May 11 2004
Researchers are testing the feasibility of using radar technology to detect mould behind gypsum wallboard. A common problem, hidden mould can cause serious structural damage and health problems before homeowners discover it.
Hoping to develop a non-destructive and less expensive method than is now available to detect mould behind walls, Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) scientists are collaborating with humidity control expert Lew Harriman of Mason-Grant Consulting in a two-year feasibility study primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its Healthy Homes Initiative. The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute in Washington, D.C., and Munters Corporation in Norcross, Ga., are also providing funds for the study.
In addition to degrading structures, mould can emit smelly and potentially harmful compounds into the air.
Researchers are conducting experiments on damp, mould-infested wallboard panels. Initially, they are using a signal processing algorithm and high-sensitivity, laboratory-size radar system recently developed by GTRI principal research scientist Gene Greneker and senior research scientist Otto Rausch.
They will determine the feasibility of using millimeter-wave, extremely high-resolution radar to detect mould in these panels based on unique characteristics of the mould backscatter signature, extracted by unique signal processing techniques. Also, Harriman will investigate the possibility that X-ray and gamma-ray technologies might work. And later, the researchers will examine the effectiveness of these techniques in detecting mould in other indoor building materials, including ceiling tiles typically used in commercial structures.
Ultimately, the researchers hope to produce a small, handheld prototype unit - something akin to a stud finder - to lay the technical foundation for a commercial product that contractors could purchase for about $1,000 to $2,000 and easily learn to use. They would then test that prototype in actual houses.
Source: Georgia Tech Research Institute