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Mikrodrohne zur Charakterisierung und selbstoptimierenden Suche von gasförmigen Gefahrstoffquellen
(2010)
BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, in cooperation with the AirRobot GmbH & Co. KG company, has developed a flying remote-controlled measuring system. The system is capable of operating in a variety of scenarios of gas emissions, e.g. exhaust gas from chimneys, flue gas in a fire, gas emissions in the case of an accident of chemical or hazardous goods or in the case of a terrorist act involving toxic gases. Thus it can measure the gas concentration in the immediate vicinity of the object which causes the emission. A further stage of extension is to enhance the system for plume tracking and identification of sources of hazardous gases.
This paper presents a sampling strategy for mobile gas sensors. Sampling points are selected using a modified artificial potential field (APF) approach, which balances multiple criteria to direct sensor measurements towards locations of high mean concentration, high concentration variance and areas for which the uncertainty about the gas distribution model is still large. By selecting in each step the most often suggested close-by measurement location, the proposed approach introduces a locality constraint that allows planning suitable paths for mobile gas sensors. Initial results in simulation and in real-world experiments with a gas-sensitive micro-drone demonstrate the suitability of the proposed sampling strategy for gas distribution mapping and its use for gas source localization.
This article presents the development and validation of an autonomous, gas sensitive microdrone that is capable of estimating the wind vector in real time using only the onboard control unit of the microdrone and performing gas distribution mapping (DM). Two different sampling approaches are suggested to address this problem. On the one hand, a predefined trajectory is used to explore the target area with the microdrone in a real-world gas DM experiment. As an alternative sampling approach, we introduce an adaptive strategy that suggests next sampling points based on an artificial potential field (APF). Initial results in real-world experiments demonstrate the capability of the proposed adaptive sampling strategy for gas DM and its use for gas source localization.
Gas source localization with a micro-drone using bio-inspired and particle filter-based algorithms
(2013)
Gas source localization (GSL) with mobile robots is a challenging task due to the unpredictable nature of gas dispersion, the limitations of the currents sensing technologies, and the mobility constraints of ground-based robots. This work proposes an integral solution for the GSL task, including source declaration. We present a novel pseudo-gradient-based plume tracking algorithm and a particle filter-based source declaration approach, and apply it on a gas-sensitive micro-drone. We compare the performance of the proposed system in simulations and real-world experiments against two commonly used tracking algorithms adapted for aerial exploration missions.
BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, in cooperation with the company MeGaSen UG carries out a research project to enhance and validate an innovative approach for distributed subsurface monitoring of gas storage areas. The concept combines different measurement technologies to one multifunctional sensor: membrane-based gas measurement technology for in-situ monitoring of gases in soil and fiber optical sensing of temperature and strain (as a measure for structural change). Key aspect of the research project is the first-time validation of the system in an application relevant dimension. For this purpose a 20 x 20 m2 test field is build. A comprehensive validation of the system is carried out by systematic variation of different parameters like position-dependent gasinjection, temperature and mechanical impact.
One of the main unsolved issues of CCS is the comprehensive surveillance of CO2 storage areas with reasonable effort and costs. This study presents an approach for distributed subsurface monitoring of gas storage areas. The concept combines different measurement technologies to one multifunctional sensor: membrane based measurement technology for in situ monitoring of gases in soil and fibre optical sensing of temperature and strain (as a measure for structural change). A test field of application-relevant dimensions is built up to validate and optimize the technology.
Carbon capture & storage (CCS) is one of the most promising technologies for greenhouse gas (GHG) management. However, an unsolved issue of CCS is the development of appropriate long-term monitoring systems for leak detection of the stored CO2. To complement already existing monitoring infrastructure for CO2 storage areas, and to increase the granularity of gas concentration measurements, a quickly deployable, mobile measurement device is needed. In this paper, we present an autonomous gas-sensitive micro-drone, which can be used to monitor GHG emissions, more specifically, CO2. Two different measurement strategies are proposed to address this task. First, the use of predefined sensing trajectories is evaluated for the task of gas distribution mapping using the micro-drone. Alternatively, we present an adaptive strategy, which suggests sampling points based on an artificial potential field (APF). The results of real-world experiments demonstrate the feasibility of using gas-sensitive micro-drones for GHG monitoring missions. Thus, we suggest a multi-layered surveillance system for CO2 storage areas.
