Portable LIBS for field analysis of trace metals in fuels

Richard T. Wainner; Nicholas F. Aubut; Kristin L. Galbally-Kinney; Matan Aviram; David P. Gamliel; John P. Grimble; Mickey B. Frish; Shin-Juh Chen

doi:10.1117/12.2663611

15 June 2023 Portable LIBS for field analysis of trace metals in fuels

Richard T. Wainner, Nicholas F. Aubut, Kristin L. Galbally-Kinney, Matan Aviram, David P. Gamliel, John P. Grimble, Mickey B. Frish, Shin-Juh Chen

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12516, Next-Generation Spectroscopic Technologies XV; 125160T (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2663611
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2023, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) is developing a sensitive, rugged, person-portable, and safe instrument for the quick analysis of metals in jet fuels in fuel depots and transfer stations. The instrument fills a needed role for easy and affordable analysis of catalyzing metals content in fuel batches before they are used in, or shipped to, critical engines such as military aviation platforms. The instrument targets a panel of most likely and problematic metals that are often found in kerosene-based fuels, both refined and synthetic. The cause for concern lies in the potential for many metals, even at part per billion (ppb) concentrations, to catalyze rapid degradation of fuel performance, especially at elevated storage temperatures. The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology development reported here has demonstrated a robust and viable measurement system for multiple contaminants of importance to military (and commercial) fuel distribution. Estimated detection limits for all elements of interest, save phosphorus, are at sub-ppm levels. Signal normalization with an added internal reference has demonstrated an adjusted concentration measurement accuracy <95% and useful operation of the method near the noise floor of the instrument. The accomplishments are strong indicators for commercial potential for the technology as a useful tool in the intended fuel monitoring application, as well as other industrial sample analysis needs.

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Richard T. Wainner, Nicholas F. Aubut, Kristin L. Galbally-Kinney, Matan Aviram, David P. Gamliel, John P. Grimble, Mickey B. Frish, and Shin-Juh Chen "Portable LIBS for field analysis of trace metals in fuels", Proc. SPIE 12516, Next-Generation Spectroscopic Technologies XV, 125160T (15 June 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2663611

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