Multiplexed Real-TIme Opacity Monitor

Foster Miller proposes to develop for the Air Force a novel multiplexed opacity monitoring system, which is low cost and EPA compliant. The system consists of multiple fiber optic probes used as the monitoring heads, and a central control and data acquisition unit. This approach will result in a robust, rugged, and easily expandable system which is readily adaptable to various stack monitoring applications. The use of bulk optics and wide band light source, as presently used by other systems, increases the complexity, maintenance, and cost of such systems. Impressive progress has been made in recent years in the area of fiber optics, miniaturized optical components, and fiber optics system assembly techniques. Foster-Miller, together with our commercialization partner. Air Instruments and Measurements, will apply its experience in the area of fiber optics probes and system integration for this opacity monitor application.Successful completion of the proposed research and development program will result in a unique opacity monitoring system that will dramatically reduce the cost to the Air Force for an EPA compliant, multiports emission monitoring system.