In this paper, we show that a micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with commercially available gas sensors can address environmental monitoring and gas source localization (GSL) tasks. To account for the challenges of gas sensing under real-world conditions, we present a probabilistic approach for GSL that is based on a particle filter (PF). Simulation and real-world experiments demonstrate the suitability of this algorithm for micro UAV platforms.
Comprehensive monitoring of pipelines over their full length is technically difficult and expensive. Considering a cost-benefit ratio it is reasonable to implement monitoring solutions in pipeline segments, which bear a high risk potential, like residential areas, construction sites, slopes, street or river crossings. Still such segments can measure up to several hundred meters in length, demanding for monitoring solutions that extend along such distances and enable fast response. Point wise sensing and periodical surveillance have clear drawbacks, particularly regarding early damage detection. Fibre optic sensors enable distributed sensing of temperature and strain, but they offer very limited possibilities for measuring gas concentrations. Linear membrane-based gas sensors enable the monitoring of gas concentrations alongside a pipeline. Such line-sensors are implemented in form of flexible tubes and can be arranged inside or outside the pipeline (also underwater or within the subsurface), corresponding to the technical requirements. The measuring method combines the gas specific diffusion rates through a membrane with Dalton’s law of partial pressures and enables the calculation of gas concentrations or the detection of a change of the gas composition. The objective is to detect gas leakages fast and with high reliability. Furthermore, the calibrated system enables to estimate the spatial extent of a leakage. So far the gas concentration measurement is tested for oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane; further gases should follow, e.g. hydrogen, carbon monoxide or mixtures like natural gas. The paper introduces in the different operating modes of line-sensors. A near real-time approach will be demonstrated to quantify the impact of a gas leak on the near environment. This approach is based on a critical length describing the expansion of the leaking gas.
Linear sensor for areal subsurface gas monitoring - calibration routine and validation experiments
(2014)
Membrane based linear gas sensors and fiber optical sensors feature similar geometries and complement each other in quantities to be measured. To the author's best knowledge, it is the first time that these sensors are combined to a multifunctional sensor for distributed measuring of gas concentrations, temperature, and strain. Objective is a comprehensive monitoring of underground gas storage areas. In the presented project a 400 m² test site and a corresponding laboratory system were just built up to characterize, validate, and optimize the combined sensor. Application of the sensor lines in a grid structure should enable spatial resolution of the measurement data and early detection of relevant events, as gas leakage, temperature change, or mechanical impact. A Calibration routine was developed which can be applied subsequent to underground installation. First measurement results indicate the potential of the method, with regard to highly topical energy transport and storage issues.
In this paper, we show that a micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with commercially available gas sensors can address environmental monitoring and gas source localization (GSL) tasks. To account for the challenges of gas sensing under real-world conditions, we present a probabilistic approach to GSL that is based on a particle filter (PF). Simulation and real-world experiments demonstrate the suitability of this algorithm for micro UAV platforms.
One of the main unsolved issues of under-ground storages for, e.g., CO2, H2, and natural gas is the comprehensive surveillance of these areas with reasonable effort and costs. Conventional sensors (e.g., soil air probes or borehole probes), however, can only be used for punctual or locally limited measurements; further their application can cause structural influences (invasive application).
In this paper, we describe in detail the setup of a CO2 injection soil test field. This test field will be used to enhance and validate an innovative ap-proach for distributed subsurface monitoring of gas storage areas. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first time that, for this purpose, a test field is built in an application relevant scale.
