Volume 10, Number 5 • September/October 2002 • Moving Forward

Technology Opportunity Showcase highlights some unique technologies that NASA has developed and which we believe have strong potential for commercial application. While the descriptions provided here are brief, they should provide enough information to communicate the potential applications of the technology.or more detailed information, contact the person listed. Please mention that you read about it in Innovation.

Body Fluids Monitor

NASA is seeking industrial partners to license the Body Fluids Monitor for commercialization. This invention relates to a process and apparatus for determining amounts of body fluids in a subject using bioelectrical response. Based on circuit components, the total volume of body water, the volume of extra-cellular water, the total blood volume and the total plasma volume of a subject may be calculated utilizing a sequence of measurements and processing steps. NASA originally developed this device to measure the loss of fluids from astronauts during space flight.

This invention has several advantages over other methods. Its noninvasive nature allows the assessment to be repeated quickly and safely. Other invasive methods are time-consuming and cannot be repeated until the diluting substance leaves the body. Additionally, the nonradioactive nature of this invention does not put the subject at an increased risk due to the use of radioisotopes. Total blood volume may be assessed. The measurement error and accuracy of this technique is similar to current clinical standards (dilution techniques). The accuracy of the assessment of total body water and extra-cellular fluid volume is greater with this method than with previous bioimpedance methods.

This process may be used in both research and clinical settings to determine an individual’s hydration level. It may also provide a convenient, lightweight system and method for use in medical clinics and health and exercise clubs for monitoring an individual’s body mass and percentage of body fat. In addition to providing an accurate electrical circuit representation of the human body, this technology may find applications in the assessment of cerebral and other regional blood flows, muscle mass ofthe upper and lower limbs, cardiac output, bone mineral content and total body protein, and blood pressure.

Potential commercial uses include usage in hospital settings to measure body fluids pre- and post-surgery, as well as during surgery to monitor blood loss and liquids going back into the body; monitoring health and health conditions such as osteoporosis through the measurement of bone mineral content; and usage in field research and field applications because of its unique portable design. Q

For more information, contact Michael Powell, PhD, Research Scientist, at Johnson Space Center, phone: 281/483-5413, fax: 281/483-2888. Please mention you read about it in Innovation.

Low-Cost, Long-Lasting Liquid Coating

NASA Kennedy Space Center currently seeks qualified companies to license and commercialize its newest liquid-applied coating technology. Developed to protect embedded steel surfaces from corrosion, this material is made of inexpensive, commercially available ingredients and is easily applied by brush or spray to the outer surface of reinforced concrete.

This highly reliable, low-cost liquid-applied coating offers companies a convenient method of protecting embedded steel rebar surfaces from corrosion. By transferring the corrosion-preventive measures from the interior of the formed concrete to the concrete surface, companies will have an efficient and practical means of slowing or even stopping the internal corrosion process.

The coating may be used to prevent corrosion of steel in concrete in several applications, including highways and bridges, piers and docks, concrete balconies and ceilings, parking garages, cooling towers and pipelines.

The inorganic, galvanic coating contains one or more of the following metallic particles: magnesium, zinc and indium. In addition, the coating may contain moisture-attracting compounds that facilitate the protection process. After the coating is applied to the outer surface of reinforced concrete, an electrical current is established between the metallic particles and the surfaces of the embedded steel rebar. This electrical (ionic) current is responsible for providing the necessary cathodic protection for the embedded rebar surfaces. KSC’s Materials Science Laboratory and Beach Corrosion Test Site have characterized the coating’s performance. Early tests determined that the coating met National Association of Corrosion Engineers’ (NACE’s) RP0290-90 100-millivolt (mV) polarization development/decay depolarization criteria for complete protection of steel rebar embedded in concrete. Other tests verified that the embedded rebar became negatively polarized, indicating the presence of a positive current flow with a shift in potential of over 400 mV. Accelerated life tests, tests with chlorides to simulate contamination, and compound optimization tests are currently being performed.

There are many benefits to this technology. Because the coating is applied to the outer surface of the reinforced concrete and notdirectly to the rebar, corrosion prevention is achieved after construction is complete. Application is performed quickly and can be repeated to provide extended protection. The low cost is achieved through relatively inexpensive labor and materials. Because the coating lasts 10 years or more, maintenance costs are also reduced over the lifetime of the structure. Q

For more information, contact Lynne Henkiel, KSC Industry Liaison, at
phone: 321/867-8130 or Lynne.Henkiel@ksc.nasa.gov and reference Case Number KSC-12049. Please mention you read about it in Innovation.