Acoustic Wave Sensor for Real‐Time Monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds

Abstract

ABSTRACT On‐line real‐time monitoring of marine and operational exhaust stacks and process streams can play a critical role in providing safe, environmentally sound operation of marine and industrial processes using volatile organic species. Monitoring systems are needed that are inexpensive and powerful to be effective. It has been demonstrated that two independent responses, wave velocity and wave attenuation, can be obtained from surface acoustic wave devices coated with viscoelastic polymers. This output technique enables identification and concentration determination of isolated species with a single sensor. This paper discusses the development of the sensor devices and the basis of portable acoustic wave sensor systems (which are being used) to monitor volatile organic compounds from marine and industrial chemical processes. Furthermore, on‐line monitoring of spray cleaning processes has been effective in quantifying how emissions can be decreased based on substituting solvents, optimizing worker protocols, and utilizing new spray nozzle configurations.