The Development of an Experimental Airborne Laser Remote Sensor for Oil Detection and Classification in Spills.

Abstract

A study and measurements program to determine the feasibility of using laser-excited oil fluorescence as a means of detecting and classifying oils in spills in the marine environment was undertaken at the DOT/Transportation Systems Center. The study consisted of an analysis of the fluorescence properties of oils and oil slicks on the sea surface, and a theoretical analysis of the remote fluorometry of oil spills. As a result of this study a laboratory and field measurements program was undertaken. Laboratory measurements were made of 29 crude and refined oils commonly transported in the marine environment. These measurements included API gravity, fluorescence and reflectance spectra, fluorescence coefficient and fluorescence lifetimes. Similar measurements were made with a laboratory model of an N2 laser oil spill remote sensor. Results of these measurements showed that, under certain conditions, oil spill detection and classification can be made in the marine environment.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA013580

Entities

People

  • Hector C. Ingrao
  • John F. Fantasia

Organizations

  • John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Airborne
  • Classification
  • Coefficients
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Environment
  • Fluorescence
  • Measurement
  • Oil Spills
  • Reflectance
  • Remote Detectors
  • Spectra
  • Transportation

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Marine Ecotoxicology
  • Spectroscopy.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy