|
|
|
|
|
Dakota Technologies, Inc. (DTI) is a research and analytical instrumentation company, focused on real-time chemical sensing. Dakota Technologies, Inc. is developing technology that rapidly characterizes and analyzes biological samples, chemical mixtures, environmental media (soil, water, and air), and industrial processes by using patented, highly sensitive, and reliable laser induced fluorescence (LIF) technology. DTI employs the latest advances in lasers, optics, electronics, fluorescence technology, automation hardware, and control/analysis software.
Dakota Technologies, Inc. (DTI) was awarded Air Force Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) contracts to expand the range of chemical sensors and to deploy them on vehicles known as Geoprobes. Dakota undertook a number of innovative technological steps in developing the Geoprobe concept. These steps included the development of armored cable to protect the fiber optics and electrical cables from physical damage, a versatile depth control and analysis module (DCAM) was developed to record the probe depth and control the hydraulic system on the percussion hammer, and a single-rack laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectrometer was also built for fuel sensing. New chemical sensors brought to the proof of principle stage include a mercury lamp fluorescence spectrometer, a soil color reflectance sensor, and a vapor phase sensor for chlorinated hydrocarbons. After extensive field testing at local sites and Cape Canaveral, the LIF system and DTI's Geoprobe vehicle were flown to Japan and used to characterize fuel contamination at Misawa Air Base in conjunction with the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE). Cost savings of approximately $200,000 over conventional approaches were realized. AFCEE is responsible for many other bases requiring characterization and restoration.
This technology has been transitioned to the AFCEE and, via AFCEE, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The superior site characterization information provided by the technology helps AFCEE design and implement cost-effective remediation systems. Past practices have created subsurface contamination by fuels and solvents at many Air Force bases in the U.S. and abroad. Traditional clean-up strategies can be easily compromised by inadequate knowledge of subsurface conditions. By giving a far more detailed picture of how contamination is distributed underground, the innovative technology developed during this project reduces cost, distraction from the warfighter mission, and delay in returning the land to productive use.
Gregory Gillispie
Dakota Techologies, Inc.
2201-A 12th Street North
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: (701) 237-4908
Website: http://www.dakotatechnologies.com/
Email: info@dakotatechnologies.com