INTRODUCING NEW HAWK SENSORS

BlueHawk™ and TinyHawk™ sensors offer real-time, non-contact, IoT-ready remote detection of oil and fuel leaks, spills, process water contamination, and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) for various industrial and environmental monitoring applications.

Powered by an innovative, patented design that enables industry-leading features, Hawks excel on diverse surfaces, including water, providing a powerful new alternative to traditional contact methods in many stationary and mobile monitoring scenarios.

ADVANCED OIL & FUEL DETECTION

Hawk Hydrocarbon Sensors detect a wide range of liquid hydrocarbons, from crude oil to heavy and light intermediates and finished refined products, offering superior sensitivity, extensive 33+ ft detection range, and coverage for small and large areas.

Hawks can monitor intricate and non-horizontal surfaces, and they operate even in choppy and fast-moving waters, and areas with large tides. They generate real-time alerts and data (severity, etc.) for informed decision-making and rapid response.

REMOTE ALGAE MONITORING

BlueHawk Algae Sensors continuously monitor, identify, and quantify both freshwater and marine cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and green algae in surface waters, based on chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and phycoerythrin pigment level measurements.

The non-contact CFRS technology provides reliable and maintenance-free operation with no biofouling, making the sensors ideal for long-term monitoring of water bodies like source water reservoirs and intakes, lakes, bays, estuaries, and rivers.

Where Our Sensors Can Enhance Safety and Protection: On Land, Water & More

Oil & chemical processing
Storage tanks & tank farms
Pipeline systems
Oil & fuel terminals
Onshore & offshore oil production
Bodies of water
Water reservoirs & intakes
Ports
Harbors & marinas
Military installations

Principle of Operation

BlueHawk and TinyHawk sensors utilize fluorometry, a technique that uses light to detect specific molecules based on their fluorescence properties. Depending on the application, the sensors project pulses of ultraviolet (UV) or visible light onto the monitored surface. When this light interacts with hydrocarbons found in crude oil and petroleum products, photosynthetic pigments in cyanobacteria and green algae, or Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter (FDOM) in CDOM/DOM, it triggers the emission of fluorescent light at distinct wavelengths. The sensors then detect this fluorescence and measure its intensity, which is proportional to the amount of the target substances present. The greater the presence, the stronger the signal. Upon reaching a user-defined threshold, the sensor triggers an alarm and/or sends a notification for response. It can also continuously transmit real-time monitoring data via wired/wireless connections.

Cutting-Edge Patented Coaxial Fluorometric Remote Sensing (CFRS) Technology

Continuous Non-Contact Liquid Hydrocarbon & HAB Monitoring for Dry Surfaces and Water.

Wide Range of Detectables: Liquid Hydrocarbons (Crude to Naphtha), Algal Blooms & More

Hawk sensors offer unmatched versatility in detecting a wide range of liquids and contaminants. This includes oils, fuels, and other petroleum products, green and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and Colored Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM/FDOM).

The sensors utilize both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelengths to detect a broad spectrum of liquid hydrocarbons. UVA excels at detecting crude oil and heavier petroleum products like fuel oils, lubricants, heating oils, and hydraulic oils.

However, UVA and conventional UVA-only sensors have limitations. They struggle to detect or completely miss lighter refined products like gasoline, jet fuels, and naphtha. This is where UVB technology comes in. It provides a significant advantage by effectively detecting these lighter liquids.

UVA is also used to detect colored fluorescent dissolved organic matter (CDOM/FDOM), a naturally occurring organic material found in water.

Hawks leverage multiple select wavelengths in the visible spectrum to maximize sensitivity and accuracy for targeted algal pigments and corresponding blooms.

Our sensors may also be able to detect other products like solvents, coolants, cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, and fluids with UV tracers or dyes. Please contact us to discuss the feasibility and explore the most suitable solution for your specific needs. 

Continuous Remote Monitoring for Algal Blooms: Chlorophyll, Phycocyanin & Phycoerythrin

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are large accumulations of algae that can produce toxins, disrupt aquatic ecosystems, and cause problems for water bodies used for drinking water, recreation, and various industries. BlueHawk algae CFRS sensors continuously monitor and quantify targeted blue-green (cyanobacteria) and green algae in the fresh and saline water bodies by analyzing the levels of specific photosynthetic pigments within these organisms.

Each sensor is configured for the target algae and corresponding pigments. Chlorophyll, found in all algae, serves as a baseline measurement for overall algal activity. Additional pigments can be used for more specific identification: Phycocyanin reveals the presence of freshwater or marine cyanobacteria, and detecting phycoerythrin pinpoints the presence of marine blue-green algae specifically.

By using a combination of chlorophyll and these additional pigments, BlueHawk algae sensors provide a more comprehensive picture of algal activity and type in the waterbody than common chlorophyll-only monitoring.

