Initial Testing and Integration of The Scanning Laser Environmental Airborne Fluorosensor

Abstract

ABSTRACT The intended role of the scanning laser environmental airborne fluorosensor (SLEAF) is to detect and map oil and related petroleum products in complex marine and shoreline environments. To improve on the small footprint and nadir-looking geometry of the previous generation laser fluorosensor, the LEAF, a conical scanning mirror was included to provide the broad cross-track and along-track sampling required to detect oil in these complex environments. Laser fluorosensors have the ability to confirm or reject suspected oil contamination sites that have been targeted by other “nonspecific sensors” such as infrared, ultraviolet or visible cameras. This confirmation will free response crews from the labourious task of physically inspecting each site, and direct crews to sites that require immediate remediation. The construction of the SLEAF system was recently completed. Following integration of the various components of the system, a systematic verification of SLEAF system functionality was initiated. The ability of the SLEAF to detect, classify, and estimate oil coverage was tested and verified. In total, 21 oils ranging from light refined, crude through to heavy refined oils were examined. The API gravities of the oils examined varied from 11.9 to 48.6, while the aromatic content varied between 13 and 52%. The SLEAF system is presently being integrated into Environment Canada's DC-3 aircraft and will undergo extensive testing to confirm its functionality in an airborne environment. This paper will report on progress with the installation of the SLEAF system.