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

Final reportPDFTech ReportDOT-TSC-USCG-74-5CG-D-86-754204.2/3PPA No. CG-03DetectorsOil spill cleanupRemote sensingWater quality managementLasersLaboratory testsOil spillsField testsWater pollutionUnited StatesUnited States. Coast GuardFantasia, J. F.Ingrao, Hector C.John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, (U.S.)United States. Coast Guard. Office of Research and DevelopmentAGR-IMPACTS-EnvironmentAGR-IMPACTS-IMPACTSNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Environment ImpactsNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Maritime Energy and EnvironmentNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-Marine SafetyNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-U.S. Coast GuardNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-Marine Energy and EnvironmentNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATIONVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterA 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 System Center. The study consisted of an analysis of the flourescence 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 AP1 gravity, fluorescence and reflectance spectra, fluorescence coefficient and fluorescence lifetimes. Similar measurements were made with a labroatory 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