Automated Soil Gas Emission Measurement

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The subject of this proposal is a technology to measure gas emission (flux) from soils, which is a measurement of interest to research, government, and industrial users. The current industry standard device for measuring these emissions is the 'static chamber' - essentially a small inverted can placed on the soil surface that collects gases emitted from the soil. Static chambers have been used for 50 years with only incremental improvements, and their problems are well characterized. Our patent-pending technology holds significant advantages over static chamber technologies and has piqued the interests of Campbell Scientific Canada Corporation, an experienced world-leading CANADIAN company. A relationship has grown from an initial meeting in late 2008, which has become progressively more serious. Campbell feels that this technology could become a new industry standard in long-term monitoring of soil gas emissions and would be interested in offering the probe to markets in Canada and worldwide via the Campbell Scientific group of companies. Campbell has, however, identified technical barriers to commercialization. In this application, we propose a sound workplan and strategy to address these issues in a timely manner. With appropriate support, both parties are confident that these hurdles will be overcome and a sound and commercially viable product can be moved to market.