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A Real-Time Monitor for Airborne Metal-Laden Particulate

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 28865
Amount: $69,939.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1995
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Lawrence G. Pipter
 (508) 689-0003
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

We propose an in-situ real-time method whereby metal-laden aerosols can be processed to give a steady state concentration of metal atoms suitable for detection via atomic absorption spectrometry. Our method eliminates the need for extraction and concentration procedures and it employs inexpensive and proven technology. Unlike techniques in which atomic emission is monitored, our approach is insensitive to interferences from other metals. Our method is thus appropriate for instrumentation monitoring airborne metals particularly during site remediation where particulate bearing metals can be raised. The resulting instrumentation will be capable of operating continuously for long periods of time. The particle processing procedure is efficient and can be operated with battery power, thus providing a system that can be portable and field operable. In this Phase I effort, we will establish the feasibility of the proposed approach with calibrated dry aerosols containing lead. Detection limits will be deduced and a benchtop apparatus will be calibrated. We will also employ the key technology behind the method to build a new atomic emission line source. The developmental issues identified in this effort will allow the building and demonstration of a field-worthy prototype in Phase II.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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