This project tests a new concept for an air pollution monitor to detect a large variety of halocarbons and nitrous oxide (N20) at levels from a few parts per billion to about 100 parts per million. The monitor combines existing technologies for electron capture detectors and diode lasers to provide a simple, real-time, continuous chemical sensor. The approach allows a sensitive gas cbromatograph detector to be used as a stand-alone instrument in a semispecific mode with no chromatograph column. The Phase I experimental work will define the ranges of sensitivity and linearity, and the dynamic range of this monitor for a variety of pollutants in simulated gases representing ambient industrial air or effluents from municipal or industrial waste incinerators. Results of these measurements will determine the feasibility of commercial development of monitors based on this concept for stack gas monitoring and process control as well as ambient monitoring of specific known contaminants.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:Various versions of this new device could be used to monitor N20in combustion product gases. After the nitrogen oxide abatement processes, it could be used (1) to monitor chlorohydrocarbons in municipal solid waste or industrial waste incinerator effluents as a measure of total chlorinated hydrocarbons including dioxins and furans or (2) to monitor solvents in industrial environments.
