Air Sampler goes Camcopter

The C-SALS project, developing a versatile UAV-based reconnaissance system, is designed to aid relief forces (especially in disaster situations) by creating a 3D situational map essential for tactical planning and decision-making. The system employs a comprehensive sensor suite, including onboard gas sensors, a potent stand-off detector, deployable sampling devices, and a high-precision laser scanner mounted on a robust UAV (Schiebel Camcopter) suitable for policing and military missions. The key benefits include the capability to address scenarios involving both heavy and light gases and volatiles, the provision of a 3D environment model offering insights into potentially hazardous areas and facilitating flight manoeuvres, the ability to collect gas samples with minimal interference from downwash and hover effects, and meticulous measures to prevent potential contamination of valuable specialized equipment.

We are pleased to report that Vienna Scientific's advanced version of the AS-111 Automatic Sorbent Tube Air Sampler performed flawlessly during the training flights, collecting air samples of potentially harmful substances into sorbent tubes close to the suspected emission source. The sampler is mounted underneath the Camcopter during flight; future plans include a storage system for release/retrieval at the target site. High-quality gas analyses beyond those immediately available from the on-board sensors (e.g. CO2, CO, etc.) can then be performed in (mobile) laboratories. The C-SALS consortium is developing basic procedures and methods for UAV-based air sampling for police/government applications - however, VSI's air sampling systems (including the Whole Air Sampler AS-110) are ready for flexible and reliable use in all market segments addressing UAV-based air sampling for the detection, identification and quantification of gases and volatiles.