Open AccessSURFACE ACOUSTIC WAVE MERCURY VAPOR SENSOR
Author(s) -
J.J. Caron,
R.B. Haskell,
D.G. Libby,
C.J. Freeman,
J.F. Vetelino
Publication year - 1998
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/7107
Subject(s) - mercury (programming language) , oak ridge national laboratory , environmental science , remote sensing , computer science , materials science , geology , physics , nuclear physics , programming language
Sensor Research and Development Corporation (SRD) has been contracted to develop and deliver a prototype instrument capable of the in situ detection and measurement of low levels of gaseous mercury for use in thermal waste treatment continuous emissions monitoring. The goal is to develop a fast, simple, inexpensive and reliable in situ sensor instrument for detecting and monitoring vaporized mercury that should be able to react to low (less than 5 mg/m 3 ) levels of mercury vapor, should be site deployable and provide continuous data on either cumulative mercury exposure or instantaneous concentration. Over the course of the reporting period, sensor responses were measured and analyzed for a wide range of sensing film thicknesses, operating temperatures, and adhesion layers. From this data, an optimal combination of those parameters was chosen. The film was then incorporated into the SAW sensing element, and rigorous testing has begun. To date, sensor responses to wide concentration ranges (0.7 ppb to 500 ppb) have been measured. Furthermore, a contract modification to include measurement of total mercury (both in elemental and reacted forms) has been requested and is expected to be finalized before the end of November, 1998. Finally, plans have been made for initial visits to the TSCA facility in Oak Ridge, TN and the University of North Dakotas EERC facility to gather information required for the construction of the prototype instrument and to discuss possible future collaborations and field testing