Grantee Research Project Results
Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor for Long-term Monitoring of Groundwater Trichloroethylene Levels
EPA Contract Number: EPD10030Title: Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor for Long-term Monitoring of Groundwater Trichloroethylene Levels
Investigators: Beshay, Manal H.
Small Business: Intelligent Optical Systems Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2010) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Waste , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
There is a current need for sensor technologies that can be used for the long-term monitoring of groundwater, specifically for chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as trichloroethylene (TCE). Sensors should meet required pollutant detection levels and be small enough, yet robust, and be capable of being deployed at a reasonable cost. The sensor formant should include flux meters and piezometers to characterize change over small vertical and horizontal scales. Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS) proposes a distributed fiber optic TCE sensor employing a novel indicator chemistry that will help to overcome the drawbacks historically associated with the Fujiwara indicator. IOS’ new approach to TCE monitoring is based on the use of a new colorimetric indicator that has excellent miscibility with IOS’ proprietary, highly permeable, ultraviolet light curable, optical cladding polymers. The resultant fiber sensor coating, which is highly sensitive to low levels of TCE in water, undergoes color changes from clear (when unexposed) to deep red (when exposed) to TCE. This distributed optical fiber detection approach meets the required monitoring parameter, and will offer high sensitivity and the simultaneous monitoring of multiple locations.
This study will prove the feasibility of using this newly discovered TCE indication in an optical fiber cladding sensor to detect low levels of TCE. The successful results will lead to the development of cost-effective, robust, sensitive, distributed TCE sensors for the remote, long-term monitoring of groundwater.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, EPA, fiber optic sensor, groundwater, water monitoring, waste management, sensor technologies, chlorinated hydrocarbons, pollutants, detection, trichloroethylene, TCE monitoring, measurement and monitoring, groundwater monitoring, TCE sensor,Progress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase II:
Optical Sensor for Monitoring of Groundwater Trichloroethylene Levels | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.