Additionally, a BlueHawk CDOM/FDOM CFRM sensor can be deployed to measure colored fluorescent dissolved organic matter in surface waters.

Hawks’ non-contact detection method eliminates the need for physical contact with the water, resulting in virtually maintenance-free operation with no biofouling.

Unmatched Performance: CFRS Technology for Superior Detection on Land and Water

Fluorosensors are a type of sensor that uses light to detect substances. Unlike conventional sensors, Hawk’s unique and patented LED-based coaxial optical design offers a significant advantage. It allows for reliable monitoring of water, wet surfaces, and dry surfaces like concrete, metal, soil, and ice – regardless of their shape or orientation. This makes Hawks ideal for monitoring flat and uneven surfaces, equipment with intricate geometries, and industrial, municipal, and natural water systems. They are well-suited for detecting contamination in process, cooling, and wastewaters as well as in waterbodies of any type.

CFRS sensors’ large lenses and apertures offer superior light delivery and signal-to-noise ratio, boosting sensitivity to detect low to high levels of hydrocarbons and algae, while minimizing false alarms.

Continuous built-in self-testing, light source status monitoring, and LED power control functions ensure peak performance in any conditions.

Additionally, industry-leading scan rates enable Hawk sensors to operate five times faster than traditional sensors, making them ideal for monitoring choppy and fast-moving waters.

The result? Hawks enable reliable monitoring in many applications where traditional methods fall short.

Extensive Range & Broad Detection Angle: Flexible Deployment for Stationary or Mobile Monitoring

With an up to 33+ ft (10+ m) detection range, Hawk installations are designed for minimal disruption. The sensors can be mounted on close or distant platforms like water intake towers, embankments, dams, piers, bridges, deep sumps, fuel hydrant systems, loading/unloading racks, storage tanks, and other structures within industrial facilities. They can also be deployed on vessels, vehicles, and aerial drones for mobile monitoring.

Hawk CFRS sensors are highly adaptable to varying surface distances, ensuring reliable water monitoring in industrial settings and areas with high waves or large tidal variations.

An exceptionally wide detection angle (±45°) expands deployment options in environments where perpendicular installation is difficult or impossible. This also allows pairing the sensor with a pan-tilt mount for continuous monitoring of large areas and surfaces up to 1,600 sq ft (150 m²).

Additionally, the broad detection angle enhances monitoring coverage on complex surfaces of intricate equipment and improves accuracy in dynamic environments such as choppy or fast-flowing waters with constantly changing surface topography.

Compact Design, Low Power Consumption, and Built for Tough & Hazardous Environments

Leveraging cutting-edge advancements in optics and electronics, Hawk sensors achieve remarkable compactness, lightweight design, and minimal power consumption. This makes them ideal for deployment in space-restricted and power-limited environments, such as cramped sumps, remote monitoring stations, buoys, aerial drones, and other battery or solar-powered applications.

Hawk sensors boast unrivaled NEMA 6P (IP68) rated standard enclosures, signifying their ability to withstand demanding environments. These enclosures are impervious to corrosion, chemicals, and even temporary submersion.

Optionally, HazLoc (Class I/II/III, ATEx) enclosures are available for deployment in hazardous locations with flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or combustible dust. This makes them suitable for industries like oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, and mining.

Built to endure the harshest conditions, Hawk sensors deliver reliable and virtually maintenance-free monitoring for years to come.

Flexible Connectivity, Scalable Monitoring, and Customizable Options

User-friendly software allows for remote access and sensor configuration directly from your desk or control center. Versatile connectivity options, including wired connections and various wireless methods like cellular or satellite modems, or Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), enable transmission of real-time monitoring data and alarm notifications. This IoT-ready system thus empowers users with efficient data management, real-time insights, and global accessibility.

Hawk sensors can operate independently or seamlessly integrate into multi-sensor networks, allowing for continuous monitoring with up to 128 units working together within the same easy-to-expand system. They can also integrate with SCADA and other industrial automation and control systems, and environmental monitoring networks. To verify compatibility, please contact us to discuss required communication protocol and data format.

Hawks offer optional features to enhance functionality for specific needs. With optional surface distance measurement, the BlueHawk can further improve detection accuracy across its entire sensing range, amidst widely fluctuating water levels, for example. Additionally, Hawks can be equipped with a data logger for recording the sensors’ digital output, allowing for historical data analysis even when offline from the main network.

BlueHawk™ and TinyHawk™ Sensors

Monitoring Dry Surfaces and Water for Hydrocarbons, HABs, and CDOM/FDOM.

