In Situ Optical Monitor for Waste Tank Gases

78044S Department of Energy waste storage tanks require continuous monitoring of species in solid, liquid, and gaseous phases. Gas phase species of interest include ammonia, methane, and carbon dioxide. This project will develop in situ optical sensors that will selectively and sensitively detect these species along with the moisture in the waste tank headspace. The sensors will take advantage of a rugged, compact, path length enhancement method and inexpensive near-infrared lasers. A similar technique will be used to quantify molecular hydrogen in the tank headspace. In Phase I, an optical spectrometer for detection of ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, and moisture will be constructed based on a single common sample cell. The sensitivity of the spectrometer for each species will be quantified by concentration challenge experiments. Concurrently, an indirect method for determination of molecular hydrogen concentration will be evaluated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should provide high-performance in a rugged, compact package. The spectrometer can be manufactured inexpensively relative to existing devices of comparable performance. The approach will enjoy price, performance and physical advantages in a variety of gas detection applications, including atmospheric monitoring, environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, process gas analysis, and breath diagnostics.