The combination of different types of sensors to multi-sensor devices offers excellent potential for monitoring applications. This should be demonstrated by means of four different examples of actual developments carried out by Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM): monitoring and indoor localization of relief forces, a micro-drone for gas measurement in hazardous scenarios, sensor-enabled radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags for safeguard of dangerous goods, and a multifunctional sensor for spatially resolved under-surface monitoring of gas storage areas. Objective of the presented projects is to increase the personal and technical safety in hazardous scenarios. These examples should point to application specific challenges for the applied components and infrastructure, and it should emphasize the potential of multi-sensor systems and sensor data fusion.
Insect behavior is a common source of inspiration for roboticists and computer scientists when designing gas-sensitive mobile robots. More specifically, tracking airborne odor plumes and localization of distant gas sources are abilities that suit practical applications such as leak localization and emission monitoring. Gas sensing with mobile robots has been mostly addressed with ground-based platforms and under simplified conditions and thus, there exist a significant gap between the outstanding insect abilities and state of the art robotics systems. As a step towards practical applications, we evaluated the performance of three biologically inspired plume tracking algorithms. The evaluation is carried out not only with computer simulations, but also with real-world experiments in which, a quadrocopter-based micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle autonomously follows a methane trail towards the emitting source. Compared to ground robots, micro UAVs bring several advantages such as their superior steering capabilities and fewer mobility restrictions in complex terrains. The experimental evaluation shows that, under certain environmental conditions, insect like behavior in gas-sensitive UAVs is feasible in real world environments.
A multifunctional sensor in line shape was developed and introduced in previous work for measuring of gas concentrations, temperature change, and strain. A current field study focuses on a spatially distributed monitoring of subsurface CO2 gas storage sites in near real time.
Mechanical impacts, e.g., caused by construction work, denudation, and seismic activity, can affect the integrity of underground gas storage sites. Thermal or moisture impacts, e.g., caused by weather conditions, can influence the gas distribution behavior. In this paper, we briefly describe the setup of a CO2 injection soil test field. This setup contains actuating elements for the investigation of mechanical and thermal impacts on distributed subsurface gas monitoring. A concept is given for evaluating these impacts and first experimental results are presented.
Gas sensors in linear form based on the measuring principle of gas selective permeability through a membrane were developed and introduced for the detection and quantification of gas concentrations. A current field study focuses on measuring CO2 concentrations for a spatially distributed monitoring of subsurface CO2 gas storage sites in near real time. A 400 m(2) test site and a corresponding laboratory system were built up to characterize, validate, and optimize the sensor. A calibration routine was developed, which can be applied subsequently to underground installation. First measurement results indicate the potential of the method.
A monitoring method is introduced that creates, in near real-time, two-dimensional (2D) maps of the soil gas distribution. The method combines linear gas sensing technology for in-situ monitoring of gases in soil with the mapping capabilities of Computed Tomography (CT) to reconstruct spatial and temporal resolved gas distribution maps. A weighted iterative algebraic reconstruction method based on Maximum Likelihood with Expectation Maximization (MLEM) in combination with a source-by-source reconstruction approach is introduced that works with a sparse setup of orthogonally-aligned linear gas sensors. The reconstruction method successfully reduces artifact production, especially when multiple gas sources are present, allowing the discrimination between true and non-existing so-called ghost source locations. A first experimental test indicates the high potential of the proposed method for, e.g., rapid gas leak localization.
In preliminary work, gas sensors in linear form based on the measuring principle of gas selective permeability through a membrane were developed and introduced for the detection and quantification of gas concentrations. In this study, first experimental results are presented for adapting the technology for measuring methane (CH4). A material with suitable selective permeability was identified and utilized in a sensor setup containing the gas selective membrane and a reference membrane, both integrated in a measuring cell, to which a gas stream with defined CH4 concentrations was applied. The results prove the sensor's capability for measuring methane and indicate further application potential of the method, e.g., as a robust field monitoring technology, since CH4 is the major component of natural gas, town gas, and fracking gas.
