Badge-Sized Sensor System with Integrated Chemicapacitive Technology and Pattern Recognition Algorithm for Chemical Identification

76093-Because chemical mixtures are so prevalent in the process industries, more accurate monitoring and process control of these mixtures could provide reduced waste and better efficiency. Therefore, the chemical industries require low cost chemical sensors for monitoring and detecting these mixtures of chemicals and measuring changes in their composition. The sensors must be small and inexpensive to be compatible with use in a range of environments, and they must be robust and require little power for long-term unattended operation. This project will develop prototype sensor systems that will combine state-of-the-art pattern recognition with a novel MEMS (microelectromechanical system) microcapacitor sensor array, and also will be low cost. The sensor arrays will be filled with several chemoselective polymers whose electric permittivity changes upon exposure to different vapors, thereby compensating for changes in humidity, temperature, and composition. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of using the novel MEMS sensor arrays with a pattern recognition algorithm to detect fuels. The sensors will be characterized in the laboratory for sensitivity, selectivity, and ruggedness to humidity and temperature variations. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The sensor arrays should fill a need for low cost, low power, smart leak detectors required for many applications, including chemical process monitoring and control, toxic vapor leak detection, industrial process control, and industrial health and safety. The sensors could monitor and identify leaks of fuels, distinguish stored fuels, and control processes.