Field-level Aviation Fuel Contamination Analysis via Integrated Suite of Miniaturized Sensors including Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy

The overall goal of this project is to develop and commercialize a sensor platform which enables near real-time quality assessment of aviation fuels and chemicals. Our solution will lower the cost and cycle-time in fuel analysis and increase the adoption of rigorous fuel analysis techniques, thereby reducing delays and risks in military and civilian air travel. Our Phase I work will demonstrate feasibility by developing 1) a customized, compact, and low-cost sensor suite for fuel contamination analysis, 2) data processing algorithms, and 3) communication software – all aimed at demonstrating the platform’s ability to take readings from fuel samples in the field and transmit them for analysis and interaction with remote technician(s). Our Phase II work will focus on enhancing our platform (i.e., tightly integrate all components to enhance its portability) and software to make it robust and lay the foundation for obtaining the DOD IT compliance Certificate to Operate. Our team is comprised of highly accomplished individuals in the field of portable spectroscopy, optics, fuel analysis, data analysis, and software development. We are an innovator / emerging leader in portable NIR sensing and are presently leveraging this expertise in our active SBIR Phase II materials analysis project for DOE.