Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Real-Time Transformer Oil Polychlorinated Biphenyl Sensor
EPA Contract Number: EPD07082Title: Real-Time Transformer Oil Polychlorinated Biphenyl Sensor
Investigators: Evenson, Carl R.
Small Business: Eltron Research & Development Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: May 1, 2007 through April 30, 2009
Project Amount: $212,294
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (2007) Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Waste , Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Under this SBIR Phase II project, Eltron developed a portable system for analysis of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated transformer oil. Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis were combined to create a rapid in situ sensor capable of simultaneous determination of PCB concentration and composition. The system utilized a submersible probe to provide essentially real-time analysis without removing transformer oil from its reservoir. Eltron’s Raman-based sensor combines the advantages of high sensitivity, low detection limits, and the ability to distinguish different Aroclors with a low per sample testing cost in a field deployable, hand-held unit.Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Conclusions:
In this Phase II project, Eltron successfully demonstrated that a chemometric sensor based on Raman spectroscopy could be used to predict PCB concentrations in transformer oil. A library of greater than 3,000 Raman spectra was collected for model development in Pirouette chemometric software. Regression and classification modeling were performed. Regression models clearly showed the ability of the models to predict PCB concentration; however, the models were not accurate enough at low PCB concentrations to be effective as PCB sensors. In an effort to improve the model accuracy, SERS was tested. Results were mixed. SERS did improve model accuracy for some transformer oils, but not for other oils. Overall, the modeling results were not accurate enough to justify development of a hand-held Raman sensor prototype.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, EPA, polychlorinated biphenyls, PCB, Raman spectroscopy, portable real-time sensor, environmental monitoring, portable monitoring, hazardous waste removal, sustainable industry/business, scientific discipline, RFA, technology for sustainable environment, sustainable environment, environmental engineering, environmental monitoring, environmental technology, real-time measurement, hand-held Raman, chemometrics, PCB sensor, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Sustainable Industry/Business, Sustainable Environment, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Engineering, environmental technology, real time measurement, PCBSBIR Phase I:
Real-Time Transformer Oil Polychlorinated Biphenyl Sensor | 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.