Real-time wind estimation on a micro unmanned aerial vehicle using its inertial measurement unit
(2015)
This paper presents an approach for a quadrocoper-based micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that estimates the wind vector (speed and direction) in real-time based on measurement data of its on-board sensors only. This method does not need any additional airspeed sensor or dedicated anemometer, and thus the micro UAV's valuable payload remains free for other sensors. Wind tunnel and field tests were used to evaluate the performance of the approach. In order to quantify its accuracy, experiments are presented where data was collected with an anemometer placed in an open field with the micro UAV in flight following a predefined trajectory around the anemometer and hovering at a defined position close to it.
Untergrundspeicher für Roh- und Abfallstoffe gewinnen zunehmend an Bedeutung. Verwendet werden sie vor allem für Stoffe wie Erdgas, Wasserstoff, Erdöl und neuerdings auch für Kohlen-stoffdioxid (CO2). Diese Stoffe werden meist unter Druck in Kavernen- oder Porenspeichern einge-lagert. Die Speicher dienen einerseits zum Ausgleich von Ungleichgewichten zwischen Ange-bot/Förderung und Nachfrage/Verbrauch und zur Erhöhung der Versorgungssicherheit. Anderer-seits bestehen Konzepte Abfallstoffe oder Gefahrstoffe für die Umwelt (aktuell CO2-Speicherung) dort für lange Zeiträume einzulagern. Mit den Einlagerungsstoffen verbunden ist ein signifikantes Gefahrenpotential für Mensch und Umwelt, falls es trotz aller Sicherheitsmaßnahmen zu einem unkontrollierten Austritt dieser Stoffe kommen sollte. Daher kommt dem Monitoring derartiger Untergrundspeicher und den darüber befindlichen Bodenstrukturen eine extrem hohe Bedeutung zu.
Ein hochaktuelles Beispiel, das die Überwachung entsprechender Bodenflächen fordert, ist die unterirdische CO2-Speicherung im Rahmen der CO2-Abscheidung und -Speicherung (Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage, CCS). CCS gilt als wichtige Brückentechnologie der Energiewirtschaft und wird weltweit vorangetrieben, während die Sicherheit von Bevölkerung und Biosphäre noch kont-rovers diskutiert wird. Auch die EU setzt auf CCS und gibt in der EU-Richtlinie 2009/31 als Ziel-setzung bis 2015 vor, 15 Pilotanlagen zu bauen und in Betrieb zu nehmen. Als Bedingung für die Genehmigung der CO2-Speicherung ist explizit die Überwachung der Speicheranlagen durch Monito-ring vorgeschrieben, wobei die technisch besten Lösungen zum Einsatz kommen sollen.
Das zu entwickelnde Messsystem adressiert neben den o.g. Anwendungsfeldern weitere, bei denen insbesondere die Emission von Gasen ein Risiko für Mensch und Umwelt darstellt oder wirt-schaftlichen Schaden verursachen kann. Hierzu zählen die Überwachung von Abfalldeponien, Ge-fahrgutlagerstätten, kontaminierten Altlastengebieten, Moor-, Torf-, Kohleflözen (präventive Branderkennung) und geodynamisch aktiven Regionen. Auch moderne Fördertechnologien, wie das Hot-Dry-Rock-Verfahren (HDR) zur Energiegewinnung durch Einpressen von überkritischem CO2 in den Erdkörper, das die Beweglichkeit eines Gases mit der Dichte einer Flüssigkeit kombiniert und Wärmeaustausch im Erdinneren bewirkt, bergen das Risiko unkontrollierter Gasemissionen und bedürfen der umfassenden Überwachung.
