA’sSBIR Program has played in enlisting the ingenuity and creativity of America’s small high-techfirms to develop innovative technologies that improve and protect our environment.
SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 9

COMPANIES THAT SUCCESSFULLY COMMERCIALIZED TECHNOLOGIES

DEVELOPED UNDER EPA’S SBIR PROGRAM
 FOR 

 

ine as extremely hazardous chemicals used by the semiconductor industry; these chemicals also are regulated as toxic chemicals under the Clean Air Act. ATMI's scrubber system transforms these toxic gases into nonvolatile, benign solids through chemical absorption. By neutralizing, solidifying, 

ERIALS, INC. 

nc. (ATMI), was 

 to develop an 

l designed espe

ns from the semi

s the capacity of 

 became the core 

stem that was in

 The Novapure 

the electronics 

elopment institu

ardous materials 

cal vapor depo

n microelectron

vironmental chal

esses used to 

at are key compo

 devices. Silane, 

n CVD steps in 

gh large compa

es for handling 

 small manufac

 atmosphere or 

ques. As produc

 of these gases to 

n option. The 

unity Right-to

sphine, and ars

ATMI’s Novapure Dry Scrubber System, designed to reduce toxic air emissions from the semiconductor industry, was introduced into the market in 1991. 

and concentrating hazardous effluent up to 20,000 times, this technology helps to eliminate toxic air emissions and minimize solid toxic wastes from small semiconductor manufacturers. Since the award of this SBIR contract, ATMI has developed a family of novel vent gas scrubbers that are cost effective in reducing toxic air emissions from small quantity CVD processes as well as toxic air emissions released by semiconductor manufacturers. ATMI has spun off this product line into its subsidiary, EcoSys, which is now the largest supplier of point-of-use emission control equipment for the semiconductor industry in the world. EcoSys process scrubbers are smaller than traditional air pollution control equipment. Instead of a single large installation outside a fabrication plant, EcoSys products are small enough to be located at each individual pollution source. This SBIR project also led to the development of several new safety-related products for the semiconductor industry. One product, called the Safe Delivery Source or SDS that uses absorbent materials similar to those of the dry scrubber system, eliminates the use of high pressure toxic gases in the semiconductor industry. ATMI was granted four U.S. patents on its dry scrubber technology, and in just 3 years, the company’s business grew to nearly $6 million in annual sales. To expand its environmental control equipment market, in 1994 and 1995 ATMI 

ORIES
The innovative solid scrubbing material, the 

times the capacity of activated carbon. This SBIR contract led to the development of a family of novel vent gas scrubbers that are cost effective in reducing toxic air emissions from chemical vapor deposition processes as well as several new safety-related products that eliminate the use of toxic gases in the semiconductor nearly 480 employees in 1997 with annual revenue of more than $100 million. 

d combustion scrubbing. 

on. Since 1987, when 

rown from four employ

 in numerous locations 

venues of more than $100 

ts outstanding achieve

This award is presented 

s associated with the 

models of excellence in 

ATMI’s dry scrubber system reduces toxic air emissions from the semiconductor industry. core of ATMI’s Novapure dry scrubber, has 30 industry. In 1996, ATMI received the Tibbetts Award in recognition of the company’s excellence in the area of high technology. ATMI has grown from four employees in 1987 to 

ernative technologies, in

ased ATMI’s annual rev

EPA SBIR Phase I con

arage in New Milford, CT, 

vation, ATMI received the 

gy. 

se Scrubber traps unexpected releases of toxic or 

escape to the atmosphere. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 11 
ED 

REUSE OF 

nding from EPA’s 

, has developed 

e recovery and 

 More than 2.3 

d annually in the 

and industrial 

steadily increas

al emissions and 

 waste disposal 

his move toward 

ndustry has fo

 the use of hydro

turning toward 

ed solvents. Hy

ts are regulated 

any chlorinated 

ozone-depleting 

sed out by the 

90. Replacing 

ents with alcohol

 emissions and 

that were associ

 switch to these 

 recycling even 

ater must be re

ed solvents form 

ORIES 

Bend Research’s membrane-based solvent recovery system can dehydrate solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol, effectively to make recycling of aqueous- or alcohol-based solvents practical and cost effective. 

azeotropes with water. Conventional unit operations for “breaking” azeotropes are too expensive and/or too complex to make the recycle of alcohol-based solvents practical in many applications. The membrane-based system developed by Bend Research overcomes these problems through two innovations: (1) solvent- and temperature-resistant hollow-fiber modules, and (2) a novel operating mode that maximizes system performance. In the process, the spent solvent is sent to an evaporator, and the vaporous overhead is sent to a membrane module containing permselective membranes. These highly selective “vapor-permeation” membranes allow water to pass through, while restricting the passage of the solvent. The membrane module produces a product stream of highpurity solvent that is free from contaminants and suitable for recycle. This research has resulted in patents on the membrane module and the mem­ brane system. Through Bend Research’s spin-off company, Cas­ cade Separations, Inc., private clients have pro­ vided funding to commercialize this technology. The initial market focus is on the recycle of iso­ propyl alcohol (IPA) and the production of ultra­ pure IPA for the electronics industry. Future mar­ ket areas include the dehydration of other solvents (such as ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, and acetone) and the removal of contaminants other than water from solvents. IPA is used as a drying agent by the electronics industry for drying parts (e.g., silicon wafers, hard disks, circuit boards). The parts are submerged into an IPA “vapor cloud,” where hot IPA con­ denses on the cold parts and pulls off the water. The IPA/water mixture then is collected in a drip tray and removed from the dryer. The membrane- based system developed by Bend Research treats this “wet” IPA, producing dry IPA that can be reused in the dryer. Tests have shown that the membrane-based sys­ tem can take IPA contaminated with as much as 20 weight percent water and produce purified sol­ vent containing less than 0.1 weight percent water (i.e., 99.9 weight percent IPA). This system allows reuse of the spent IPA, reducing the amount of IPA waste generated as well as the amount of new IPA that must be purchased for use in the dryer. The membrane-based system also re­ moves particulates and metal ions from the IPA; therefore, the reprocessed IPA is often “cleaner” than newly purchased IPA. 
echnology have been in 

8 months, effectively re

d-disk manufacturer. The 

ell in an industrial setting, 

elds in the disk-manufac

, this disk manufacturer 

ane-based system on line 

n that this technology is 

mical. The results also 

ements could be made to 

rmeation modules to fur

of reprocessing the IPA. 

re the focus for the Phase 

proved modules are being 

e installed soon. 

ng with private-sector re

h has successfully com

ne-based technology. 

ermeation modules are be

d Research Manufactur

sidiary of Bend Research. 

 to an exclusive licensee 

ade Separations, Inc.— 

 manufacturing and mar

s created to provide 

ystems to end users in 

de has received funding 

ces for commercialization 

ade’s initial market focus 

the electronics industry, 

production of ultra-pure 

w scheme based on the 

echnology developed by 

PA’s SBIR Program. 

recycling of oxygenated solvents more cost effective, thus providing a desirable alternative to using hydrocarbon and chlorinated solvents that produce toxic air emissions and hazardous wastes. Bend Research has developed a membrane-based system that effectively dehydrates solvents. It can reduce the concentration of water in alcohols and other industrial solvents to as low as 10 ppm. The technology also can be used to break azeotropes. Several systems have been installed by a hard-disk vapor dryers used for drying parts. Results have shown that the use of this technology: decreases the amount of needed, and increases manufacturing yields. Bend Research’s membrane-based system makes the manufacturer to reduce the amount of IPA required in IPA waste generated, decreases the amount of new IPA The initial market focus is on IPA reprocessing and the production of ultra-pure IPA for the electronics industry. Future market areas include the dehydration of other solvents (e.g., ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, acetone) and removal of contaminants other than water from solvents. 

