Grantee Research Project Results

In Phase I, LGR has demonstrated technical feasibility by fabricating a visible iCRDS system optimized for NO₂ quantification in ambient air. The prototype, which includes autonomous, periodic measurements of NO₂‐free air using an integrated chemical scrubber, provides rapid (< 10 seconds), very precise (± 0.043 ppbv, 1σ, 5 Hz) readings over a wide dynamic range (0-3 ppmv) with linear response (R² > 0.9999 from 0-300 ppb) and minimal interference from other gas‐phase species (< 100 ppt error at ambient ozone and glyoxal levels). The Phase I prototype was delivered to Professor Russell Dickerson and Dr. Jeffrey Stehr in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at the University of Maryland for direct intercomparison to a chemiluminescence analyzer and found to be accurate to within ± 0.7 ppbv (1σ). Subsequent to these validation studies, the Phase I sensor was deployed at the EPA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Superfund site (Beltsville, Maryland) for 19 days and provided data that were in excellent agreement with conventional National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) chemiluminescence analyzer. This analyzer also was deployed aboard a Cessna 402b as part of the DISCOVER‐AQ campaign that correlates satellite, airborne and terrestrial measurements of pollutants. A second prototype was deployed simultaneously aboard LGR’s mobile laboratory platform to monitor NO₂ concentrations throughout the Bay Area, California, and provided data consistent with EPA’s roadside monitoring initiatives. Finally, the Phase I results were used to design a Phase II prototype that includes the capability to quantify both NO₂ and NOy. Because of the success of this research, LGR and the University of Maryland are preparing the Phase I results for publication. In addition to these Phase I technical activities, LGR actively commercialized the NO₂ analyzer through international distributors, presentations and Internet marketing. These commercial activities already have resulted in Phase I sales that exceed $120K, and LGR anticipates a Phase III market of 219 units, yielding revenue of approximately $3.3 - $4.3M. Additionally, LGR will market the SBIR analyzer for industrial process control applications and scientific research.

 

In Phase II, LGR will develop and deliver two complete, autonomous NO₂ and NOy analyzers for NAAQS compliance monitoring. The first analyzer will be optimized for terrestrial applications and will be deployed near major roadways in urban centers, proximate to an analyzer in EPA’s current NO₂ monitoring network. The second instrument will be developed for both terrestrial and airborne applications and deployed in conjunction with Dr. Stehr’s group.