USA flag logo/image

An Official Website of the United States Government

Onboard PCB Detection using a Portable Raman Analyzer

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Navy 		Award ID:
70113 		Program Year/Program:
2004 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
N041-100-0459 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
EIC LABORATORIES, INC.
111 DOWNEY ST NORWOOD, MA 02062-
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2004
Title: Onboard PCB Detection using a Portable Raman Analyzer
Agency / Branch: DOD / NAVY
Contract: N65538-04-M-0129
Award Amount: $70,000.00
 

Abstract:

Contractors dismantling ships must ensure personnel are not at risk and no regulated material release occurs. The contractor is unlikely to have preexisting knowledge of toxins; therefore continuous materials analysis is part of the dismantling operation. For example, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) was used routinely in ship components ranging from gaskets to paints to power cords. Highly regulated by the EPA today, PCB must be identified and quantified. There is no EPA-approved field method for PCB detection; the resulting laboratory analysis is costly and slows down dismantling. We propose to develop a portable PCB analyzer based upon resonance Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy allows rapid and unique identification of the desired analyte; resonance enhancement allows low ppm detection. By overlapping the laser with a PCB absorption band, PCB can be selectively enhanced over any complex matrix. Using a compact portable UV echelle spectrograph, fiber optic coupling and a compact UV laser, we will develop a portable unit capable of rapid (<120 s) quantitative PCB identification. We will determine detection limits, reproducibility, calibration accuracy, and absence of potential matrix effects. The system will be turnkey, automated and used in military and commercial applications needed to meet EPA PCB regulations.

Principal Investigator:

Kevin M. Spencer
Director, Spectroscopy Di
7817699450
spencer@eiclabs.com

Business Contact:

R. D. Rauh
President
7817699450
drauh@eiclabs.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

EIC LABORATORIES, INC.
111 Downey Street Norwood, MA 02062

EIN/Tax ID: 042497074
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No