The Ultraviolet Optical Screening Tool (UVOST™) utilises Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) technology to quickly and efficiently delineate Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) in the subsurface. This tool analyses petroleum in real time and high resolution (65 readings per meter),and can detect all types of petroleum, such as petrol, diesel fuel, oils (bunker, crude, hydraulic, waste, cutting, etc.) as well as creosote and coal tar.
How UVOST Works:
Petroleum hydrocarbons contain significant amounts of naturally fluorescent polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Contact from ultraviolet (laser) light from the LIF system causes PAHs to fluoresce. The LIF system uses a sapphire window in the side of the direct push probe to measure front-face fluorescence of the petroleum LNAPL as the probe is advanced into the soil. PAH fluorescence of fuels/oils is directed back to the surface where it is analysed. Responses are indicated in real-time on a graph of UVOST signal vs. depth.
