Unattended Vapor Intrusion Monitor

描述（由申请人提供）：美国环保署估计，美国有超过450，000个受污染的场地。进行测量的成本主要来自放置和更换用于收集蒸汽样品的被动吸附管所涉及的劳动力。分析这些150美元的试管每个样本的成本高达350美元，考虑到每个站点必须使用多个试管，每年的成本可能超过8000美元。Seacoast提出了一种解决方案，使用其专有的传感器和采样系统提供连续监测。这种蒸汽入侵监测器（Vim）结合了低成本检测器、捕集和净化收集器以及色谱法，以（1）连续收集和分析其直接环境中的空气，（2）向网络提供无线数据传输，以供补救专家在跟踪模型时使用，以及（3）允许自动化、可重复使用、低维护系统，该系统不需要经过培训的操作员来收集样本。该项目的总体目标是（1）开发对棕地中常见的化学品（例如三氯乙烯、四氯乙烯和苯）敏感的传感器和预浓缩器材料;（2）证明这些化学品的检测低于EPA参考暴露水平（REL）;以及（3）证明这些多传感器系统可以自动化并可重复地从模拟环境中检测这些化学品。 该SBIR项目解决了对更好的系统的需求，以监测蒸汽侵入邻近棕地和超级基金场地的家庭和设施。与普通实验室设备相比，该系统将是廉价的，便携式的，易于安装，并且不需要压缩气体来操作，使得无人看管是安全的。Vim将直接出售给修复专家和政府机构，用于他们的研究和修复计划。该系统提供连续数据的能力低于5000美元，使得每个样本的成本比传统的样本收集方法低得多。在这个价位上，考虑到受污染场地的数量，如果Vim在美国布朗菲尔德场地的0.1%使用，这是> 2000万美元的机会。第一阶段项目将设计一种便携式系统，该系统不受瓶装载气的限制，而瓶装载气是所有商业气相色谱仪所需的。这将使该系统进入数十亿补救市场和其他工业市场，用于过程监控，废水处理，储罐周围的泄漏检测和法规遵从性。 公共卫生相关性：该SBIR提案描述了一种新颖的低成本产品，将用于长期监测棕地和超级基金场地附近的蒸汽侵入。该系统满足NIEHS有害物质检测和补救计划所述的需求。该系统取代被动方法（吸附管）和人工主动采样和分析方法，通过自动化样品收集，检测，分析和数据传输，使用微传感器技术，不需要加压气体，或持续关注。该系统将是小型的，易于携带，安全，并提供在一个价格点，显着提高了蒸汽入侵研究的时间数据的数量和质量。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The US EPA estimates there are over 450,000 of these contaminated sites in the US. The cost to perform measurements stems primarily from the labor involved in placing and replacing the passive sorbent tubes used to collect vapor samples. Analysis of these $150-tubes costs up to $350 per sample, which can add up to over $8000 annually when considering that multiple tubes must be used per site. Seacoast proposes a solution to provide continuous monitoring using it proprietary sensor and sampling system. This Vapor Intrusion Monitor (VIM) combines low-cost detectors, a trap-and-purge collector and chromatography to (1) continuously collect and analyze the air in its immediate environment, (2) provide wireless data transmission to a network for remediation specialists to use in tracking models, and (3) allow for an automated, re- usable, low-maintenance system that does not need a trained operator to collect samples. The project's overall objectives are to (1) develop sensor and preconcentrator materials sensitive to chemicals commonly found in brownfields (e.g. trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and benzene); (2) Demonstrate the detection of these chemicals below EPA reference exposure levels (REL); and (3) Demonstrate that these the multi- sensor systems can be automated and repeatably detect these chemicals from a simulated environment. This SBIR project addresses the need for better systems to monitor vapor intrusion into homes and facilities that neighbor brownfields and Superfund sites. The system will be inexpensive compared to common laboratory equipment, and portable for easy setup, and will not require compressed gases to operate, making it safe to leave unattended. The VIM will be sold directly to remediation specialists and government agencies for use in their research and remediation programs. At under $5000, the system's ability to provide continuous data, allows for a much lower cost per sample than the traditional means of sample collection. At this price point, and considering the number of contaminated sites, if the VIM is used a 0.1% of the brownfield sites in the US, this is >$20 million opportunity. The Phase I project will resul in the design of a portable system that is free from the constraints of bottled carrier gas, which are require for all commercial gas chromatographs. This will make the system accessible to the multi billion remediation market and other industrial markets for process monitoring, waste water treatment, leak detection around storage tanks, and regulatory compliance. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This SBIR proposal describes a novel, low-cost product will be used for long-term monitoring of vapor intrusion near brownfields and Superfund sites. The system addresses needs as described by the NIEHS Hazardous Substances Detection and Remediation Program. The system replaces passive methods (sorbent tubes) and manned-active sampling and analysis methods by automating sample collection, detection, analysis, and data transmission using microsensor technology does not require pressurized gases, or continuous attention. The system will be small, easily portable, safe, and available at a price-point that significantly improves the quantity and quality of temporal data for vapor intrusion studies.