A monitoring method is introduced that creates twodimensional (2D) maps of the soil gas distribution. The method combines linear gas sensing technology for in-situ monitoring of gases in soil with the mapping capabilities of Computed Tomography (CT) to reconstruct spatial and temporal resolved gas distribution maps. A weighted iterative algebraic reconstruction method based on Maximum Likelihood with Expectation Maximization (MLEM) in combination with a source-by-source reconstruction approach is introduced that works with a sparse setup of orthogonally-aligned linear gas sensors. The reconstruction method successfully reduces artifact production, especially when multiple gas sources are present, allowing the discrimination between true and non-existing so-called ghost source locations. Experimental validation by controlled field experiments indicates the high potential of the proposed method for rapid gas leak localization and quantification with respect to Pipeline or underground gas storage issues.
Insect behavior is a common source of inspiration for roboticists and computer scientists when designing gas-sensitive mobile robots. More specifically, tracking airborne odor plumes, and localization of distant gas sources are abilities that suit practical applications such as leak localization and emission monitoring. Gas sensing with mobile robots has been mostly addressed with ground-based platforms and under simplified conditions and thus, there exist a significant gap between the outstanding insect abilities and state-of-the-art robotics systems. As a step toward practical applications, we evaluated the performance of three biologically inspired plume tracking algorithms. The evaluation is carried out not only with computer simulations, but also with real-world experiments in which, a quadrocopter-based micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle autonomously follows a methane trail toward the emitting source. Compared to ground robots, micro UAVs bring several advantages such as their superior steering capabilities and fewer mobility restrictions in complex terrains. The experimental evaluation shows that, under certain environmental conditions, insect like behavior in gas-sensitive UAVs is feasible in real-world environments.
A 400 m² soil test field with gas injection system was built up, which enables an experimental validation of linear gas sensors for specific applications and gases in an application-relevant scale. Several injection and soil watering experiments with carbon dioxide (CO2) at different days with varying boundary conditions were performed indicating the potential of the method for, e.g., rapid leakage detection with respect to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) issues.
A 400 m² soil test field with gas injection system was built up, which enables an experimental validation of linear gas sensors for specific applications and gases in an application-relevant scale. Several injection and soil watering experiments with carbon dioxide (CO2) at different days with varying boundary conditions were performed indicating the potential of the method for, e.g., rapid leakage detection with respect to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) issues.
A 400 m² soil test field with gas injection system was built up for the purpose of large-scale validation, optimization, and characterization of a novel comprehensive monitoring method for underground gas storage areas. The method combines gas sensing technology with linear form factor for in-situ monitoring of gases in soil with the mapping capabilities of Computed Tomography (CT) to reconstruct time-series of gas distribution maps based on samples of orthogonally-aligned linear gas sensors. Several injection experiments with carbon dioxide (CO2) at different days with varying boundary conditions indicates the potential of the method for, e.g., rapid leakage detection with respect to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) issues.
This work presents first results from repeti-tive CO2 injection experiments performed on a recently built-up 400 m² soil test field with gas injection system. The test field contains 48 membrane-based linear gas sensors that were installed in several depths of the test field. Sensors for measuring meteorological parameters (e.g., wind / rain) and the parameters soil temperature, soil moisture, and groundwater level were installed additionally. A more de-tailed description of the test field setup can be found in. A short description of the mem-brane-based linear gas sensors’ functional prin-ciple can be found in.
This work presents first results from repetitive CO2 injection experiments performed on a recently built-up 400 m² soil test field with gas injection system. The test field contains 48 membrane-based linear gas sensors that were installed in several depths of the test field. Sensors for measuring meteorological parameters (e.g., wind / rain) and the parameters soil temperature, soil moisture, and groundwater level were installed additionally.
Concept for investigating mechanical and thermal impacts on distributed subsurface gas monitoring
(2016)
A multifunctional sensor in line shape was developed and introduced in previous work for measuring of gas concentrations, temperature change, and strain. A current field study focuses on a spatially distributed monitoring of subsurface CO 2 gas storage sites in near real time.
Mechanical impacts, e.g., caused by construction work, denudation, and seismic activity, can affect the integrity of underground gas storage sites. Thermal or moisture impacts, e.g., caused by weather conditions, can influence the gas Distribution behavior. In this paper, we briefly describe the setup of a CO 2 injection soil test field. This setup contains actuating elements for the investigation of mechanical and thermal impacts on distributed subsurface gas monitoring. A concept is given for evaluating these impacts and first experimental results are presented.
