Patent — available for licensing
Sorbent Polymer Extraction and Remediation System (SPEARS)
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
NASAs Kennedy Space Center has developed a novel method for the in situ removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in submerged sediments. The technology consists of low-cost polymer spikes that attract and absorb PCBs. Seeking to avoid the pitfalls of current methods for handling PCB-contaminated sediments, NASA researchers developed a new approach for removing the PCBs. A series of polymer spikes, filled with an environmentally green solvent (e.g., ethanol), are first placed into a support frame. The frame is then lowered into submerged areas with PCB-contaminated sediments. Once in contact with the sediments, PCBs are drawn into the polymer spikes through diffusion. The solvent interior of the spikes helps to drive the movement of the PCBs into the spikes. Following PCB removal, the frame is removed and the spikes can be disposed of via incineration or landfilling. As an alternate approach, the spikes could potentially be decontaminated and redeployed.