13 SBIR SUCCESS STORIES
FROM 

D WASTE 

 funding provided 

ccessfully devel

an innovative pro

unicipal sewage 

ste (MSW), and 

nergy, liquid fuel 

bust than most 

Process elimi

organic wastes— 

can help address 

ng and air emis

ir pollutants, 

on, this technol

al of decreasing 

sposal. 

 system that can 

nation with exist

ategies. Simplic

ryCarbTM proce

 a central manu

ed into a uniform, 

be created from a 

SS or a combi

and MSW. The 

 then can be 

kers to industrial 

d as a supple

al fuels such as 

E-FuelTM can be produced up to 7,720 Btu/lb (wet that it becomes a uniform, pumpable slurry fuel 

or slurry basis) at 52.0 weight percent solids (the that can be used onsite or pumped, piped, or remainder is water) and easily fired into pulverized tankered to a customer. In addition, waste stream coal boilers via spray nozzles and combusted with components, which typically must be cleaned less than 20 percent excess air. In addition, the from the flue gas after combustion (i.e., chlorine, SlurryCarbTM Process removes over 98 percent of ash, sulfur, etc.), instead are removed in the frontthe feed chlorine, greatly reducing HCl emissions end of the process at a lower cost per ton of poland boiler corrosion from combustion of E-FuelTM. lutant removed. The technical advantages of the 

Without extensive air pollution control systems, SlurryCarbTM process all contribute to its excelthe CO, NOx, trace metal, and dioxin emissions lent economics. A 100 ton per day sludge facility 

from the combustion of E-FuelTM are well below can operate profitably at a tipping fee of $40 per EPA’s New Source Performance Standards as received ton (assuming the sludge enters the (NSPS) for Municipal Waste Combustion (MWC), SlurryCarbTM system at 20 percent solids). Reand the SO2 emissions are comparable to the duced-capacity units (i.e., 25-50 tons/day) have 

NSPS for extensive air pollution control systems. similarly strong economics. In the United States 

alone, 8 million dry tons of MSS and 210 tons of 

With the SlurryCarbTM process, collected waste MSW are produced every year. EnerTech’s cost of 

is processed as a fluid in continuous equipment, disposal is equal to or below the average cost of which provides savings in capital and operating conventional disposal options for these wastes. costs. The feed waste is chemically altered so Smaller communities now have available to them 

MSW RDF Slurry E-Fuel Utilization

 of E-Fuel 

The SlurryCarbTM Process can generate a quality fuel from several low-grade fuels and wastes, including municipal solid waste and 

municipal sewage sludge. 

ORIES
ethod of MSS disposal 

ands and eliminates the 

acility to burn wastes. In

erted to a valuable fuel 

 marketplace. 

with Mitsubishi Corpora- EnerTech’s SlurryCarbTM Process eliminates 

 ton/day (as received 

 completed in early 1997. solid waste by converting municipal sewage

d an agreement with TS sludge, municipal sold waste, and other or

nit in Korea. Construction ganic wastes into a high-energy liquid fuel 

o begin in 1999. Having 

technology in the United that burns cleaner than most coals. 

tly is working with Jacobs 

an Plastics Council, and Because the SlurryCarbTM 

nnah River Company to Process eliminates

 facility in this country by the need to burn or landfill organic wastes, its

use can help address landfill overcrowding and reduce air emissions from municipal incinerators and landfills. The economic and operational viability of the SlurryCarbTM Process has been successfully 

demonstrated at the 20 ton/day level using municipal solid waste as a feedstock. EnerTech is negotiating with a consortium of companies to construct a 100 ton/day facility in the United States, which will springboard this technology into the U.S. commercial market. 

operating in Japan in early March 1997, was designed as a 

system for local MSW. The product fuel from the facility is 

r hydrogen production or cofired in a cement kiln for heat 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 15 
YCLING OF CONTAMINATED 

 RINSE WATER UTILIZING A 

CTRIC FIELD AND IN-SITU 

ech) has devel- It also saves electroplaters money by recovering 

 In-Process Re- the metal content of the rinse water. 

m EPA’s SBIR 

tem can recycle The E-CHANGETM system is a unique, hybrid 

aminated electro- technology utilizing the benefits found in conven

plating process. 

electroplating 

nsite by conven

sulting in solid

dges. In 1992, 

ric tons of copper/ 

etric tons of met

ociated with the 

ead sludges and 

$25 million and 

dditional costs 

e landfill cleanup. 

mental benefit of 

 of copper/lead 

EPA as hazard

n save the aver

ars by eliminating 

isposal costs 

sewer expenses. 

tional ion-exchange and electrowinning. The system utilizes a Modulated Electric Field (MEF) to enhance mass transport and to enable electric regeneration to occur in situ. Fara-Tech’s objective 

in developing this technology was to provide the “average” job shop plater with “point-source” pollution prevention capabilities at a cost-effective price with a return on investment (ROI) of less than 12 months. Testing indicates that the E-CHANGETM 

system can recycle approximately 90 percent of the contaminated rinse water (10 percent of the rinse water is lost due to evaporation). The dilute stream is adjusted for pH and used for rinsing plated parts. The concentrate is used to make up the plating solution, automatically readjusted for plating in situ without creating a secondary waste 

stream. 

Faraday’s E-ChangeTM In-Process Recycling System is capable of recycling approximately 90 percent of the contaminated 

ORIES electroplating rinse water back into the plating process, nearly eliminating metal sludges and significantly reducing water use. 
his technology using two 

d copper rinse water. 

 two systems, one for a 

d wiring board (PWB) 

d another for a govern

dditional laboratory data 

ead-tin rinse water with a 

ate 1999. 

leted feasibility studies 

of hexavalent chromium 

ating baths, and FaraTech 

vative technology for other 

 such as nickel and zinc. 

zation efforts have in

otion at professional soci

; (2) substantial corporate 

facturing issues and intel

tailed economic analysis, 

em cost and estimated 

s; and (4) detailed discus

ial vendors for market dis

y. 

ue business strategy 

gy Rich Platform” based 

which asymmetrical elec

trochemical processes, 

 multiple products and 

arkets. The platform repre

ying electrochemical prin

ng/metallization, fuel cell/ 

, environmental, and cor

. FaraTech has three U.S. 

S. patents pending, one 

nd five additional U.S. 

 filed in 1999. 

TM can recycle approximately 90 percent of the contaminated electroplating rinse water back into the plating process. 

The system nearly eliminates the generation of metal sludges, and the liability associated with their transportation and disposal. system is designed to provide the “average” job shop plater with a “point-source” pollution prevention capability at a cost-effective price with a return on investment of less than 12 months. electroplater thousands of dollars in sludge disposal costs and water and sewer expenses. 

TM Systems for acid copper appliFaraTech’s E-CHANGE FaraTech’s innovative in-process recycling FaraTech’s system also saves the average Two E-CHANGE

cations are being built—one for a limited production printed wiring board manufacturing facility and the other for a government research facility. An additional E-CHANGETM System is undergoing a Beta test at a specialty wire manufacturing facility for a lead-tin solder process. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 17 
RY 

ding provided by 

ped and commer

ting technology 

minates most of 

nd solid and haz

inc and cadmium 

at electroplating 

urce of natural 

d States (Electro

acterization, 

e waste from con

ns is associated 

which require 

sal of a hazardous 

Edge's process 

s related to the 

ous sludges; 

mated to exceed 

ectroplater. Be

 takes place in a 

es operator expo

ions and elimi

in situ recycling 

process. In addi

s less chemicals, 

and reduces wa

agnitude in com

ating processes. 

ORIES

Zinc and cadmium coatings are electroplated on steel hardware components used in the defense, aerospace, automotive, and construction industries to protect them from corrosion in natural environments. The electroplating process is occupationally and environmentally hazardous because it requires the use of toxic liquids and generates large quantities of contaminated wastewater and solid and hazardous wastes. To address environmental and occupational issues related to electroplating, IonEdge achieved zerowaste plating by using the novel concept of a vapor bath inside a vacuum in lieu of the conventional liquid bath in air. Furthermore, special technological features of the IonEdge process allow for material recycling. Only the parts exiting the chamber are plated, leaving the chamber and racks free of deposits. The sealed chamber operation also minimizes operator exposure to hazardous particle emissions. The dry-plating line consists of only four process steps as opposed to a dozen bath operations in conventional electroplating, and a waste treatment facility is unnecessary. A rack plating apparatus using IonEdge’s process has been in production for more than 2 years. For a batch of parts, the start-to-finish process time for the degrease-to-chromate operation is about 30 minutes. The quality of IonEdge’s cadmium coatings has been acceptable according to standard federal and U.S. military specifications, and the coatings have performed well in more than 7,000 hours in salt-fog tests. The apparatus and process developed during the EPA SBIR project were upgraded and improved to meet customers’ requirements in pilot production. In-process improvements and adjustments were made to maintain 

product quality and to achieve process repeatabilers were coated on the pilot line. The quality of these coatings was evaluated and approved by all three customers. This success led to the first commercial sale of the dry-plating process to an aerospace customer who requested IonEdge to set up three additional processes to complete the customer’s plating line. The expanded plating line and processes have been certified for coating aerospace parts, and IonEdge continues to provide coating services to than 50,000 steel components were cadmium dry plated on this plating line. These components are now in service in commercial airplanes, jet fighters, helicopters, and missiles. IonEdge is preparing a business plan for expanding the dry-plating line to increase the throughput by an order of magtion plating line will be installed for high-volume parts processing (10,000 parts/hour), which will allow customers to evaluate the full economic benefits of the dry-plating process. IonEdge is now seeking strategic partnerships for implementation of this expansion plan. ity. Test samples from three prospective customthe aerospace industry. During 1998 alone, more nitude (in the range of 2,000 parts of 1-inch size/ hour). Simultaneously, a full commercial produc­
ating by using the novel concept of a 

eu of the conventional liquid bath in air. 

