Development of a Passive Infrared Remote Effluent Sensor for Air Toxic Monitoring

Spectral Sciences Inc. proposes to design and develop the Passive Infrared Remote Effluent Sensor, (PIRES), for the purpose of monitoring toxic chemical air pollutants in a plume released during open burn/open detonation (OB/OD) events at Edwards AFB. Thesystem will be portable and operate from a horizontal standoff distance of one to two kilometers. It will utilize a thermal image sensor to track the plume and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer to spectrally identify and quantify multiple releasedchemicals. By correlating outputs of the two sensors, amounts of each chemical will be mapped throughout the plume to deliver a measure of total release, local concentrations, and plume location. In Phase I, the system concept will be developed and tested. The scenario and measurement concept will be simulated and design trades conducted. Analysis algorithms developed by SSI for atmospheric correction and subsequent plume quantification will berefined for this application and tested upon real FTIR and simulated data. A functional level conceptual design will be produced consisting of optical, electrical, mechanical and software layouts. In Phase II, PIRES will be fabricated and integrated. Tests of the sensor will culminate in a demonstration against an OB/OD event. PIRES will have immediate application for stand-off detection, identification, location and quantification of effluent releases from uncooperative or dangerous sources, including OB/OD events, stationary pollution sources, and hostile military activities.Working with our commercial partners, SSI will make the technology available for routine use by service providers in the pollution monitoring industry, regulatory agencies, research institutions, and the military.