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A Novel Potentiometric Pressure Sensor with a Temperature-Independent Signal for Geothermal Drilling--Materials and Systems Research, Inc., 1473 South Pioneer Road, Suite B, Salt Lake City, UT 84104-4135; 801-973-1199
Dr. Jan-Fong Jue, Principal Investigator
Dr. Anil V. Virkar, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-99ER82824
Amount: $99,958
State-of-the art pressure sensors for geothermal drilling suffer from the following shortcomings: a power source is required; the signal is temperature-dependent, and the temperature range is narrow. This project will develop an electrochemical, potentiometric pressure sensor that does not require a power source, has a temperature-independent signal, and can be used at temperatures over 400oC, possibly even higher. When pressure is applied to the sensor, a millivolt signal is created, but because the sensor is not piezoelectric, the signal can be amplified using techniques from the microelectronics industry. In addition, the sensor can be miniaturized. In Phase I, the active element of the sensor will be fabricated and the sensor's functionality will be demonstrated from room temperature to over 400oC, over a wide pressure range. This will demonstrate that the signal is both temperature-independent and linear. Two approaches will be used to amplify the signal up to 100 times: mechanical amplification, and electrical amplification. In Phase II, photomicrolithographic techniques will be used to amplify the signal a thousand times. Miniaturized yet rugged sensors will be demonstrated in geothermal drilling operations.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercial applications for these low-cost pressure sensors include: geothermal drilling, oil drilling, monitoring pressure in chemical reactors, aviation, the automotive industry, and the measurement and monitoring of pressure in any high temperature (up to 700oC) application.