t waste associated with plating; 

ergy consumption; and significantly 

IonEdge has developed a zero-waste dry plating process that eliminates most of the air emissions, wastewater, and solid and hazardous wastes associated with zinc and cadmium plating. IonEdge’s dry plating process eliminates the need for conventional toxic plating bath liquid chemicals and minimizes the liabilities related to the transport and disposal of hazardous sludges. The zero-waste dry plating process is economical— it requires 75 percent less energy, reduces water usage by an order of magnitude, and results in waste treatment cost savings of approximately $1,000 per day, for an average electroplater. IonEdge’s in-house dry plating line has been certified for use by an aerospace company. IonEdge is seeking strategic partnerships for implementation of a plan to expand the dry plating line to increase throughput by an order of magnitude, along with installation of a full commercial production line for high-volume processing (10,000 parts/hour). 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 19 
 

ded by EPA’s 

polymerization 

nyl ether and ma

ymers without 

egulated as haz

he Safe Drinking 

vation and Recov

t. EPA has clas

n carcinogen of 

ng-term exposure 

been determined 

epartment of 

d it also may be 

als have been 

particularly im

enzene as the 

thesis of copoly

ly 150 million 

 annually in the 

unds of MVE/ 

ed in the United 

r product from 

en dried—both 

sions. MVE/MAN 

d containing up to 

E's solvent-free 

minate the use of 

this 150 million pounds of benzene, the health risks associated with benzene emissions during 

the polymerization process, and the health risks associated with residual benzene in consumer products that are manufactured with MVE/MAN copolymer. It is used, for example, in the manufacture of the most widely used denture adhesive in the United States. The copolymer reacts with saliva to produce a strong adhesive between false teeth and gums. 

The copolymer from KSE’s innovative process has been subjected to extensive polymer property tests to demonstrate that it is functionally identical to the copolymer produced from the classical benzene technology. Laboratory tests, using methods certified by the Food and Drug Administration, have shown the copolymer to be of ultra-high purity, containing nondetectable benzene at a quan­ titative limit of 10 ppb. In addition to eliminating benzene from the MVE/MAN copolymer, KSE’s process has been demonstrated to be more effi­ cient and cost-effective than classical benzene technology. The reaction rate of the KSE process is much faster, leading to more than a 10-fold im­ provement in reactor cycle time. Fewer solvent separation steps are required in the KSE technol­ ogy, and the copolymer drying step is faster and more energy efficient than that of the classical benzene technology. Before committing to purchase copolymer pro­ duced using KSE’s process, customers have re­ quired that long-term product qualification tests be performed on replicate batches of commercial pro­ duction of the copolymer to confirm that the coKSE, Inc.’s solventfree polymerization 

process produces MVE/MAN copolymers without the use of benzene. This innovative process reduces the environmental and health risks associated with MVE/ MAN copolymers, and it is more efficient and less costly than classical benzene technology. 

ORIES
y be converted into the 

nture adhesive). The EPA 

SE the critical resources 

e-scale manufacturing 

gram to prove the copoly

ugh customer qualifica

would not have been 

ding. 

ts, conducted by major 

panies, concluded that 

s copolymer is excellent. 

n, a subsidiary of the Bayer 

 a letter of intent to manu

lant production of the co

egin in 1999. 

ng with private-sector re

essfully commercialized 

zation process, which will 

vironmental risks associ

 and use of MVE/MAN 

a more efficient and cost

uction the copolymer. The 

SE benzene-free copoly

 than the current selling 

ound for existing com

olymers produced using 

chnology. 

KSE, Inc., has developed a polymerization process that produces methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride (MVE/MAN) copolymers without the use of benzene. Health and environmental risks associated with the use of benzene in the production of MVE/MAN copolymer are eliminated. Health risks associated with residual benzene in consumer products manufactured with MVE/ MAN copolymer are eliminated. ChemDesign Corporation, a subsidiary of Bayer KSE’s process is more efficient and less expensive than the classical benzene technology. Corporation, has signed a letter of intent to manufacture MVE/MAN copolymer using KSE’s process. Production is expected to begin in 1999. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 21 
ORIES 

E FOR

MISSIONS

rogram, LSR

d the Core Sepa

g device that re

zed particles from

nical collectors

 particles with di

will be regulated

lutants causing

ir release from

ean Air Act. EPA

tional Ambient Air

le levels of par

ze of the particles

treams from 10

ther mechanical

capable of remov

 of less than 10

gh percentage of

s is equivalent to

ciency electro

er than the perfor

scrubber. Yet, the

ional advantages

s simplicity, reli

aintenance.

des two conven

lector for extract

culation. A

ultitude of cylindrical units, each with a single inlet for the stream to be treated and two outlets. One outlet is for the clean gas stream and the other con- tains a highly concentrated recirculation stream. The dust-laden recirculation stream is fed to a cyclone and returned again by means of the fan. The Core Separator component cleans the inlet stream and detains dust particles in the system. Because its efficiency is very high, most particles do not leave the system. They recirculate until collected by the cyclone. Two factors govern the performance of Core Separators: (1) high separa- tion efficiency of the separator component, and (2) the interaction between individual compo- nents. To achieve high separation efficiency, a proper bleed-flow ratio (i.e., ratio of the recircula- tion flow to the total flow) is required. By control- ling bleed flow, the tangential and radial velocities are controlled independently to maintain them in the desirable range. High efficiency in the Core Separator results from low particle reentrainment. The system is de- signed to avoid formation of toroidal vortices. Be- cause the Core Separator component functions as a separator and not a collector, a flow U-turn within the device can be avoided. It is entirely cy- lindrical, and surfaces promoting formation of vorti- ces are moved away from the clean outlet. This theory has been verified by actual testing and through computer modeling using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to study flow fields. It should be noted that each of these factors indi- vidually cannot prevent vorticity; however, working together they achieve what each cannot do inde- pendently. The conflicting processes of separa- tion and solids collection are accomplished separately and in different components. The inter- action between components is the principal means of attaining high system efficiency. There is strong demand for the Core Separator both as an air pollution control device and as a means to recover valuable product material. More than 50 Core Separators have been sold in the United States and abroad, and at least one com- LSR Technologies’ Core Separator System consists of a series of cylindrical units, each with a single inlet for the stream to be treated and two outlets. One outlet is for the clean gas stream and the other is for the highly concentrated recirculation stream. The dust-laden recirculation stream is fed to a cyclone where solids are extracted and returned again by means of the fan, which facilitates flow recirculation. Clean FlowCyclones Solids Core Separators Process Flow Recirculation Lines
SBIR SUCCESS

gy for recovery of chemical 

ed a payback period of 

996, the Core Separator 

stigious R&D 100 Award, 

e world’s best new technol

he year. This product is 

f the fact that very few ad

 particulate control tech

rial application for the 

ontrol device for collecting 

am of regenerative thermal 

 are used in the production 

 building industry (e.g., 

rd, particleboard, and ori

 Core Separator currently 

r wood dryer applications 

 “Best Available Control 

hese processes. 

from gas streams. By removing micron-sized particles from gas streams, the Core Separator reduces particulate matter emissions and the human health and environmental effects associated with this criteria air pollutant. More than 50 Core Separators have been sold in the United States and abroad. These units are attributed with a major reduction of particulate air emissions. For example, stack compliance testing has shown particulate emissions to be below 100 mg/nm3 when used on coal-fueled boilers. A Core Separator installation used for reLSR Technologies’ Core Separator can re­ move micron- and submicron-sized particles covery of chemical catalysts by a Fortune 500 company has produced a payback in less than 6 months. 

ch as the one at the asphalt plant 

United States and other countries to 

reams. 

STORIES 23 
polyolefin plant an annual recovery value of about 

VERY IN $1 million. 

