Inductive Telemetry Temperature-Conductivity Measurement String

A need exists for low cost-per-station density measurements to be made in conjunction with many moored and free-drifting oceanographic platforms. This need is particularly acute in situations where Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP's) are used on a measurement string. The ADCP has the advantage of being able to remotely profile the velocity field up to several hundred meters away from the instrument with resolution of tens of meters. However, this remote sensing capability means that if an ADCP alone is deployed, no measurements other than velocity will be made along the ADCP profile. A solution is to place in-situ sensors along the mooring line with matched resolution to the ADCP, however, the cost per station of presently commercial available systems prevents such measurements. Falmouth proposes to demonstrate the ability of FSI's Industrial Temperature Conductivity sensor to provide low-cost, real-time density measurements for applications such as those described above. The existing sensors would be modified for 1) high accuracy (25 ppm in salinity) appropriate to the oceanic environment, and 2) integrated with real-time telemetry using WHOI proven inductive modem techniques. SBIR Phase I funds would be used to demonstrate the ability of a prototype system which would meet performance and cost goals.