Sensors
Detection of Hexavalent Chromium in Water: Eltron is developing a portable system for monitoring hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), in water. The system is built around a propriety, microfabricated electrochemical sensor which can detect part-per-billion concentrations of toxic Cr(VI) while being completely insensitive to the generally nontoxic Cr(III). Hexavalent chromium is therefore monitored independently of the other chromium species. This system can be applied to natural water, drinking water or remediation processes.
Field Monitor for Chemical Warfare Agents: Eltron is developing methods and instruments for sensitive detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in air using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The goal of this work is to produce a small, low power chemical sensor for CWAs that can be carried easily by an individual. To achieve this goal we have developed a patent-pending sensor design which will allow the power requirements of the field unit to be reduced significantly while simultaneously improving sensitivity. This device is intended to be used by military personnel, civilian first responders and others who have the need to combat chemical warfare and terrorism.
Comprehensive Oil Quality Sensor: Eltron Research and Development has developed a proprietary sensor technology that can be used in conjunction with a Raman spectrometer to evaluate engine oil and other fluids. This technology allows for a more detailed profile of engine oil than has ever been available before from a single device. Plus, it can be run on off-the-shelf hardware, allowing it to be easily, cost-effectively applied in a variety of industries. More ...
Arsenic in Water Sensor: Eltron has developed a fast, sensitive, microfabricated electrochemical device for detecting arsenic dissolved in water at part-per-million (ppm) to sub-part-per-billion (ppb) concentrations. The two important oxidation states of arsenic, As(III) and As(V), can be measured selectively, as can total arsenic, in only several minutes per measurement. The method’s sensitivity exceeds the 10 ppb EPA drinking water standard. It has been successfully tested on arsenic contaminated water from a remediation process. This device can be used for natural water, drinking water and remediation process streams. More ...
Real-Time TOC Analysis for Ultra-Pure Water: Slow total organic carbon (TOC) analysis can cause the loss of expensive materials in high-value industries and decreases the efficiency of both lab and production activities. Eltron Research & Development has developed TOC analysis technology for ultrapure water that is at least 20 times faster than any TOC analyzer currently available. More ...
Dry Cleaning Personal Exposure Monitor: Eltron is developing a low-cost instrument for perchloroethylene (PERC) exposure monitoring in the dry cleaning industry. The badge-sized monitor incorporates a compact sensor with real-time sampling and data logging to provide both instantaneous and cumulative exposure data. Prototype sensors have shown rapid, linear, reversible responses over the range of vapor concentrations applicable to health and safety monitoring.
Nitrate and Nitrite Detection in Groundwater: Eltron has fabricated an inexpensive electrochemical nitrite detector on a micro-chip. This sensor has demonstrated detection limits to 100 ppb and is selective for nitrite ions with little interference from other ionic species that are commonly found in aqueous systems. We are currently working on the fabrication and demonstration of a compact, portable, low power, low cost system for long term, real time detection of nitrate and nitrite in water that utilizes the nitrite detector. The system can be used to monitor groundwater, surface water, process streams, stored waste or other effluents of interest to the Department of Energy and the private sector.