The Chelsea UV AquaTracka in-situ fluorometer has long been the industry standard for hydrocarbon detection, a reputation proven during the Macondo Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. Chelsea continues to supply significant numbers of these fluorometers to oil spill areas around the world.
Selection of the UV AquaTracka by monitoring authorities has been based on the robust measurements offered by the fluorometer as well as its unparallel sensitivity and full ocean depth capability.
Recent work within Chelsea’s R&D department has now yielded equivalent sensitivity performance from the UviLux in-situ fluorometer. This UV LED fluorometer is smaller and lighter than the 6000m rated UV AquaTracka. The UviLux provides a depth rating of 600 metres and offers the market a high specification in-situ hydrocarbon sensor at lower cost.
The UviLux can be configured for measurements of crude oil, refined oils or CDOM for other applications.
Chelsea’s range of in situ fluorometers have been used in the offshore industry for many years. Originally developed for military applications the UV AquaTracka (left) remains unique in its ability to detect very low levels of hydrocarbons to depths of 6000 metres. The newly launched UviLux (right) is designed for shallower depths (600 metres) but now yields equivalent sensitivity performance. Both instruments are capable of detecting crude and refined oils in the marine and freshwater environment and are in use worldwide.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff, May 23, 2012; Image: Chelsea