SBIR Phase I: Total Organic Carbon Analysis for On-Site Monitoring

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*** 96-60634 Vreeke This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer suitable for long term, on-site monitoring. The analytical technique relies on the quantitative oxidation of dissolved and suspended organics to carbon dioxide by the photocatalytic action of titanium dioxide. The rapid equilibrium of the resulting carbon dioxide with carbonate species allows it to be detected by a conductivity measurement. The presence of preexisting, conducting inorganic carbon species and dissolved ionic species will be accounted for using an additional conductivity measurement before the titanium dioxide-catalyzed photooxidation. The sensing strategy will require a differential conductivity measurement. The benefit to this analytical approach is the absence of consumables. Size of the analyzer will be minimized by integrating the fluid handling and conductivity electrodes onto a silicon wafer. This will be accomplished using a microlithography-created flow system and titanium dioxide reaction chamber. The flow system's small dimensions and therefore small fluid volumes will drastically reduce the power requirements and allow the entire device to be contained in a portable unit. Commercial applications are expected for sensors that enable rapid on-site determination of total organic carbon. Such uses will be made in real-time monitoring in effluent streams from waste treatment sites, power generation facilities, and chemical processing plants. ***