NTS In a typical olefin polymerization process, mono

RESEARCH, INC. 

arch, Inc. (MTR), 

rogram, has de

membrane pro

er feedstocks in 

manufacture are 

s in the United 

s that are the ba

ore than 100 

re operating in 

pounds of poly

 200 plants world

ce gas streams 

eedstocks and 

Cs. An estimated 

able monomer are 

ach year, which 

missions from 

d as a criteria air 

. 

ers essentially 

lvent, and nitro

om resin purge 

lefin plant. Use 

eliminate the re

e the average 

mer plus catalyst, various comonomers, solvents, and stabilizers are contacted at high pressure in a reactor. The polymer product of the olefin reaction contains significant amounts of monomer and other organics, which must be removed before the polymer can be used. In most plants, the raw polymer is passed to large resin purge bins where nitrogen removes the absorbed monomer and processing solvents. The waste gas from these resin purge operations represents an important recycling and recovery opportunity. The vent gas from a typical resin purge bin contains 500-1,000 pounds per hour of recoverable nitrogen. Before the development of the monomer/nitrogen separating membranes by MTR, no acceptable method of treating the vent gas was available. Condensation under pressure is costly and not effective; lean oil absorption technology has been tried, but it is not commercially accepted. MTR’s membrane process recovers essentially all of the valuable monomer feedstock, solvent, and nitrogen from the vent gas for reuse in the plant. The membrane unit fractionates the vent gas into two streams—a monomer/solvent-rich stream and a nitrogen stream. The organic components are recycled as a concentrated gas or a condensed liquid to the polymerization reactor. The 97-99+ percent nitrogen stream is reusable in the degassing step, thereby reducing nitrogen consumption. MTR’s process is closed loop; therefore, no secondary waste streams are produced. 

This MTR system was installed at a Huntsman Corporation Polypropylene Plant for recovery and direct recycle of propylene monomer. 

ORIES
ystems to treat the large 

ted in polyolefin plants 

square meters of mem

he capability to produce 

s was the breakthrough 

d systems large enough 

ent streams. 

ery system, incorporating 

80 square meters of 

d in 1996, at a new 

Dutch State Mines (DSM), 

overing monomer and 

sumption, DSM expects 

annually, yielding a sys

 to 2 years. Since then, 

een installed as retrofits in 

 plants in the United 

TR has opened an office in 

chnology to American 

service those systems 

 systems are sold under 

p product line that is 

overy of VOCs from gas 

ificance of this olefin re

 was awarded the 1997 

gineering Achievement 

ard, presented by the 

urnal since 1933, recog

hy chemical engineering 

zed throughout the world 

ears. 

MTR has developed a membrane process that recovers valuable monomer feedstock, solvent, and nitrogen from waste gas streams of polyolefin manufacturing plants. emissions from polyolefin plants by eliminating the flaring of waste streams containing recovThe first monomer recovery system was installed at a new polypropylene plant in The Netherlands in 1996. By recovering monomer and minimizing nitrogen consumption, the plant system payback period of 1 to 2 years. Since 1996, several systems have been inMTR’s technology eliminates most of the VOCs erable monomer. should save about $1 million annually, yielding a stalled as retrofits in existing plants or in new plants in the United States and other countries. This success has allowed MTR to transition to a manufacturing company in addition to retaining its commitment to developing new technologies. More employees have been added as a result. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 25 
Performance ceramics are typically produced by more than 100 percent. NRC currently has 60+ 

LVENT- solvent-based techniques that inadvertently lead employees and expects to hire additional staff in

to processing, containment, and treatment of haz- 1999. 

URING OF ardous solvents and byproducts. Given the commercial importance of the electroceramic industry, 

 it is imperative that environmentally benign manu

ORPORATION 

ation (NRC), with 

Program, has de

nnovative manu

nce ceramics. 

quality while pre

amounts of raw 

equired for pro

mparison to con

es. 

try produces and 

amic products 

 growing seg

e Standard In

ng system. The 

s enabling growth 

edical devices, 

ndustries, and 

expanding in con

han 1 billion ce

hermostats, 

d IC substrates) 

k. Anticipated 

devices will fur

ce ceramics. 

facturing techniques are developed to prevent pollution at its source while providing performance improvements to customers. NRC’s manufacturing method for performance ceramics offers the following advantages over conventional techniques: (1) it eliminates the formation of secondary gaseous, liquid, or solid wastes; (2) it reduces the processing, containment, and treatment of solvents and resulting vapors by more than 10 fold; (3) it reduces energy requirements by recovering mass and heat through process integration; and (4) it produces performance ceramics of significantly improved quality (i.e., monodisperse, nanosize particles with extraordinary properties). NRC has demonstrated that devices produced from nanosized electroceramics are nanostructured and meet the needs of high performance components that will be essential for the anticipated era of nanodevices and molecular electronic components. Manufacturing of these devices is being scaled up by NRC to serve surface-mount electronics, cellular telecommunications, power components for utilities, laptop computers, and biomedical products. The market for nanostructured components should exceed $100 million/ year in less than 5 years. Since the company was founded in 1994, NRC has experienced an average annual growth of 

Nanopowders of performance ceramics produced by NRC. 

ORIES 
s from nanopowders of performance ceramics manufactured using NRC’s 

nology. 

NRC has developed and commercialized a manufacturing technology for performance ceramics that improves device quality while preventing pollution at its source by reducing the amounts of raw materials, solvents, and binders required for processing. This technology enables the manufacture of nanoscale electronic grade powders needed in next generation miniature electronics. The market for nanostructured components is expected to exceed $100 million/year in less than 5 years. NRC is scaling up the manufacturing process to produce 100,000 nanostructured components per week from electroceramic nanoscale powders. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 27 
PLASTICS 

LOGIES, INC. 

 Inc. (NRT), with 

Program, has de

nnovative process 

 containers. 

ing plastics by 

t the high-speed 

ctive recycling. 

nt by weight of 

occupy approxi

of the waste 

and disposing of 

sive due to their 

 addition, plastics 

degradation. 

ended recycling 

ethod for plastics 

ation methods. 

omically viable, 

gh quality and be 

sins. To produce 

can replace virgin 

ecycled resins be 

ity specifications. 

he plastics be 

 minimizing pro

ting process sat

pling high-speed 

IES 

spectroscopy for positive polymer identification, tion and until the introduction of NRT’s technology, concurrent parallel processing for rapid identifica- it only was possible to sort plastics into a few mation, quick real-time sorting response, and preci- jor constituents and only at relatively low accusion air jet selection of materials. Because NRT’s racy requiring significant manual sorting for quality sorting process facilitates plastics recycling, it control. Another system using expensive x-ray supports EPA’s goal to reduce the quantity of technology currently is used to sort PVC plastics waste requiring disposal. from PET plastics; however, its accuracy is 

somewhat limited and is not applicable to other 

Previously, some post-consumer packaging con- polymers. tainer resins were sorted automatically according to their visual color characteristics and visual light NRT’s new technology overcomes the inaccuratransmission properties, resulting in a pseudo- cies and limited applicability inherent in existing polymer sort. However, this is only an approxima- technologies by providing rapid positive identificaNRT’s technology facilitates accurate, high-speed sorting of post-consumer resins by polymer type. It couples 

high-speed spectroscopy for accurate polymer identification with concurrent parallel processing for rapid identification to enable cost-effective sorting to high-purity specification. 
er type according to its 

erprint. Each polymer 

rint and, therefore, can 

and sorted from other 

ems are complicated and 

chnical sophistication to 

ng characteristics. Con

fficult for operators to 

 the level and precision 

erformance. NRT’s tech

oblem by introducing a 

ne interface, which incor

raphical interface that 

asily set system sorting 

system operation. 

 systems were installed 

g facilities. NRT expects 

ng system will be applied 

worldwide, both in new 

cement of older genera

ystems currently in use. 

