Sensors & Buoy Test For Climate Restoration Projects

As you recall, OIF (Ocean Iron Fertilization) is about replicating a natural CO2 removal process by intentionally adding of small amounts of iron to the ocean surface to promote phytoplankton blooms. 

Before launching the pilot OIF Project in the Philippines, we are planning a small experiment in California to test the measuring equipment. This involves deploying 3 buoys equipped with sensors connected via satellite. 

The buoys will be deployed 60-70 miles off shore, and float around for about a month while we track their position and CO2 levels at their location. 

Please help us reach our $70,000 goal!

Project  Updates:

The system is almost ready!

Satellite Communication System Activated

We have successfully completed the buoy activation process and verified that data from its native sensors can be uploaded via satellite to storage and subsequently downloaded for analysis (pictures below). 

The assemblies on top of the three arms contain a hydrophobic PTFE membrane and dry sensor chamber. These same assemblies will hold CO2 sensors below water, and we have demonstrated in five week-long tests that the the PFTE membranes prevent water from entering the sensor chamber at depths up to four feet.  Work continues on determining which inexpensive CO2 sensors meet our performance requirements.

Jagdish is activating the buoy data acquisition and satellite communication systems. This system will be used to send the sensor data to our back office for tracking and analyzing.

The output of the Python script:

Here is Alan inspecting a PTFE membrane after it had been exposed to 18-ft of depth - This is the first time a large membrane (1.5" pipe with O-ring seal, so about 1.65" diam circle of exchange area) has survived our 18-ft depth test!

Picking up the first buoy from San Francisco

Visiting the buoy manufacturer in San Francisco