A key to improving energy efficiency in the chemical and petrochemical industries is the ability to monitor such in situ parameters as the temperature, pressure, and chemical composition of the process stream under harsh and extreme conditions. Instruments with the required capabilities and/or robustness currently either do not exist or are inadequate. This project will develop a fiber-optic sensor that combines temperature, pressure, and chemical sensing capabilities into a single strand of sapphire fiber, using a novel measurement strategy. The integration of the three measurement capabilities into a single probe minimizes both the cost and intrusiveness of the device. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of the concept for measuring temperature, pressure and chemical composition. Crucial data were obtained that allowed the capabilities of each sensor to be projected. Additionally, quantitative models for the three sensors were developed. In Phase II, the temperature, pressure, and chemical sensors will be optimized individually. Then, an integrated probe incorporating all three sensors will be fabricated and tested. Finally, a 90-day life test of the integrated system, under conditions typically found in chemical reactors, will be conducted.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The multifunctional fiber-optic sensor should be suitable for the on-line monitoring of process streams in the chemical and petrochemical industries. In certain situations, such as microwave and plasma processing, viable alternatives are nonexistent. Parts of the sensor package also should have commercial value in the aerospace industry, in the processing of electronic materials, and in environmental monitoring