NRT has developed a highly accurate, high-speed process for sorting post-consumer plastics resins by polymer type. The new technology enables low-cost automated sorting of post-consumer plastics for recycling, which significantly improves the economics for plastics recycling. low- and high-volume applications, making automated sorting of plastics affordable for community materials recovery facilities. The first two commercial systems have been installed at recycling facilities in the United States. Negotiations are in process for installation NRT’s new technology is cost effective for of additional units in the United States, Europe, and Japan. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 29 
9 DUAL 

 PAINT 

support of EPA’s 

nd commercial

ct lead in paint 

tered with exist

he NITON XL

d, accurate 

dependent of the 

strate (e.g., wall

The instrument 

en when the lead 

N Detector is com

erated. It is faster 

gh to fit into wood

alves; and has 

t in the industry. 

ed with a number 

. Exposure of 

ult in premature 

. Lead exposure 

y lead to de

elerated growth, 

osure of adults 

d may cause 

esidential Lead

Act directed the 

n Development 

and Health Ad

A to establish a 

coordinated effort to eliminate lead hazards, including the elimination of lead-based poisoning hazards in federally owned or subsidized housing built before 1978. NITON's device will help detect and subsequently eliminate the health risks associated with lead-based paint. Historically, accurate measurements of the concentrations of lead in paint have been difficult to obtain because readings from existing analyzers were strongly dependent on the composition and thickness of the substrate. All existing x-ray fluorescence detectors determine the lead concentration by measuring lead x-rays excited by a cobalt source, which is very difficult to shield from external radiation. The NITON Detector uses a cadmium source to enter the lead paint, and the instrument is able to measure the concentration of lead in paint even when covered by layers of nonlead paint of unknown thickness and composition. The NITON method eliminates substrate problems because the background x-rays are far removed and so low that the method is free from the problem of “read-through” (i.e., the measurement of an elevated lead concentration due to the fluorescing of lead on a surface different from the one being examined). Read-through is a common problem with lead measurements of doors and window sashes that are painted on both sides because the high-energy radiations penetrate the wood. The NITON instrument is able to identify lead buried beneath 15 or more coats of nonlead paint by combining two complementary measures of the lead concentration in paint: (1) NITON’s patented silicon diode technique that is independent of substrate and read-through, and (2) a cadmium-zinctelluride diode that is independent of paint 

thickness or paint layering. Combining the strengths and weaknesses of each of the two methods makes the NITON XL-309 instrument an ideal lead detector. The EPA SBIR funding helped NITON develop and commercialize the XL-309 Dual Detector. It was introduced to the market in October 1996, at LEAD TECH, the annual convention on lead mitigation. In the 2 months following the convention, NITON received more than 70 orders for the XL309. NITON estimated that sales in 1997 of the XL-309 Dual Detector were three times that of the single detector units sold in 1995. 

NITON’s XL-309 Dual Detector Lead Paint Analyzer gives a fast accurate reading for the first time on deeply buried lead paint, with no read-through. It is well suited for measuring low levels of lead (i.e., 0.1 to 2.0 mg/cm2). 

IES
on of its technological

 NITON was a finalist for

iscovery Award and re

prestigious R&D 100

995. NITON also received

ech Product of the Year

995.

Analyzer fits in window wells, mullions, and

ndow located at the front edge of the XL.

market, more than 70 detectors had been ordered. NITON reported that sales in 1997 were three times that of the single detector units sold in 1995. 

cialized the NITON XL-309 Dual Detector that produces accurate measurements of lead in paint independent of the composition, thickness, and substrate of the paint. The NITON XL-309 will help detect and subsequently eliminate the health risks associated with lead-based paint. In 3 seconds or less, the XL-309 gives a positive HUD action-level reading on paint with a lead concentration of more than 2.0 mg/cm2 within 95 percent confidence; in 10 seconds or less, it will give 

a negative HUD reading, with 95 percent confidence, where no lead is present. Within 2 months of introducing the XL-309 to the 

NITON has developed and successfully commerSBIR SUCCESS STORIES 31 
F ACID 

E 

 BOARD 

on process devel

nding from EPA’s 

ric chloride etch

oard production 

micals and without 

any plants, the 

e stream gener

tors in the United 

ximately 15 mil

oride etchant 

rowing at a rate 

spent etchant is 

te for reclama

he spent etchant 

pose environmen

liability for the 

 to eliminating 

d reducing pur

e etchant, Oxley 

ricators to avoid 

and disposal 

ility associated 

xcess and spent 

e added cost 

ale of the copper 

IES 

plated out from the etchant. Oxley Research estimates a cost savings of over $100,000 per year and a payback period of less than 2 years, following installation of the regeneration equipment. Acid cupric chloride etchant (CuCl2/HCl) is used 

for more than 50 percent of PC board production worldwide. Currently, most PC board fabricators regenerate their etchant solutions chemically, using oxidizers such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide that reoxidize cuprous chloride back to cu­ pric chloride. This produces an increase in etchant inventory because the copper etched off the boards is converted to cupric chloride solution. During the development of its electrolytic regen­ eration technology, Oxley Research had to over­ come two major obstacles to develop an efficient process for regeneration of acid cupric chloride etchant. These obstacles included: (1) the large 

Preprototype-scale acid cupric chloride regenerator system developed by Oxley Research, Inc. 
ons of cupric and cuprous 

olution, and (2) the inher

to plate dendritically 

e solutions. By solving 

’s process led to copper 

and a substantially better 

ndritic sludges produced 

s. Oxley Research ob

for its process in 1995 

ject was to design, fabri

ering prototype of Oxley’s 

sed on feedback from PC 

tors and users, Oxley de

pe should be a 2.5 kg/hr 

y one-half commercial 

was to partner with an 

 that would provide funds 

ng of the prototype in 

g rights. Oxley Research 

h a company that has 

ion and testing of the pro

 provide funding for filing 

n several East Asian 

’s electrolytic regenera

ue from the following two 

of the transportation, 

ts associated with chemi

cess etchant disposal; 

sulting from the sale of 

ator cost analysis indi

se rates, payback would 

xley’s marketing goal is to 

.S. market over a 10-year 

 to sales of 31 to 45 sys

es) each year. 

Oxley Research has developed an electrolytic regeneration process that restores acid cupric chloride etchant solutions used in printed circuit board production without the need for chemicals and without producing excess etchant. risks associated with chemical regeneration of etchant as well as the transportation and disposal of spent and excess etchant. This process allows fabricators to avoid the transportation, chemical, and other costs associated with chemical regeneration and excess etchant disposal; another cost benefit results from the direct sale of the copper plated out from the etchant. use rates, payback would be less than 2 years. Oxley’s process eliminates the health and environmental Oxley’s regenerator cost analysis indicates that at high-end Oxley’s marketing goal is to capture one-half of the U.S. market, which is estimated to be approximately 310 to 450 regenerators, over a 10-year period. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 33 
T

YTIC

recision Combus

e Microlith® Fast 

offers an economi

e automotive com

s are responsible 

 VOCs and nitro

 of the hazardous 

. In addition, mo

ent of the carbon 

Cs, carbon mon

gulated by the 

tants. Hydrocar

hazardous air pol

United States be

re is the need for 

e emissions lev

emissions control 

ytic converters in 

ese catalytic con

nce they reach op

f"), they are 

minutes following 

oximately 80 per

and carbon mon

ring the initial 

e PCI's Microlith® 

startup emis

IES 

sions, it is capable of achieving an 80 percent reduction in emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, and a 50 percent reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions compared to a conventional catalytic converter alone. PCI’s Microlith® catalytic converter includes novel substrate geometry, which offers high mass and heat transfer, together with a complementary coating system. The resulting reactor is small and lightweight and exhibits ultra-rapid thermal response. The improved mass transfer provides high conversion efficiency, allowing substantial reduction in converter volume, weight, and the amount of precious metal required. The high heat transfer and lower weight of the substrate provide very rapid thermal response, reaching inlet gas temperatures within a second. As a lightoff converter, or preconverter, used in conjunction with a conventional main converter, Microlith® offers the potential for achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) performance using a device one-fourth the volume of conventional advanced technology lightoff converters with much less precious metal. PCI also has developed a smaller, less expensive lightoff converter that achieves Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) performance. Compared to current vehicles, the lower emissions achievable with a Microlith® lightoff converter allow passenger cars and light duty trucks 

to operate with greater than 80 percent reduction of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, and 50 percent reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions. The effectiveness and durability of the Microlith® 

have been demonstrated in prototype tests conducted at the Ford Motor Company (successfully demonstrated ULEV emissions from an Escort), other major auto manufacturers, and automotive 

suppliers. Comparative laboratory tests between conventional ceramic monolith and Microlith® substrates have shown that with a 20-fold reduction in 

converter volume, the Microlith® substrate delivers 

equivalent mass transfer-limited conversion. The Microlith® catalytic converter also reaches 350o in less than 1/20th the time required for a conventional monolith. 