Gas sensors in linear form based on the measuring principle of gas selective permeability through a membrane were developed and introduced for the detection and quantification of gas concentrations. A current field study focuses on measuring CO2 concentrations for a spatially distributed monitoring of subsurface CO2 gas storage sites in near real time. A 400 m² test site and a corresponding laboratory system were built up to characterize, validate, and optimize the sensor. A calibration routine was developed, which can be applied subsequently to underground installation. First measurement results indicate the potential of the method.
Geogenic gases from natural sources, carbon dioxide (CO2) from a geological repository (carbon capture and storage - CCS) or a leaking gas pipeline can present serious risks in industrial and urban areas. To extend the lead time for risk treatment in such critical regions, reliable detection of gases within the shallow subsurface is required to observe critical gas accumulations before degassing into the atmosphere.
A near real-time monitoring approach is introduced to determine the volumetric expansion of a leakinggas in the subsurface. Considering the pressure relaxation with the ambient air pressure, the approach enables the forecasting of the final size of a pressurized gas body in terms of characteristic lengths. According to theoretical basics, such a characteristic length, which enables us to perform a gas (safety) measurement based on a purely geometrical measure, behaves independently of subsurface properties,i.e., it enables a reliable quantification of the escaping gas irrespective of its heterogeneous or changingflow path distribution. A field test for a 10 l/min pinhole leakage injected into a 10 m long, 0.4 m wide, 0.95 m deep soil-filled trench that was equipped with linear sensors shows the lateral-vertical volumetric gas expansion along these sensors, and demonstrates the applicability of the characteristic length approach.
Ammonia and its reaction products can cause considerable damage of human health and ecosystems, increasing the necessity for reliable and reversible sensors to monitor traces of gaseous ammonia in ambient air directly on-site or in the field. Although various types of gas sensors are available, fluorescence sensors have gained importance due to advantages such as high sensitivity and facile miniaturization.
Here, we present the development of a sensor material for the detection of gaseous ammonia in the lower ppm to ppb range by incorporation of a fluorescent dye, which shows reversible fluorescence modulations as a function of analyte concentration, into a polymer matrix to ensure the accumulation of ammonia. A gas standard generator producing standard gas mixtures, which comply with the metrological traceability in the desired environmentally relevant measurement range, was used to calibrate the optical sensor system. To integrate the sensor material into a mobile device, a prototype of a hand-held instrument was developed, enabling straightforward data acquisition over a long period.
Innovation is the catalyst for the technology of the future. It is important to develop new and better technologies that can continuously monitor the environmental impact, e.g., for air quality control or emission detection. In the recently at BAM developed Universal Pump Sensor Control (UPSC3) module, different components and sensors are fused. The combination of the individual components makes the UPSC3 module an excellent monitoring and reference system for the development and characterization of gas specific sensors. Measurements over long periods are possible, for mixed gas loads or for certain gas measurements. The system is part of a mobile sensor network of several sensor units, which can also be used as standalone systems.
The motivation and objective of this research is to develop gas sensors based on fluorescence detection with range of ppm / ppb. For this task a reference system is required, which contains volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors for reference data from different scenarios. The integrated multi-sensor unit can measure different gases through the integrated 3-fold VOC sensor, which can be adapted to the addressed scenario. . The system-integrated flow control, with pump and flow sensor, allows the gas molecules to be transported directly to the VOC sensor. The entire measurement is permanently stored on an integrated memory card. If the previously determined limit range is exceeded, an alarm is generated. The system is an important tool towards further developments in the field of gas sensors and is primarily used for the validation of chemically based gas sensors.
