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Chemical Sensors Research |
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Research Focus
The Center for Industrial Sensors and Measurements (CISM) at The Ohio State University has three projects involving Dutta, Akbar and Verweij research group on sensor systems:
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With GE Reuter-Stokes (GERS), a part of GE Power Systems we are developing ceramic-based microsensor array to monitor total NOx (0-1000 ppm), CO (0-1000 ppm) and O2 (1-15%) within the hot zones of the burner (480-815oC) to provide feedback for burner balancing and optimization. |
| 2) |
With NASA Glenn we are developing a sensor array along with the appropriate data analysis algorithms for prediction of fires, with minimal false alarms and eventually a system that can also correlate the fire with particular categories. |
| 3) |
We are creating a multifunctional nanodevice based on host-guest chemistry within microporous frameworks to monitor oxygen concentration within living cells and generate reactive singlet oxygen that can chemically alter the environment around the sensor. |
Summary
Combustion sensors: The local state of the combustion will be determined by measuring O2, CO and NOx. These gases provide a measure of the completeness of combustion as well as the main controllable pollutant (NOx) in the combustion. Sensor systems with subsecond response times should allow integration into neural nets and other controlling algorithms. The real-time profiles of combustion parameters across the boiler will provide the operator with knowledge of the boiler’s response characteristics to individual burner, air fuel, and other control settings. The sensor design approach is centered on the appropriate choice of the sensing principle, development of novel materials and intelligent use of catalysts.
Fire Safety Sensors: We are working on CO, O2 and CO2 gas sensor array for fire detection. The end result will be predication of fires, with minimal false alarms via multivariate functions using Kernel regression and an algorithm that will provide the early warning. The sensors included will be a sputtered titania sensor that was developed in a collaboration with NASA Glenn, a copper doped titania sensor and a lithium phosphate based sensor. In addition, miniaturized version of these sensors with lower cost and decreased power consumption are being investigated.
Biological Sensors: Photodynamic therapy, in which singlet oxygen is generated by reaction of O2 with a photosensitizer incorporated in the tumor is currently used for treatment of the disease. One of the limitations is that tumor cells exhibit hypoxia (low oxygen pressures) which limit treatment . The nanodevices we plan to synthesize can be incorporated into the tumor cells because of their size. Measurement of oxygen levels within the cells by optical methods can be used in a feedback mode to determine if appropriate levels of intracellular oxygen exist before turning on higher light fluxes to generate singlet oxygen to kill the cells.
Contacts