In situ detection of TNT contamination using electrochemical sensors in cone penetrometer system

Ernesto R. Cespedes; Stafford S. Cooper; William M. Davis; William J. Buttner; William C. Vickers

doi:10.1117/12.199675

19 January 1995 In situ detection of TNT contamination using electrochemical sensors in cone penetrometer system

Ernesto R. Cespedes, Stafford S. Cooper, William M. Davis, William J. Buttner, William C. Vickers

Proceedings Volume 2367, Optical Sensors for Environmental and Chemical Process Monitoring; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.199675
Event: Optical Sensing for Environmental and Process Monitoring, 1994, McLean, VA, United States

Abstract

The pyrolysis of TNT and other explosive compounds generates signature compounds that can be efficiently detected by electrochemical sensors. This concept was implemented in the development and testing of a sensor probe for the Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) for the in situ detection of TNT, RDX, HMX, and other nitrogen-containing soil contaminants. This paper describes the results of laboratory studies and field tests conducted to determine the feasibility of employing electrochemical sensors for detecting subsurface explosives contaminants. A method for the in situ pyrolysis of explosives contaminants in soils was developed, and laboratory tests determined that electrochemical sensing of the pyrolysis products was sensitive, selective, reversible, and capable of broad dynamic range. A penetrometer probe that accommodates the electrochemical sensors (including power supply and signal conditioning electronics), the pyrolyzer unit, the pneumatic components, and geophysical sensors for soil classification was designed and fabricated. Results of tests conducted at the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant during September 1994, which demonstrated the performance of the SCAPS sensor under actual field conditions, are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Ernesto R. Cespedes, Stafford S. Cooper, William M. Davis, William J. Buttner, and William C. Vickers "In situ detection of TNT contamination using electrochemical sensors in cone penetrometer system", Proc. SPIE 2367, Optical Sensors for Environmental and Chemical Process Monitoring, (19 January 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.199675

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