Detection of Contaminants in Petroleum

Detection of contaminants in petroleum is highly desirable in order to prevent devastating effects of sabotage or to prolong the life and enhance the efficiency of engines. Analysis of the chemical composition of a fluid can provide an abundance of information on quality, by allowing for the detection of both contaminants and naturally occurring components. Establishing a library of contaminants and normal constituents will allow for the user to rapidly establish the properties and quality of the sample. As part of this SBIR, Polaris will develop a portable instrument package that rapidly and accurately detects contaminants in petroleum products, including chemical and biological agents of both naturally occurring and illicit origin. The Phase I will be a study phase to determine the optimum detection capabilities with the minimal complexities and cost. The robust instrumental package that will identify and quantify the dangers of contaminated fuels in the field will be developed in Phase II. The primary development path will consist of a robust yet low cost, broadband spectroscopic device based on a fiber optic based spectrometer with no moving parts.