Six technologies developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Technology Development are among the 1995 R&D 100 award recipients. Since 1963, R&D Magazine has selected the world's top 100 technologically significant new products and processes. To be eligible for the 1995 awards, the products and processes entered had to be available for sale or licensing during 1994. Contest entries are initially judged by outside experts, and R&D Magazine editors make the final selections.
The 1995 award winning technologies were featured in the September issue of R&D Magazine. Developers of the technologies were recognized at a black-tie banquet at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago in September. An exhibit of the award winners remained on display at the museum through mid-October.
The following OTD-funded technologies were R&D 100 award winners.
Microwave Plasma Continuous Emissions Monitor
This instrument detects toxic metals emitted by incinerators and plasma furnaces used for waste processing. Using microwave technology, the monitor energizes contaminants so they are more readily detected as they come out of the treatment plant.
The monitor enables workers to determine if the facility is operating in compliance with environmental regulations. Workers also can control the process to prevent toxic emissions.
Partners on this project include Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and T&R Associates.
Microsensor for Volatile Organic Compounds
This dime-sized film sensor monitors gasoline and petroleum spills in real time and can identify contamination to parts per billion. The microsensor has a layer of cone-shaped molecules bonded to an electrical transducer. The molecules act like traps for organic toxins. The added mass of the trapped-but not chemically bonded-toxins changes the transducer's electrical signal. The sensor works like a reusable sponge, holding contaminants temporarily, then releasing them at the desired time. The sensor has both air quality and groundwater monitoring applications.
Electrical Remediation of Contaminated Environments
ERACE is an electrical soil heating technology that essentially boils away contamination. It is an enhancement to soil vapor extraction, which uses a vacuum to pull contaminated vapor out of soil into a well to be treated. Soil vapor extraction won't work, however, if the contaminants can't easily be vaporized or the soil is so tightly packed that air can't pass through readily. With ERACE, the temperature of the soil is raised to increase the contaminant's vapor pressure so it can be removed. The technology will be used at DOE's Savannah River and
Rocky Flats Sites and at McClellan Air Force Base
Fiber Optic Temperature Sensor
This sensor measures temperature in hazardous, corrosive, and high electromagnetic field environments. It can be used in extreme environments because it's made of glass that is not affected by electrical interference or corrosion. Among other applications, the sensor is suitable for bioremediation sites that use electromagenetic energy to heat soil. Since measurements can be taken remotely, the sensor is more safe and economical than other means of taking measurements. The Savannah River Technology Center developed the sensor.
In-Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents with Natural Gas
This technology uses methane-oxidizing bacteria to remove chlorinated solvents and their breakdown products with no harmful side effects. Growth of the naturally occurring microbes is stimulated by injecting a low concentration of methane into a well drilled horizontally below the water table. The technology was developed by the Savannah River Technology Center.
Polymer Filtration System
This project developed water soluble polymers having strong binding properties with contaminants. The polymers bind with contaminants in waste streams and are then filtered out, recycled, and reused. The focus of this project was to recover and recycle electroplating metals. Boeing Defense and Space Group was the industrial partner.
