AIR

Mars Drill Spectrometer

Fuel Cell Sulfur Monitor

Wireless Capnometer

PCE

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Fuel Cell Sulfur Monitor

The US Air Force is currently developing tactical quiet and portable power generators using solid oxide fuel cells supported by reformed logistical fuel. Military logistic fuel (JP-8) nominally contains 300-400 ppm (up to 0.3%) sulfur, primarily consisting of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and other related thiophenes, which damage fuel cell catalysts and degrade overall efficiency. To confirm the integrity of the desulfurization process, there is a need for in-line sensors capable of continuous monitoring of total organic sulfur in the processed fuel stream.

ICX Photonics is actively developing a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopic method for detection of organic sulfur, suitable for operation on the 350C vaporized fuel stream. Employing an innovative, highly-compact, multi-pass optic, the design enables use of a broadband IR source, while sustaining high optical throughput efficiencies over a long optical path length, thus enhancing performance. Research efforts are focused on optimized signal coupling and development of a high-temperature stable IR material set that tolerates the
fuel stream environment.