Marine Science Faculty Publications
Development of an Underwater Mass-spectrometry System for in Situ chemical Analysis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1999
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-0233/10/12/311
Abstract
Progress in the design, construction and packaging of small portable mass spectrometers for operation on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is described. Our first deployable version consists of a membrane introduction interface coupled with a linear quadrupole mass filter for in situ detection and quantification of dissolved gases and volatile organic compounds. We present laboratory results which demonstrate that sub-parts-per-billion detection limits have been achieved for toluene. The mass-spectrometer system is compatible with AUV constraints and operates on 24 V dc, consuming of the order of 100 W of power. Technical challenges of performing underwater mass spectrometry are addressed, in particular sample introduction from the water column and the maintenance of a vacuum system. Initial operation will be in shallow water of 30 m depth or less. Alternative versions of interfaces and mass spectrometers are also discussed. We anticipate that providing the capability of performing in situ underwater mass-spectrometric analysis will have a significant impact in the areas of marine science and environmental monitoring.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Measurement Science and Technology, v. 10, issue 12, art. 1195
Scholar Commons Citation
Short, R. T.; Fries, D. P.; Toler, S. K.; Lembke, C. E.; and Byrne, R. H., "Development of an Underwater Mass-spectrometry System for in Situ chemical Analysis" (1999). Marine Science Faculty Publications. 1801.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/msc_facpub/1801
