Underwater sensor

2000/08/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ozeanografia

Researchers from the University of Delaware and Analytical Instruments Systems have developed an electrochemical analyzer capable of detecting and identifying chemical substances flowing through the volcanic chimneys of the seabed.

These volcanoes are located 1.5 km from the surface of the sea and are habitat for several microorganisms. Highly toxic gases for humans are a source of life for microorganisms in the area, which is why they generate a great interest in researchers. This analyzer will be transported in the submarine Alvin to the volcanoes so that it can identify the composition of the gases with sulfur present. The analyzer is located in one of the articulated arms of the submarine and moving the arm can be located at the most appropriate point of the volcano.

This allows to simultaneously identify more than one chemical. The system has been used at 2,500 m depth, 200 atm pressure and between 0 and 100 °C temperature and has worked properly.