48
Broadly
Tunable Mid-IR Hydrocarbon Sensor--Physical
Sciences, Inc., 20 New England Business Center, Andover, MA
01810-1077; 978-689-0003, www.psicorp.com
Dr.
Douglas J. Bamford, Principal Investigator,
Dr.
David Green, Business Official,
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83851
Amount:
$749,970
Selective detection techniques for gas-phase
species are needed by energy-intensive industries to improve process efficiency
and ensure worker safety. The most
commonly used analytical technique, gas chromatography, does not allow processes
to be controlled in real time because samples must be taken to a remote
location. An alternative analytical
technique, laser absorption spectroscopy, is capable of rapid, selective on-site
detection of the relevant chemicals. This
project will modify a mid-infrared laser source, which meets both the
performance requirements (linewidth, power, tuning range) and the practical
requirements (ruggedness, compactness, ease of use, room-temperature operation,
cost) of a laser source for industrial process control.
In particular, the requirement for a broad tuning range will be
addressed. Phase
I proved feasibility by altering the design of the laser source to greatly
increase the tuning range without altering any other performance parameters.
Speciation of a hydrocarbon mixture important in ethylene manufacturing
was demonstrated. Phase II will
produce a compact prototype analyzer, tailored for operation in a wavelength
range of interest to analytical chemists in the petrochemical industry, and
demonstrate its usefulness in a working petrochemical facility.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The laser source should be used to detect hydrocarbon species of importance to the petrochemical industry for process control and environmental monitoring. Other applications include combustion emissions analysis, fugitive emissions control, and contraband detection.