Award of the EPA SBIR contract helped PCI attract substantial industrial investment that has advanced the Microlith® technology along the path of 

large-scale production. Because commercialization of a technological innovation in the automotive industry typically requires many years and millions of dollars, PCI has focused its efforts on tailoring the technology for specific product application, manufacturing process development, and provision of high-quality samples for testing to potential customers and partners. The United States 

and Western Europe lightoff converter market is estimated at $2 billion and 40 million units annually. PCI’s commercialization plan includes a joint venture with one or more established automoOn the left is PCI’s automotive Microlith® converter and 

main converter assembled in an integrated can. To the right is a model of a stand-alone Microlith® automotive 

preconverter. 
suppliers with the 

ajor market share in 

CI has seven issued 

gy and others pend

ived investment for 

, industrial fume 

s, etc.) from private 

ational Aeronautics 

n (NASA) and the 

ficant achievement 

h® and other innova

ologies, PCI received 

nmental Technology 

h 1998. Later that year, 

as a recipient of the 

 named as a member of 

ty,” in recognition of its 

rolith® preconverter is its small 

y in mounting and positioning. 

st growing technology 

PCI has developed the Microlith® Fast Lightoff 

Catalytic Converter that when used in conjunction with a conventional main converter is capable of achieving a greater than 80 percent reduction in emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, and a 50 percent reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions. The Microlith® is substantially smaller in 

volume and weight than conventional converters and requires considerably less precious metal. The effectiveness and durability of the Microlith® 

preconverter have been demonstrated in prototype tests at the Ford Motor Company and other auto manufacturers. funding. The EPA SBIR award helped PCI attract substantial industrial investment—$8 for every $1 of EPA SBIR PCI’s commercialization plan includes a partnership with one or more established automotive exhaust component suppliers with the mission of achieving a major market share; by the year 2005, PCI projects that sales for the Microlith® will be 

significant. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 35 
LY 

ORBENT 

ovided by EPA’s 

nd commercial

ed Sea Sweep® 

water to absorb 

sorbent is made 

olves heating 

ch the oil-like 

attractive to oil 

ater (hydropho

 It absorbs the oil 

ontact, and will 

ng environmental 

ecies. SeaSweep® 

eight in oils and 

and it will not 

® is nontoxic, bio

roorganisms and 

he market that 

surface, but re

op. Sea Sweep’s 

r chemicals are 

cles (an absor

, where the oil 

ot leach. Sea 

 chemicals, and it 

, which helps pre

eaches. In addi

attack the spilled 

IES 

SBIR funding enabled Sea Sweep to evaluate the performance of the new absorbent using various types of sawdust to determine which is most effective for absorbing oils and chemicals. Sea Sweep found that softwood sawdust is optimal in performance, availability, and cost. The tests also demonstrated that Sea Sweep® absorbs almost 

all chemicals, including antifreeze and some strong acids. In 1993, the Sea Sweep products were selected by R&D Magazine as one of the 100 most technologically significant new products of the year. At the Clean Seas ‘93 International Conference, Sea Sweep was the only commercial company to be awarded a gold medal “for its praiseworthy efforts in conjunction with the preservation of a Clean Marine Environment.” In 1997, Sea Sweep, Inc., received a Gold Medal from the United States Defense Supply Center identifying Sea Sweep® as one of the Center’s “Best Value” products. 

Oil spills from vessels and facilities (both onshore and offshore) are regulated by the Clean Water Act. Sea Sweep® has been recognized by the 

EPA in the National Contingency Plan for use in recovering oil spills in U.S. navigable waters. Sea Sweep® also is a listed product on the U.S. Coast 

Guard National Strike Force Response Resources Inventory. In addition, Sea Sweep’s absorbent is licensed by the California State Water Control Board as an oil spill cleanup agent for use in California marine waters. 

Internationally, Sea Sweep’s absorbent has received approval for use by the United Kingdom River Authority, Thames Region; the Greek Ministry of Merchant Navy, Directorate of Marine Environment Protection and Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Technology; the Chilean Oceanographic Institute and the Chilean Navy; the Ministry of the Environment in Malta; and the Argentina Coast Guard. Sea Sweep® also has received an LR-type approval 

Sea Sweep® is used 

around the world to clean up oil spills of all sizes and can be recycled as a petroleum product. Here, William Mobek prepares a demonstration in Indonesia. 
loyds Register of Ship

 London; it is the only 

bsorbent to hold this dis

n. 

weep® currently is mar

n the United States, Eu

South America, Australia, 

ealand, Japan, Indonesia, 

e Persian Gulf. 

Sea Sweep, Inc., has developed an innovative absorbent that functions both on land and water to absorb spilled oils and chemicals. Nonsaturated Sea Sweep® is nontoxic, biodegradable, and 

harmless to microorganisms and wildlife. It is capable of absorbing up to four times its weight of oils and chemicals in less than 1 minute and it will not leach. Sea Sweep® 

also floats indefinitely making it easy to collect with screens or skimmers. In 1993, Sea Sweep® was selected by R&D Magazine as 

one of the 100 most technologically significant new prodSea Sweep is licensed by the State of California and has ucts of the year. 

been recognized by the U.S. EPA as an oil spill cleanup agent. It also is a listed product on the U.S. Coast Guard National Strike Force Response Resources Inventory. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 37 
also eliminates 

vent-based inks 

ved by an appro

atment and thin 

IES 

ited on the surface of the plastic film, then passed in front of an electron beam where the monomer is rapidly and completely polymerized. The functionalized film then is ready for printing, labeling, or other processing. curable, acrylate monomers that either repel or meet the specific surface energy requirements of the client. 

echnology and 

nctionalization) 

sion of solvent

his new technol

efit of reducing 

g film printing in

s in the release 

the atmosphere. 

rs, with tens of 

pproximately 50 

 emissions from 

 Air Act. Sigma 

f this technology 

s associated with 

 P FILMS 

AQUEOUS-BASED INKS 

, INC. 

(submicron) acrylate coating within a vacuum enviequipment. The process begins with plasma treatment of one surface of the plastic film using a moderate energy flux with a suitable gas mixture. As the plastic film continues through the web procoated or coated directly with a very thin layer of an acrylate-based monomer that is 100 percent active (i.e., no solvents). The monomer is deposSigma Technologies has 

developed an innovative technology for functionalization of film surfaces to promote adhesion of solventless and aqueous-based inks. This is the vacuum chamber in which most of the surface functionalization experiments are performed. 

Sigma Technologies also has developed radiationattract water. Monomer blends can be tailored to 

l, Inc., with fund

as developed 

 the Toxic Re

ally. Solvent

egulated as crite

zation technology 

printers and con

 alternative to the 

ONALIZATION OF ACKAGING

DHESION OF

TIONAL

ronment. Functionalization is performed inline at high speed using Sigma Technologies’ proprietary cessing machinery, it can be metalized and 
 the use of solvent-based 

s’ surface functionaliza

cient for clients who met

lm following plasma 

tion of packaging films 

oefficient” for the metal in 

 film. That is, the percent

etal that condenses and 

f the film is a little higher 

plasma treated. More effi

eans less metal is 

osal costs are reduced. 

pivotal to the success of 

mmercialization efforts. 

ed compile credible data 

which resulted in R&D 

ts who are major players 

ustry to run concurrently 

BIR effort. The SBIR fund

ivate sector efforts, helped 

vercome technical and 

g Phase II and to achieve 

ation of their equipment 

oncept. 

Sigma Technologies has developed inexpensive, highspeed, inline technology and equipment for surface functionalization of plastic film that promotes adhesion of aqueous-based and solventless inks. The technology eliminates the use of solvent-based inks by packaging film printers, preventing the release of VOCs to the atmosphere as well as the need to dispose of waste solvent-based inks as hazardous wastes. Functionalization of packaging films increases the metal “sticking coefficient” for metalized plastic packaging film, reducing the amount of metal wasted and the resulting disposal costs. EPA SBIR funding helped Sigma Technologies obtain R&D commitments from major players in the packaging film industry to accelerate commercialization of this technology. The acrylate coating technology can be tailored to provide almost any surface energy desired on a plastic film substrate. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 39 
SYSTEM 

ASTICS 

 an EPA SBIR 

ymer Identifica

e that will enable 

ort a wide range 

gy for identifying 

ow and depen

ctraCode’s RP-1 

at is capable of 

tion of plastic 

y exceed 100 

day). 

g advances to 

ecycle content to 

ves need a reli

feedstock. Poly

 incompatible 

 cost-effective 

dual polymer are 

ces the cost of 

he purity of re

elp facilitate the 

plastics that are 

ery year due to 

hat is needed to 

 collection. This 

IES

technology supports EPA's goal to reduce the quantity of waste requiring disposal. The RP-1 system is an industry-ready device for the manual, point-and-shoot identification of plastic components, feedstocks, and plastic scrap. The RP-1 device consists of a hand-held probe, which looks like a hair dryer, connected to a mobile console. The probe illuminates a solid object with a laser and collects the light scattered from the sample, much like a bar-code scanner. The device uses the principle of Raman spectroscopy to read the information encoded in the molecular structure of the plastic itself and thereby identify its chemical composition. When a part is illuminated with the laser output of the probe, it causes the sample’s molecules to vibrate. The vibrations in turn cause the light to scatter in a pattern that is specific for each type of plastic. The scattered light is recorded and analyzed by a computer, 

which displays the result on a color monitor located on the console. The entire identification cycle requires less than 1 second. By eliminating the need to locate and read resin identification codes, a single RP-1 system could increase a worker’s rate of manual sorting by more than a factor of four. The instrument is simple to use because it has no moving parts and it does not require precleaning, processing, or precise positioning of the plastic waste material. The RP-1 uses SuperFocal imaging of the scattered light from the plastic waste to provide an unsurpassed depth of field (5 mm) that eliminates the need for precise sample alignment. Applications for which the RP-1 was designed include the screening of production and packaging waste and the identification and sorting of commercial and post-consumer plastic waste in community recycling centers and transfer stations. 

