For Release: July 1, 1997
Don Nolan-Proxmire
Headquarters, Washington, DC
(Phone: 202/358-1983)
Keith Henry
Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
(Phone: 757/864-6120/4)
RELEASE NO. 97-044
NASA LICENSES AIR QUALITY MONITORING TECHNOLOGY
A technology originally developed for monitoring atmospheric air
quality now is being used to help U.S. industries reduce smokestack
pollution.
A remote gas sensor with NASA technology could detect industrial
pollution in smokestacks or with a "fence" system that would allow
the sensor to see around an area with the help of mirrors.
NASA is working with MERCO, Incorporated, Golden, Colo., to
jointly develop and commercialize the technology through a patent
license agreement. Under the agreement, NASA Langley Research
Center, Hampton, Va. will transfer its fast-response, nonmechanical
remote gas sensing technology for monitoring gaseous pollutants
emitted from petroleum refineries and chemical manufacturing
facilities to Merco.
Although originally developed for measurement of gases in the
Earth's atmosphere from aircraft and satellite platforms, the
technology's improved design makes it attractive for many
Earth-based monitoring applications. Called GFCR, for Gas Filter
Correlation Radiometer, the device has many distinct advantages
over conventional gas sensors, such as the capability for remote
sensing, area source monitoring, higher reliability, faster
response and a more compact design.
The agreement was facilitated by the Mid-Continent Technology
Transfer Center, College Station, Texas. The Center worked closely
with MERCO by preparing a brief marketing study and then, in
conjunction with MERCO and the University of Colorado, developed a
milestone plan for evolving the prototype into a commercial
product. The company anticipates rapid commercialization of the
instrument for use by the private sector.
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