Development of a surface acoustic wave sensor for in-situ monitoring of volatile organic compounds.

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 2003 · Proposed for publication in Sensors Journal.

OSTI ID:1004354

McGrath, Lucas K; Wright, Jerome L; Ho, Clifford Kuofei; Rawlinson, Kim Scott; Lindgren, Eric Richard

This paper describes the development of a surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) sensor that is designed to be operated continuously and in situ to detect volatile organic compounds. A ruggedized stainless-steel package that encases the SAW device and integrated circuit board allows the sensor to be deployed in a variety of media including air, soil, and even water. Polymers were optimized and chosen based on their response to chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., trichloroethylene), which are common groundwater contaminants. Initial testing indicates that a running-average data-logging algorithm can reduce the noise and increase the sensitivity of the in-situ sensor.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1004354
• Report Number(s): SAND2003-3007J
• Journal Information: Proposed for publication in Sensors Journal., Journal Name: Proposed for publication in Sensors Journal. Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 3; ISSN 1424-8220
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
DESIGN
GROUND WATER
MONITORING
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SENSITIVITY
SENSORS
VOLATILE MATTER