SpectraCode’s RP-1 system is being used to identify the plastic backing on an automobile headlight. This technology can identify plastics so they can be sorted for recycling, including plastics that currently are impossible or difficult to sort. 
 used to sort a wide range 

, it can be used to sort 

ars, synthetic fiber resins 

r of plastics used in the 

n industry. It also can be 

 such as those found in 

k wrap, and packaging 

ction of these materials 

rimarily because of the 

d separating the various 

mple user modification, 

an be used for manual 

be for feedstock identity 

ed RP-1 systems at two 

ties and in the Detroit Ve

ment Center, a joint re

al Motors, Ford, and 

ompany’s automotive 

now known as Visteon, 

ment of the RP-1 and is 

ecycling efforts. About 75 

d vehicle is recyclable at 

e and the company be

ce will help increase that 

 SpectraCode is market

omobile manufacturers 

s as well as plastic mold

s that can use the diag

 RP-1 for process control. 

Code’s technological 

evice was named one of 

cally significant products 

y R&D Magazine. 

SpectraCode has successfully developed and commercialized the RP-1, a laser-based device that is capable of identifying the chemical composition of plastic parts at rates that could exceed 100 pieces per second (500 tons per day). The RP-1 device will help facilitate the recycling of billions of pounds of plastics that are being landfilled reduce the quantity of wastes requiring disposal. The RP-1 system has added value to plastic recycling processes by reducing manpower costs and improving the purity of recovered product streams. component recycling and is slated for introduction as a new-parts process-control diagnostic by a major manufacturer of injection-molded plastic components. or incinerated every year. It supports EPA’s goal to SpectraCode’s RP-1 currently is used for automotive In 1998, R&D Magazine selected SpectraCode’s device as one of the year’s 100 most technologically significant products. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 41 
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VAL FROM 

EWATERS 

unding provided 

veloped and com

ctive removal of 

 wastewaters. 

ventory, selenium 

d over 1 million 

eum refinery 

st sources of se

e San Francisco 

f crude oil pro

ons of the San 

n classified by 

resence of sele

erfowl. Selenium 

tissues and can 

posures above 

l of 0.05 ppm. As 

Regional Water 

e selenium dis

es to 0.05 ppm. 

n has been used 

reated refinery 

ctive in meeting 

urces of sele

om sour water 

eloped specifi

um refinery 

ombining with 

biological treat

costs for TDA’s 

o-precipitation; 

IES 

however, TDA’s technology realizes a savings in capital costs of approximately 85-90 percent and generates 1/100 the waste of conventional iron coprecipitation. The oxidation state of selenium depends on the particular refinery process stream and ranges from the reduced selenocyanate in stripped sour water streams to the oxidized selenite and selenate in the combined biotreated effluent. This poses a particular problem in removing selenium from refinery wastewaters because the efficacy of the treatment process is highly dependent on the oxidation state of selenium. Although conventional iron co-precipitation is 80-90 percent effective on selenite, it is ineffective on selenocyanate and selenate. 

TDA’s process to remove selenium from stripped sour water addresses these limitations of current technology. The process involves mixing the stripped sour water with an organic soluble chelant that is highly selective for selenocyanate. The chelant binds the selenium and removes it to the organic phase, where it can be recovered by conventional oil recovery techniques. The selenium-loaded organic chelant can be managed in a number of ways including disposal in a liquid fuels disposal program. The economics of TDA’s process are competitive with conventional iron co-precipitation approaches. For example, a TDA system sized to treat a 250 gallon per minute (gpm) refinery stripped sour water stream containing 6 ppm of selenium would 

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Selenium Recovery 

Spent Chelant 

120 ga day 

Se=17 lb day 

Treated Water 

250 ga min 

pH = 5.0 

Se] < 0.3 ppm 

(< 1 day

Chelant Makeup 

120 ga day 

Ref nery Str pped 

Sour Water 

250 ga min 

8 < pH < 9.5 

Se] ~ 6.0 ppm

 (18 lb day

pH Adjustment 

Separator 

Co-Current 

Contactor 

TDA Research’s extraction process effectively removes selenium from refinery stripped sour water, which is one of the primary sources of selenium in refinery wastewaters. The process involves mixing the stripped sour water with an organic soluble chelant that is highly selective for selenocyanate. The chelant binds the selenium and removes it to the organic phase, where it can be recovered using conventional oil recovery techniques. 
on in capital expenditure 

llion in annual operating 

ue to its ineffectiveness 

n co-precipitation pro

pe would have to be sized 

 biotreated effluent con

m. Such a system would 

pital expenditure and ap

 annual operating costs. 

e TDA process is in the 

e generation that requires 

o-precipitation process 

mately 90 tons/day of 

stabilization prior to dis

ass I hazardous waste 

ss, on the other hand, 

mately 0.5 ton/day of a 

could be managed in 

ys. 

alized its technology for 

rom refinery wastewaters. 

lemented at a California 

d to deal successfully with 

m discharge that would 

ery within 3 days if it had 

petroleum refinery wastewaters, enabling refineries in the San Francisco Bay area to comply with the 0.05 ppm selenium discharge limit established by Board. percent savings on capital costs compared to conventional iron co-precipitation. waste that requires final disposal. Iron co-precipitation would generate about 90 tons/day of sludge that would require stabilization prior to disposal in a hazardous waste landfill. The TDA process would generate only 0.5 ton/day of a spent liquid that could be managed in many less expensive ways TDA has installed this technology at one California TDA’s process effectively removes selenium from the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control TDA’s process can be implemented with an 85-90 TDA’s process significantly reduces the amount of refinery and is actively marketing the process to other petroleum refineries. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 43 
IES
iness Innovation Develop

he SBIR Program to lever

nd wealth of resources 

nies, and their ability to 

development results into 

oted that, while small 

l source of significant 

States, the vast majority of 

onducted by large busi

government laboratories. 

 the Census survey, small 

cent of their R&D funds 

ment, as compared to the 

rge companies. The SBIR 

edirect some of this fed

 business community. 

e of the Act was to 

 of small enterprises in 

R&D and thus help the 

er base for technical inno

rcialization of the ideas 

ories, research facilities, 

ll hi-tech companies. 

ting in the Program are 

 a solicitation that sets 

s in motion. The solicita

he research topics to be 

ompanies to submit their 

on. Each of the 10 federal 

the SBIR Program issues 

hase I and Phase II proposals. Under Phase I of EPA’s SBIR Program, small science and technology-based firms investi­ gate the scientific merit and technical feasibility of the proposed technology. EPA awards firm-fixed- price Phase I contracts of up to $70,000 and the period of performance for these contracts is typi­ cally 6 months. Through this phased approach to SBIR funding, EPA can determine whether the re­ search idea, often on high-risk advanced concepts, is technically feasible, whether the firm can do high-quality research, and whether sufficient progress has been made to justify funding a larger Phase II effort. hase II contracts are limited to small busi­ nesses that have successfully completed their Phase I contracts. The objective of Phase II is to further develop the concept proven feasible in Phase I and complete the R&D re­ quired to commercialize the technology or prod­ uct. Competitive awards are based on the results of Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercialization potential of the Phase II proposal. Under Phase II, EPA can award con­ tracts of up to $295,000 and the period of perform­ ance is typically 2 years. Companies that receive Phase II contracts can request additional funds from EPA if they are able to leverage third-party financial support to accelerate commercialization during Phase II. he EPA SBIR Program is funded by setting aside 2.5 percent of the Agency’s extramu­ ral research budget each year. EPA’s SBIR budget is approximately $8 million and the Agency expects to award about 40-50 Phase I contracts and 15-20 Phase II contracts every year. PA issues its Phase I solicitation once each year. This solicitation, which is avail­ able electronically on the Internet and in hardcopy by mail, identifies the relevant research topics that should be addressed by companies responding to the request for proposals. The pro­ posed research must address a single research topic, or an important segment of a topic, de­ scribed in the EPA SBIR solicitation. DISTRIBUTION OF EPA’S EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH BUDGET 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 45 
ROGRAM P A D

(1990-1998) 

EPA SBIR P ROPOSAL AND WARD ATA 

IES
BIR solicitation typically 

wing research topic 

TMENT 

ve techniques for removing 

ntaminants (e.g., ammo

des, arsenic, nitrate, sul

gens, and emerging 

thogenic microorganisms; 

sinfection byproduct pre

ogens; maintaining water 

ment plant and user; and 

m drinking water treatment. 

