The commercial realization of a cost effective Volatile Organic Compound fugitive emissions monitoring system depends on the establishment of a low-cost, reliable chemical sensor. TechnoLink proposes to investigate the development of a novel sensing device based on state-of-the-art fiber optic technology. Integration of the proposed sensor into a PC based continuous monitoring system would result in the ability to provide early warning of potential seal failures for compressors, valves, pumps, flanges, and other piping facilities which might cause fugitive emissions. During the proposed Phase I effort, TechnoLink will demonstrate the applicability of this technology by developing system level performance requirements and conducting prototype testing. The successful completion of Phase I will result in a system level design specification. Completion of Phases II & III will yield a commercially available VOC monitoring system that will benefit both the Federal Government and private industry by eliminating the need to perform time consuming manual inspections and allowing the prediction of incipient failures.
Keywords: VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND FUGITIVE EMISSIONS CONTINOUS MONITORING FIBER OPTIC SENSOR
