Rapid response volcanic ash detector
Inventors
Assignees
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Publication Number
US-9557308-B2
Publication Date
2017-01-31
Expiration Date
2033-08-21
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Abstract
Methods and systems for detecting ambient aerosols are disclosed. An example method can comprise receiving an air sample comprising aerosol particles. A method can comprise determining at least one of concentration of the aerosol particles and size of an aerosol particle from the aerosol particles. A method can also comprise determining a composition of the air sample if at least one of the concentration exceeds a first predetermined threshold and the size exceeds a second predetermined threshold. A method can further comprise providing a notification indicating the presence of volcanic ash based on the determined composition of the aerosol.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods and systems for detecting ambient aerosols, specifically designed to enable rapid identification of volcanic ash plumes. The method involves receiving an air sample containing aerosol particles, determining at least one of the concentration and size of these particles, and then evaluating the air sample's composition if the concentration or size meets or exceeds predetermined thresholds. A notification indicating the presence of volcanic ash is issued based on the composition analysis of the aerosol, allowing for timely warnings.
This innovation addresses the challenge of protecting transport devices, such as aircraft, from the dangers posed by volcanic ash and other ambient aerosols. Volcanic ash can cause significant damage to aircraft engines and systems, particularly because its particulate nature may melt inside jet engines, clog cooling vents, and ultimately lead to engine shutdown. Existing methods relying on visual, satellite, or seismic monitoring are not always effective in varying environmental conditions such as clouds or nighttime. The described system operates in real-time and can be installed on-board aircraft to provide actionable alerts, thereby enabling pilots to evade hazardous concentrations before entering the core of an ash plume.
The patented approach utilizes a combination of sensors to measure the concentration, size, and composition of aerosols. If thresholds are exceeded, initial caution notifications are triggered, followed by further analysis to confirm if volcanic ash is present. The system can log exposure data for maintenance purposes and deliver alerts both to flight crew and remote stations. The technology supports in situ detection under a broad array of conditions, making it applicable for both operational hazard avoidance and long-term maintenance planning.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover several inventive features, focusing on methods and systems for detecting ambient aerosols, issuing notifications, and recording relevant data.
Measuring, threshold-based notification, and composition-based detection with recording and alarm
The method includes: - Measuring ambient aerosol concentration and size in an air stream. - Providing a first notification if size or concentration exceeds respective thresholds. - Determining composition information of the aerosols. - Providing a second notification if composition indicates volcanic ash. - Storing measured concentration as a function of time if volcanic ash is present. - Generating expected concentration values and comparing measured vs. expected over time. - Generating a perceptible alarm in response to the comparison result.
Instrument-triggered composition evaluation, data processing, notification, and alarm
The method includes: - Measuring and recording concentration and size of ambient aerosols. - Processing electronic data of measured values. - Providing a notification if thresholds are exceeded, using an electronic signal for a perceptible caution alarm. - Triggering an instrument to determine composition if measured values exceed thresholds. - Recording and processing composition data. - Providing a notification if composition indicates volcanic ash, with the notification being an electronic signal for a perceptible volcanic ash warning alarm, based on matching composition to volcanic ash signature within a specified confidence level.
System with memory and processor for threshold-based, composition-detecting notifications and alarm generation
The system comprises: - Memory and processor with computer-executable instructions. - Measuring concentration and size of ambient aerosols in an air stream. - Providing a first notification if thresholds are exceeded. - Determining composition information of aerosols. - Providing a second notification if volcanic ash is indicated. - Storing measured concentration data as a function of time if volcanic ash is present. - Generating expected concentrations as a function of time. - Comparing measured and expected concentrations and triggering a perceptible alarm if they match within a specified threshold.
System with data recording, composition analysis, and alarm signaling for threshold and composition detection
The system comprises: - Memory and processor for recording measured concentration and size of ambient aerosols. - Processing this electronic data and providing a notification if thresholds are exceeded, with the notification being an electronic signal for a perceptible caution alarm. - Triggering an instrument to determine aerosol composition if thresholds are exceeded. - Recording and processing composition information. - Providing a notification if composition matches volcanic ash signature data within a specified confidence level, with the notification being a perceptible volcanic ash warning alarm.
The inventive features define methods and systems for real-time measurement, threshold-based warning, composition analysis, and data recording of ambient aerosols, with notifications and alarms focused on volcanic ash detection and hazard avoidance.
Stated Advantages
Provides rapid, on-board detection and warning of volcanic ash plumes, enabling avoidance before reaching hazardous concentrations.
Operates effectively under all conditions, including night and in-cloud, when visual or satellite-based methods are ineffective.
Discriminates between large, naturally occurring aerosols (like volcanic ash) and smaller anthropogenic aerosols or non-volcanic ash particles.
Records aerosol concentrations to support well-informed aircraft maintenance decisions based on ash exposure.
Delivers real-time, perceptible notifications to crew and/or remote stations for improved operational safety.
Documented Applications
On-board air system for aircraft to warn crew of approaching volcanic ash plumes and enable timely course changes to avoid hazardous exposure.
Detection of other ambient aerosols, including smoke, soil, or sand, that may pose a threat to aircraft safety or convenience.
Recording of aerosol exposure data to inform aircraft maintenance teams and guide maintenance actions after plume encounters.
Provision of notifications to remote stations such as air traffic control, fleet management, or weather stations regarding aircraft ash plume encounters.
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