- 100 Award for the VaporSep® technology. A subsequent SBIR award from EPA allowed MTR to complete design of an innovative membrane module that will allow expansion of the VaporSep® product line to low-flow-rate conditions. This membrane module is
designed specifically for application to extremely low gas flow conditions in small vent streams, such as gasoline station tank vents or purge streams from chillers in commercial air conditioning units. Although this module has not yet been commercialized, MTR is actively pursuing a
licensing agreement and expects the technology to be commercially available in the near future.
- needed to develop a sealant that met the specification standards of the automotive industry and to bring the recycling technology into commercial application for the auto manufacturing and sealant industries.
Environmental Significance. About 75 million pounds of paint sludge are generated by the U.S. automotive industry each year, making a significant contribution to landfills. By recycling the paint sludge into compounding ingredients for automotive sealants, Aster’s process significantly reduces the amount of paint sludge requiring disposal in our nation’s rapidly filling landfills.
Aster, Inc.
Aster, Inc., located in Fairborn, OH, was awarded an SBIR contract by EPA to develop a process for recycling solid automotive paint wastes into automotive sealants. Aster proposed to develop a process for recycling the paint sludge into compounding ingredients for automotive sealants that meet current auto makers specifications for paintable sealants.
Prior to the SBIR award, Aster had developed the recycling technology and a sealant formulation prototype containing 50 percent of recycled paint waste solids. The SBIR contract provided funding to conduct the research
- Impact of Commercial Success. Aster has licensed their paint waste recycling technology to a company that has shared a portion of the commercialization cost. Since commercializing the technology, Aster’s sales have doubled and new business
opportunities have developed. In recognition of the company’s achievement, Aster has been nominated for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency.
Fusion Systems Corporation
Fusion Systems Corporation, in Rockville, MD, developed a high-efficiency, mercury-
