OIL SPILL DETECTION SYSTEM

摘要

A sensor is described for the reliable detection of oil spills using fluorescence techniques. An ultraviolet (UV) light source (102) is located around an optical column with which selected wavelengths of fluorescing hydrocarbons or other substances can be detected. The source (102) of UV light is held at a constant level and special techniques are employed to remove background optical noise from the various detected wavelength signals. Short and long term running averages are generated to detect oil spills. A special buoy (32) is employed to allow the sensor (30) to be oriented at a cavity in the buoy (32) to reliably detect oil spills on water-ways. The buoy (32) has windows (70) to enable surface water to freely pass through into the cavity (48) while preventing turbulence from open water waves and wind. The buoy (32) has a low center of gravity well below the water line with a large submerged segment to reduce heaving motions and provide a stable platform for the detection of fluorescing substances.