ER TREATMENT, SEPTAGE, 

GEMENT 

ues and technologies to 

pal wastewater treatment 

atment and management 

sludge, particularly those 

ity, efficiency, and cost

 processes. 

ER TREATMENT 

ve methods to improve ex

ater processes, contain 

r and un-sewered waste

, manage runoff from mine 

om abandoned factories 

d dispose of liquid dye 

ng operations, monitor 

ater within vessels, and 

 manure. 

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND WET WEATHER POLLUTION CONTROL Development of innovative methods to treat and control stormwater runoff, including cost-effective technologies for preventing toxic pollutants from entering storm or combined sewer/drainage systems, monitoring technologies and equipment to measure the characteristics and impacts of wet weather flows (WWF), and high-rate and high-efficiency treatment technologies for existing and new wastewater treatment plants. REHABILITATION OF URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS Development of innovative techniques to repair and maintain water distribution and sewerage systems, including new sewer materials and techniques for sewer construction and maintenance; technologies to construct, maintain, and repair new and existing urban utility and water distribution systems infrastructure; and new pipe materials, relining techniques, and innovative materials for water distribution systems. PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION Development of methods to determine the nature of indoor air emissions and how they contribute to human exposure as well as cost-effective tools, techniques, and technologies to prevent or reduce individual exposure to indoor air pollutants. Areas of interest include: methods to prevent biocontaminant growth in the indoor environment; techniques to prevent/avoid dermal and/or ingestive exposure 

to hazardous chemicals on surfaces in the indoor environment; improved air cleaners that remove volatile organic compounds and small particulates; improved air filters for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems; techniques for conditioning outdoor ventilation air; and new products that reduce availability of harmful contaminants in the indoor environment. PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NOX, VOCS, SO2, AND TOXIC AIR EMISSIONS Development of innovative, cost-effective techniques that prevent or control emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX), fine particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide, or toxic air pollutants from stationary or mobile sources. Of particular interest to EPA are approaches and systems that can be used to control combinations of these pollutants. RECYCLING OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE Development of innovative methods for the collection, separation, and processing of recyclable materials into usable goods. Areas of interest include: storage, collection, and transport of recyclables from residences and commercial locations; processes to separate recyclables and to remove contaminants from recyclable materials; onsite and en route processing of recclables; technologies for improving quality control for recyclable materials; alternative/new uses and products for recyclable materials; innovative recycling of organics; and redesigning of products to enhance their recyclability. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 47 
ISPOSAL OF 

OUS SOLID 

ches to manage 

ding improved 

s, innovative 

y wastes prior 

ng techniques, 

ion and control 

stion incinerators. 

D SOIL, 

R 

effective methods 

hazardous waste 

hemical, or bio

rest include: 

methods for sub

ation and mass 

in situ treatment 

 improved meth

als by reducing 

aches for detect

se nonaqueous 

undwater; and 

eagent delivery 

al methods. 

LEAN 

iques to: (1) re

ubstances or 

am or otherwise 

r to recycling, 

uce the hazards 

ent associated 

erest include: 

 cost-effective 

methods to separate useful materials from other components in a process stream, new bulk materials and coatings with long life and reduced environmental impact, improved sensor and multivariate control of manufacturing equipment and systems to reduce waste and emissions, and changes in the composition of end products that facilitate changes in the manufacturing process or use of raw materials, or result in a reduced environmental impact from use and/or disposal. ADVANCED MONITORING AND ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES Development of more accurate, cost-effective approaches to environmental monitoring and measuring, including portable measurement technologies that can be used in the field, improved measurement of microbial pathogens in drinking water systems, improved measurement of disinfection byproducts, and devices to yield continuous data in pollutant concentrations in environmental media (including remote sensing devices). TECHNOLOGIES AND ALTERNATIVES FOR OZONEDEPLETING COMPOUNDS Development of safer alternatives to substances that harm the stratospheric ozone layer, including better and more efficient fire suppressants and systems, more reliable fire detection methods, alternatives to ozone-depleteing adhesives and coating removers, and low-temperature refrigerants or alternative technologies. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE Development of innovative methods to prevent and control releases of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such as methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and 

sulfur hexafluoride. Areas of interest include: new, environmentally safe chemicals and intelligent controls to reduce GHG emissions; techniques to reduce, detect, collect, and utilize waste methane; improved instruments and methods to measure GHG emissions; improved control of aluminum production to reduce perfluorocarbon emissions; improved processes for utilizing biomass or other renewable energy sources; and new insulation materials or processes to replace uses of sulfur hexafluoride. 

rom FY 1990 to FY 1998, EPA awarded 455 SBIR contracts to fund research and development at small businesses across the 

country. Of these 455 SBIR awards, 320 were Phase I contracts totaling $18.7 million, and 135 were Phase II contracts totaling $24.6 million. Some of the Program’s notable accomplishments are described in the following paragraphs. 

n ever-increasing number of SBIR participants are succeeding in commercializing their new products and technologies. In addition to the 17 technology success 

stories described in this report, about 30 additional SBIR-developed technologies are expected to be commercialized in the near future. This is consistent with the results of studies conducted by the Small Business Administration and the General Accounting Office. These studies have indicated that one in four SBIR participants commercialize their technologies within 6 years of receiving their Phase II SBIR awards. These technologies have yielded millions of dollars in revenue for small developers, with the added benefits of creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the environmental technology industry. 

IES
nologies and products G PA’s SBIR Program is highly competitive. 

veloped with the assis- EOGRAPHIC Due mainly to limited funds, only about 10 

BIR Program are: D percent of the small businesses submitting ISTRIBUTION OF 

Phase I proposals to the Agency are awarded an 

s comply with increasingly EPA SBIR AWARDS SBIR contract. From 1992 to 1997, 79 of 113 com

s standards, (FY1990-FY1998) panies awarded Phase I contracts were newcom­ ers to EPA’s SBIR Program. In 1998, 

void the use 20 of 37 companies were new

ous materi- BY STATE comers to the Program. Over the 

rocesses, past 6 years, an average of 87 percent of the small companies receiv

es to recover ing a Phase I award from EPA 

als for reuse, submitted a Phase II proposal. Of 

these companies submitting Phase 

II proposals, an average of about 50 

es the percent receive Phase II awards. 

environ

oducts. espite rigorous competition, 

hundreds of small firms from 

es have across the country have 

 of presti­ been successful in winning SBIR contracts 

cognition of from EPA. Companies in 36 different states 

lishments, have received EPA SBIR awards since 1990, 

ety. These with California, Massachusetts, and Colo

 100 rado receiving the largest number of Phase I 

rd, the and Phase II awards. However, companies

ar from states with few or no SBIR awards

s New should not be discouraged. EPA has con

roduct of ducted new outreach efforts aimed at those 

ernor’s states to encourage more small firms to par

ncy, EPA’s ticipate in the Agency’s SBIR Program.

ness En

nvironmen

 Award, the New

assachusetts Small Busi

ch Award, and the Con

st Fifty” Award.

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 49 
IES
s managed by the Environmental Engineering Research Division (EERD) 

r Environmental Research and Quality Assurance (NCERQA) within EPA’s 

Development. For information on the Program, contact: 

TIVES 

gov 

pa.gov 

@epa.gov 

Engineering

epa.gov 

EPA SBIR SOLICITATIONS NCERQA Web Site at http://www.epa.gov/ncerqa (select Small Business) or EPA Helpline 1-800-490-9194 or Contracts Management Division (MD-33) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 

EPA SBIR PROJECT ABSTRACTS NCERQA Web Site (abstracts for past 5 years) athttp://www.epa.gov/ncerqa (select Small Business)orFEDRIP (abstracts from 1982 to present)Tel: (703) 487-4929FOR INFORMATION ON SBA’S RESOURCES FOR SBIR AWARDEES CONTACT: U.S. Small Business Administration

Office of Technology 409 Third Street, SW Washington, DC 20416 Tel: (202) 205-6450 http://www.sba.gov/SBIR/sbir.html 

This report was prepared for the Engineering Research Division of the National Center for Environmental Research and Quality Assurance (NCERQA) under Contract No. 68-D7-0010. 

SBIR SUCCESS STORIES 51