Development of Laser-Based Sensors for VOC/NOx and Metals Emissions Monitoring

摘要

This report summarizes our progress during the third and final year of this project. For completeness, a review of the technology and summary of progress during the first and second year are also given. This project addresses the growing compliance monitoring needs of the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DOE) as mandated by both state and federal legislation. Specifically, the Clean Air Act Amendments ( CAAA) of 1990 call for the regulation and monitoring of some 189 species which occur in both gas and condensed (aerosol) phases. Of particular importance are volatile organic compounds as they are known to play an important role in the photochemical production of ozone and peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN), species which pose a major threat to human health. Toxic metals such as mercury and chromium are also important since they are used in many industrial processes and are also a threat to health and safety. The goal of this work is to develop novel technologies to help meet the compliance monitoring needs of the DoD, DOE and EPA. Specifically, new technology is required to increase the number of species which can be detected, the sensitivity and speed of detection and also to lower costs through increased automation and compact size. Given the wide range of physical properties (aerosol and gas phase) of the CAAA pollutants more than one monitoring technology will be required. This project is divided into two pieces: the development of a novel gas phase monitoring system led by Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore and a metals emissions monitoring system employing novel laser and microspectrometer technology which is led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This work will culminate with field testing of the two instruments. The gas-phase portion of the system utilizes infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy to detect analytes of interest.