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DEVICE FOR THE DETECTION OF FORMALDEHYDE
ES1281109
Formaldehyde detection usually needs of different instrumental techniques such as spectrophotometry, HPLC, laser-induced fluorescence, etc. They required expensive instrumental techniques and experienced laboratory personnel that carry out the measurements. A team from the University of València has developed a new sensor for gaseous formaldehyde detection. The sensor has excellent selectivity and good detection limits. The signal generation mechanism is produced directly by a rapid and reproducible reaction that additionally allows obtaining a stable device under normal conditions. From an environmentally point of view the method is clean since all the components are part of biological organisms and are innocuous for the environment. For this reason, it can be used as a dosimeter, because it respects the environment and is non-polluting.
Applications: The invention is applicable to the fabrication of simple and low cost formaldehyde sensing devices, especially as personal protection systems. These systems are useful in various industrial sectors that generate formaldehyde (wood and furniture industry, hospital centers, automotive industry, etc.) as well as a personal protection system. Advantages: The main advantages provided by the invention are: - Detection Limits: The direct reaction between the sensor and the formaldehyde leads to a marked color change with detection limits below 2 ppm, limit for 15 minutes of exposure accepted by OSHA (USA). - Two different channels for detection. The device is able to act as a passive colorimetric probe for the detection of formaldehyde in real time (by the naked-eye) and using a fluorescent detector. - Selectivity: The sensor is selective to formaldehyde detection in the presence of other gases. - Simplicity: for its use and for its production. The manufacturing process is very simple and fast which would facilitate the scaling of the production. - Environmentally friendly: the sensor uses low hazard products, which makes the system harmless for the environment and for that reason it could be used as a dosimeter in personal protective equipment for the prevention of occupational hazards.