Isotope Sensor for Carbon Sequestration Monitoring

Carbon isotope ratio measurements are presently used to distinguish among the various sources of carbon in the atmosphere, in particular, between natural sources and those resulting from human activity. Potentially, carbon isotopes could be used in a similar fashion to monitor leaks from carbon dioxide sequestration sites. The current standard for performing these measurements is isotope ratio mass spectroscopy (IRMS). Despite considerable effort, however, IRMS continues to require large, expensive instrumentation that is not suitable for field use. The availability of lower cost, maintenance-free instrumentation would allow field measurements to be obtained routinely. This project will develop an approach to monitoring atmospheric 13CO2/12CO2 isotope ratios based on a novel room-temperature mid-infrared laser source that will be used in conjunction with high resolution absorption spectroscopy. During Phase I, a brass board system will be used to demonstrate the requisite accuracy and precision required in the laboratory and in the field. Phase II will produce and field test a refined, autonomous prototype.