Systems and methods for the identification of compounds using admittance spectroscopy

Abstract

Described herein are systems and methods for determining the location, composition and concentration of a hydrocarbon containing plume in environmental seawater. These systems and methods disclosed use multiple complex admittance measurements from seawater in order to identify the contents, concentration, and location of the hydrocarbon containing plume. In preferred variations system includes a sensor array that substantially simultaneously records plume location, depth, and composition.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 877,306, filed Sep. 8, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The devices, systems and methods described may be used to determine the identity, concentration, and location of one or more components in an aqueous solution. In particular, described herein, are devices, systems and methods for determining the identity and concentration hydrocarbons or other contaminants in seawater.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Oil and oil containing compounds occur naturally in the environment. Ground oil seepage exists in many parts of the world including the Gulf of Mexico and off the California coast. Additionally, to the extent that oil is transported in seagoing vessels or removed from the earth using offshore oil rigs, oil will periodically spill into the environment, specifically the seas and oceans. Oil does dissipat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system, device, and method for identifying the components of a fluid or solution using admittance spectroscopy. The system includes electrodes that are placed in contact with the fluid or solution, and the interaction between the electrodes and the solution is measured using low-energy electrical signals. The method can determine the identity and concentration of compounds or molecules in the solution by analyzing the surface interaction between the electrodes and the solution. The system and method can be used in various applications, such as in environmental monitoring or medical diagnostics.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, to the extent that oil is transported in seagoing vessels or removed from the earth using offshore oil rigs, oil will periodically spill into the environment, specifically the seas and oceans.

These micro-bubbles form an emulsion in the seawater and can create significant underwater oil plumes.

These plumes can cover significant areas and can have serious consequences for animal and plant life which come in contact the plume.

Present technology, including sonar and turbidity measurements are fraught with problems associated with false positives and false negatives resulting from other factors present in the seawater.

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