Early Warning Fugitive Emissions Monitor

We propose to develop a sensitive, fiber-optically-coupled, diode laser instrument to detect the fugitive emission of volatile organic compunds (VOCs). The instrument, based on molecular absorption, will be capable of simultaneously monitoring several species. It will include a novel noise cancellantion system to ensure the necessary sensitivity to detect vapor emissions from small leads in the plumbing components associated with industrial environments. The instrument will be small, lightweight, rugged and capable of either direct or remote detection deployment. It will be designed to operate under a wide range of environmental conditions and will produce both a visual and an audible alarm when a lead is detected. The results of the Phase I effort will be used to design a prototype commercial instrument for Phase II development. The Phase II effort will involve field tests of the instrument at an Air Force site and the initiation of a commercialization program.