Thermal Imager-Based Device for Detecting Fuel Tank Leaks

An innovative R&D effort is proposed to develop a novel, low cost and portable optical imaging device to enhance the detection of fuel tank leaks. The proposed device would exploit the latest in sensitive, cost-effective, uncooled thermal imaging technology developed largely under DOD sponsorship. The basic concept to be investigated for feasibility in Phase I entails pressurizing a tank internally with warm air (which may be seeded with an appropriate concentration of a molecular absorber to enhance thermal IR emission/absorption) and visualizing leaks with a thermal IR imager. To enhance image contrast the imager may also be equipped with an appropriately chosen bandpass limiting filter(s). A Phase I proof-of-concept feasibility study is proposed that will research the most appropriate thermal IR imaging technology to use for this application that is consistent with detecting the predicted infrared signatures resulting from escaping plumes of the heated air mixture. Feasibility will be assessed on the basis of portability, cost, sensitivity and resolution as well as reliability and ease of use. In addition to paper assessment studies, feasibility of the propsed detection scheme will be demonstrated through small scale laboratory experiments.