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High Precision CO2 Sensor for Balloon Sonde Atmospheric Measurements--Southwest Sciences, Inc., 1570 Pacheco Street, Suite E-11, Santa Fe, NM 87505-3937; 505-984-1322, www.swsciences.com
Dr.
Joel A. Silver, Principal Investigator,
Dr.
Alan C. Stanton, Business Official,
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83779
Amount:
$746,246
A better scientific understanding of the sources and
sinks of CO2, and of the interactions between the biosphere and
atmosphere (troposphere and stratosphere) are needed.
However, in situ measurements have been restricted to airplane or
large stratospheric-type balloon gondola platforms, due to the size, weight, and
power requirements of current instrumentation.
A more frequent, widespread measurement campaign using smaller, less
expensive balloon sondes is limited by the lack of suitable instrumentation.
This project will develop a simple, lightweight, inexpensive carbon
dioxide sensor suitable for balloon sonde measurements, yet exhibiting
specifications that match the much larger and expensive research instruments
used on current airborne platforms. Phase
I developed calibration and analysis procedures, determined the best
high-sensitivity optical detection methodology to employ, and developed
proprietary components to assure precise measurement performance over the full
range of balloon sonde flight, from sea level to the lower stratosphere.
Phase II will develop and field test a prototype instrument with
sub-part-per-million precision for carbon dioxide detection, suitable for
deployment on balloon sondes.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits as
described by awardee: In
addition to its use as a research instrument for atmospheric measurements, a low
cost, portable gas sensor should have application in such areas as gas leak
sensing of pipelines, fire detectors for commercial and private aircraft, and
process control sensors for energy and chemical production industries.