Leaking methane (CH4) from infrastructures, such as pipelines and landfills, is critical for the environment but can also pose a safety risk. To enable a fast detection and localization of these kind of leaks, we developed a novel robotic platform for aerial remote gas sensing. Spectroscopic measurement methods for remote sensing of selected gases lend themselves for use on mini-copters, which offer a number of advantages for inspection and surveillance over traditional methods. No direct contact with the target gas is needed and thus the influence of the aerial platform on the measured gas plume can be kept to a minimum. This allows to overcome one of the major issues with gas-sensitive mini-copters. On the other hand, remote gas sensors, most prominently Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) sensors have been too bulky given the payload and energy restrictions of mini-copters. Here, we present the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Remote Gas Sensing (UAV-REGAS), which combines a novel lightweight TDLAS sensor with a 3-axis aerial stabilization gimbal for aiming on a versatile hexacopter. The proposed system can be deployed in scenarios that cannot be addressed by currently available robots and thus constitutes a significant step forward for the field of Mobile Robot Olfaction (MRO). It enables tomographic reconstruction of gas plumes and a localization of gas sources. We also present first results showing its performance under realistic conditions.
In the KonSens Project, sensor systems are developed, validated, and operated in form of functional models for the application areas Structure Integrated Sensors and Mobile Multi-gas Sensors. Key aspects are the detection and evaluation of corrosion processes in reinforced concrete structures as well as the detection and quantification of very low concentrations of toxic gases in air. The adaption of sensor principles from the lab into real-life application including appropriate communication techniques is a major task.
In recent years, Structural Health Monitoring have gained in importance, since growing age of buildings and infrastructure as well as increasing load requirements demand for reliable surveillance methods. In this regard, the project follows two strategies: First, the development and implementation of completely embedded sensor systems consisting of RFID-tag and in situ sensors, and their further application potential (e.g. for precast concrete elements, roadways, wind power plants, and maritime structures). Secondly, the development of a long-term stable, miniaturized, fiber optic sensor for a ratiometric and referenced measurement of the pH-value in concrete based on fluorescence detection as an indicator for carbonation and corrosion.
Environmental pollution through emission of toxic gases becomes an increasing problem not only in agriculture (e.g. biogas plants) and industry but also in urban areas. This leads to increasing demand to monitor environmental emissions as well as ambient air and industrial air components in many scenarios and in even lower concentrations than nowadays. The selectivity of luminescence-based sensors is enabled by the combination of the sensing dye and the material, which is used as accumulation medium for concentration of the analyte. This principle allows for developing gas sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity of defined substances. Additional benefits, particularly of fluorescence-based sensors, are their capability for miniaturization and potential multiplex mode. Objective is the development and implementation of sensors based on fluorescence detection for defined toxic gases (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, ozone, and benzene) with sensitivity in the low ppm or even ppb range. Additionally, the integration of such sensors in mobile sensor devices is addressed.
Geogenic gases such as CH4 or CO2 from natural sources, gases (CCS-CO2, H2, Natural
gas, City gas …) from a geological repository, or a leaking gas pipeline can present serious
risks in industrial and urban areas where the density of infrastructural elements increases as
well as above and below ground. To extend the lead time for risk treatment in such critical
regions, reliable detection of gases within the shallow subsurface is required to observe
critical gas accumulations before degassing into the atmosphere.
A near real-time monitoring approach is introduced to determine the volumetric expansion of
such a gas escaping from a leak in the subsurface. Considering the pressure relaxation with
the ambient air pressure, the approach enables the forecasting of the final size of a
pressurized gas body in terms of characteristic lengths. According to theoretical basics, such
a characteristic length, which allows to perform a gas (safety) measurement based on a
purely geometrical measure, behaves independently of subsurface properties, i.e., it enables
a reliable quantification of the escaping gas, irrespective of its heterogeneous flow path
distribution. A field test for a 10 l/min pinhole leakage of CO2 injected in an unsaturated Chernozemic soil (agricultural test field Bad Lauchstädt)that was equipped with linear gas sensors demonstrates the lateral-vertical volumetric gas expansion along the environment of these gas sensors, and confirms the applicability of the new characteristic length approach.