Automatic Laser-Induced Fluorescence System

VentEko is one of the first European companies that have acquired a unique automatic laser-induced fluorescence system (LIF) for oil product detection in polluted soil. Presently there are only about ten such equipments in the world.

Operating principle

LIF operation principle is based on soil laser irradiation through a special probing device inserted into the soil. The intensity of radiation-produced luminescence reveals the degree of oil product concentration, while an analysis of the luminescent spectrum displays the composition of pollution.

All data are visualized on-line on computer monitor and are stored in its memory.

Applicability

LIF technology may be used in any territory where economic activities have created environmental pollution risk. Pollution investigation process is provided by compact probing equipment. It is also able to approach hardly accessible places, such as:

  • Between or on rail roads
  • In rooms
  • On embankments
  • In swamps
  • On construction sites (simultaneously with active construction works), etc.

Detectable contaminants

Strong:

  • Gasoline
  • Diesel
  • Kerosene
  • Jet fuel
  • Motor oils
  • Hydraulic liquids
  • Crude oil, heating oil
  • Other oil products

Weak:

  • Coal tar
  • Creosotes

Main advantages compared to other technologies

  • Rectification borders of the method: 10 – 500 ppm (parts per million)
  • Works effectively in the soil aeration zone as well as in the saturated zone of water
  • Possibility of on-line detection of the pollution area in plan and profile
  • Immediate identification of underground communication line leakages, even in complicated geological conditions
  • The possibility of providing recurrent dynamic pollution monitoring
  • No need for special preparation works and additional equipment (pipes, filters, etc.)
  • LIF is mobile, compact and noiseless, it meets the highest safety requirements and is absolutely harmless to human health
  • Possibility to print out the first results while still at the site (in field conditions as well)
  • Possibility to produce conceptual 3D pollution models on the basis of data obtained

Method specification

  • Probing depth: until 30 m or rocky, very compact sediments
  • Probe pushing speed: 2 cm/sec
  • Data registration frequency: 1 measurement on every 2 cm
  • Equipment operation temperature: from -20 until +30o C

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