Automated Optical BTU (British Thermal Unit) Sensor for the Natural Gas Industry

41155 November 20, 1996 Spectral Sciences, Inc. A key requirement for efficient distribution of natural gas is automated real-time monitoring of its BTU (i.e. caloric) content and composition. This project will develop a spectrometer based on multispectral measurement of the optical absorption of the natural gas components. Phase I will demonstrate the potential for accurate low-cost BTU sensors based on this approach and will collect the necessary spectral and technical data required to project system performance. In Phase II, a field deployable prototype will be developed and tested. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This effort should lead to the commercial production of a low-cost, on-line BTU/ composition sensor to meet the market requirement for cost-effective automated monitoring in the natural gas transmission and distribution industry.