As part of this project, EFP will begin testing its licensed nano-enhanced filter media at Edgewood Chemical Biological Center in Edgewood, Maryland within the next few weeks.
The testing and evaluation process is expected to take approximately one month to complete, following which (assuming positive testing results), EFP expects to sub-license its nano-enhanced filter media to a Department of Defense approved manufacturer to enhance existing filtration products that are currently used by the US Air Force, Army and Navy, as well as to commence development of new product applications that will serve to better protect US Military personnel.
"The award of the PDT&E grant from CCAT to develop a standard filter media testing protocol for the U.S. Military is a milestone for our company," said Douglas K. Beplate, President, EFP.
"While we originally expected to begin testing for the U.S. Air Force last month, we have been requested to have our filter technology tested for all branches of the Military simultaneously."
Mr. Beplate went on to add, "We expect that the testing will not only prove to be successful, but will also lead to a rapid commercialization of our licensed nano-enhanced filter media technology which will assist all branches of the U.S. Military - Army, Air Force and Navy - to incorporate our technology into applications that will serve the U.S. Military worldwide."
For the past 18 months, EFP has been working in conjunction with U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command (RDECOM) to test its nano-enhanced 2H filter technology in order to accelerate the commercial development of a number of filter technology applications and allow for rapid procurement by the U.S. Department of Defense.
RDECOM has been examining how to apply the company's filter technology to a large number of potential applications, including, but not limited to: biohazard masks, transportation (aircraft, tanks, armored personnel carriers) and buildings (military, industrial, office and residential).
The program has conducted a number of cost and user needs analyses, economic analyses and technical viability studies of EFP's proprietary licensed 2H Filter technology. Over 1,000 potential applications of EFP's filter technology have been identified by RDECOM.