Low-Cost, High Performance Chemical Analyzers for Industrial Safety, Process Optimization, and Quality Control Applications

70458 This project will develop small, low-cost, low-power, high-performance point analyzers and analyzer networks for the control of energy-related industrial processes. Phase I will develop a prototype infrared instrument capable of general, multi-channel detection in the 3 to 5 micron and the 8 to 14 micron wavelength bands. In addition, the software needed to configure the instrument for optimum performance in a specific chemical composition application will be developed. In Phase II, a fully-functional, calibrated chemical composition analyzer will be demonstrated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The underlying technology should have application in both chemical composition analyzers and biochemical fluorescence assay readers. Potential markets include chemical and biochemical weapons detection, medical diagnostics, high-throughput screening, process control, water supply quality assurance, ambient air monitoring, fence-line monitoring, continuous emissions monitoring, natural gas calorimetrics, and enhanced HVAC control.