FFD - Fuel Fluorescence Detection Module

Vertek’s dual down hole Fuel Fluorescence Detector (FFD) detects the fluorescence produced by aromatic hydrocarbons when excited by an ultraviolet (UV) light source. Pushed with Vertek Cone Penetrometer Technology (CPT) equipment, the UV LED FFD significantly reduces the time needed to detect and delineate the extent of hydrocarbon fuel spills or leaking storage tanks.

1. New UV LED is much more robust than its Mercury Lamp predecessor and environmentally friendly as there’s no Mercury in it.
2. No need to thermally stabilize this light source, which can take up to 30 minutes with UV Mercury Lamps.
3. Dual Photomultiplier Tubes (PMT) - Tuned to different wavelengths our dual PMT’s are able to differentiate between light and heavy contaminants.
4. Licensed and patented Sapphire Window technology for maximum window life.
5. UV LED FFD uses standard Vertek CPT cable, and any Datapack 2010 Series Acquisition System, so you don’t have to buy a special datapack just for your new UV LED FFD Probe.

Vertek's fuel fluorescence detector (FFD), is used to delineate hydrocarbon contamination versus depth.  The FFD detects the fluorescence produced by aromatic hydrocarbons when excited by an ultraviolet light source.

Typical contaminants detected by the FFD are jet fuel, diesel, unleaded gasoline, home heating and motor oil. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) values as low as 100 ppm can be detected in sandy soils.

The FFD contains dual downhole photomultiplier tubes (PMTs),  which permits differentiation between lighter fuels, which fluoresce more intensely at short wavelengths, and heavier fuels, which fluoresce more intensely at longer wavelengths.

The FFD provides a continuous, real-time output of fluorescence over the entire depth of investigation.  Multiple FFD profiles across a site can be combined to develop a three-dimensional model of the plume.  Vertek's FFD is coupled to a CPT probe, providing detail soils information simultaneously with FFD data.

• Significantly reduces time required to delineate petroleum hydrocarbon contamination.
• Employees are not exposed to contaminants, adding to site safety.
• The FFD Module is attached directly behind the cone penetrometer.
• Recording FFD and CPT data in a single push contributes to site information and project efficiency.
• A complete, real time profile is created from ground surface to depth of penetration, identifying important layers that may be missed in an interval sampling approach.
• Drilling waste is virtually eliminated, resulting in significant hazardous disposal waste cost savings.
• Soil sampling can be used to develop site specific calibrations.

• All compounds exhibit adsorption (UV or visible), but only few fluoresce.
• Most contain aromatic rings.
• Nearly all fuel compounds:
• BTEX, Naphthalene, Anthracene,Pyrene