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Fiber Optic Grating Based Moisture Sensor--Blue Road Research, 2555 N. E.205th Avenue, Fairview, OR 97024-8600; 503-667-7772
Mr. Whtten Schultz, Principal Investigator
Mr. Eric Udd, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-99ER82753
Amount: $750,000
It is difficult, but necessary, to monitor the movement of water through a waste containment area. The movement of the water could act as a carrier to contaminate groundwater, or could act as a source of corrosion. This project will develop a low cost (less than $100 per sensor in 1,000 part lots), distributed fiber grating moisture sensor capable of monitoring 50 points on a single fiber line or 500 points with a 1x10 switch. Phase I developed and demonstrated a moisture sensor that was small (dimensions within 8x8x20 mm), reversible, and capable of continuous moisture measurement. Sensitivity levels showed promise of meeting the 1 percent volumetric target. The Phase II project will develop improvements in absolute accuracy and stability of the sensors while reducing overall costs. Interfaces will be developed suitable for supporting the deployment of the sensors at a landfill, bridge, or aerospace platform, and an actual system will be deployed at both a landfill and bridge.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The moisture system for monitoring hazardous waste areas should be applicable for use on civil structures such as bridges and to the aerospace community.