Compact Gas-Phase Sulfur Analyzer for JP-8 Reforme

In this SBIR effort, Los Gatos Research proposes to utilize its patented Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (Off-Axis ICOS) technology to develop a compact, sensitive analyzer capable of accurately quantifying gas-phase sulfur species (H2S and COS) in a JP-8 fuel reformer unit. The instrument will rapidly (< 10 seconds) detect < 1 ppmv of these sulfur species in the hot gas stream (300 – 600 °C) with no interference from other reformer species, immediate recovery from high sulfur levels, and reproducible baseline values with no calibration (e.g. no zero drift). Moreover, the analyzer will be compact (< 1300 in3) and integrate into < 10 % of the volume of the JP-8 fuel reformer unit (~ 13824 in3). In Phase I, LGR will demonstrate technical feasibility by fabricating an Off-Axis ICOS system for H2S quantification at low concentrations and testing the system to demonstrate its accuracy, precision, linearity, zero drift, response time, and cross-interferences. Extending the technology to measure other reformer gases will also be investigated. Two gas handling strategies will be evaluated to address the high sample temperature. Finally, the Phase I results will be used to develop a Phase II prototype that integrates into the JP-8 fuel reformer unit.