BlueHawk CFRS Family: Our Flagship Sensors

BlueHawk CFRS (Coaxial Fluorometric Remote Sensing) sensors are ideal for applications that require long sensing ranges or the ability to detect and monitor hydrocarbon leaks, spills, and algal blooms over a wide range of sensor-to-surface distances. This makes it well-suited for non-invasive monitoring at industrial facilities, on land, in high wave and large tidal environments, and onboard drones or vessels. Additionally, BlueHawk can measure CDOM/FDOM (colored fluorescent dissolved organic matter) in water, and all BlueHawk sensors can be installed on pan-tilt mounts for large-area monitoring.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS:

Monitored surfaces: Any dry, wet, flat, uneven, complex, or non-horizontal surfaces; stationary to choppy and fast-moving waters.

Detectable hydrocarbons: Wide range of liquid hydrocarbons from crude oil to refined intermediates and heavy, midweight, and light finished products including fuel oils, lubricants, heating oils, hydraulic oils, diesel, jet fuels, gasoline, and naphtha.

Detectable algae: Freshwater & marine cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and green algae using chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and phycoerythrin pigment level measurements.

Detectable CDOM/FDOM: Colored fluorescent dissolved organic matter in fresh and saline waters.

Light source: LED with internal health monitoring and control

Operational wavelength bands: UVA / UVB / Vis

Detection range: 3 to 33+ ft (0.9 to 10+ m)

Coverage: Up to 1,600 sq ft (150 m²) on pan-tilt mount. Unlimited when mounted onboard a drone, vessel, or vehicle.

Sensitivity: Sub-μm / sub-ppm, adjustable

Detection/installation angle: Up to ±45° from perpendicular to surface

Scan rate: Adjustable, up to 10 Hz

Enclosure: NEMA 6P (IP68) standard, HazLoc (Class I/II/III, ATEx) available

Size (Standard): Ø 4” x 9.4” (Ø 10 cm x 24 cm)

Weight (Standard/HazLoc): 3.0 lb. / 10.8 lb. (1.4 kg / 4.9 kg)

Power: 10-30 VDC, 2 W

Optional features: HazLoc (Class I/II/III, ATEx) enclosure, Surface distance / Water level measurement, Wired or Wireless data transmission and alarms, Stand-alone or Networked operation, Data logger  


BlueHawk: For those needing the most advanced fluorosensor at a competitive price.

TinyHawk: Super Compact, Yet Very Powerful

Ideal for closer-range hydrocarbon monitoring (up to 10 ft / 3 m) on static surfaces, TinyHawk prioritizes reliability, minimal size, weight, power consumption, and cost.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS:

Monitored surfaces: Any static surfaces such as concrete, metal, soil, stationary or slow moving water, ice, etc., where the distance between the sensor and the surface remains relatively constant.

Detectable hydrocarbons: Similar to BlueHawk, TinyHawk can detect a wide range of liquid hydrocarbons from crude oil to refined intermediates and heavy, midweight, and light finished products including fuel oils, lubricants, heating oils, hydraulic oils, diesel, jet fuels, gasoline, and naphtha.

Light source: LED (with readiness for internal health monitoring and control)

Operational wavelength bands: UVA / UVB

Detection range: 0.7 to 10.0 ft (0.2 to 3.0 m)

Sensitivity: Sub-μm / sub-ppm, adjustable

Detection/installation angle: Up to ±45° from perpendicular to surface

Scan rate: Adjustable, up to 10 Hz

Enclosure: NEMA 6P (IP68) standard, HazLoc (Class I/II/III, ATEx) available

Size (Standard): Ø 4” x 3.5” (Ø 10 cm x 9 cm)

Weight (Standard/HazLoc): 1.5 lb. / 5.5 lb. (0.7 kg / 2.5 kg)

Power: 12-35 VDC, 1.5 W

Optional features: HazLoc (Class I/II/III, ATEx) enclosure, Wired or Wireless data transmission and alarms, Stand-alone or Networked operation, Data logger


TinyHawk: Packed with innovation in a small, affordable package.
BlueHawk Class I/II/III (ATEx)
TinyHawk Class I/II/III (ATEx)
Port water monitoring
BlueHawk installed in port
BlueHawk mounted on aerial drone
BlueHawk Class I/II/III (ATEx) at tank farm
Source water monitoring
Sump monitoring at oil refinery
BlueHawk mobile battery-powered installation
Real-time spill monitoring at marina fuel dock
Another BlueHawk installed in port
Hydrocarbon & algae sensors monitoring estuary waters

About Our Companies 

PhotonTec and LDI Innovation Ltd: Uniting Expertise to Deliver High-Performance Sensor Solutions.

LDI Innovation Ltd: The Experts Behind the Hawk Series

LDI Innovation Ltd, a European innovator in photonics engineering, designs and manufactures the pioneering BlueHawk and TinyHawk series of sensors. Established in 2013, their team leverages over 30 years of knowledge in optics and sensing. Combining advanced degrees in physics, engineering, and computer science, they are a powerhouse of expertise, delivering real-world solutions for critical monitoring and detection applications worldwide.

Fueled by a commitment to continuous innovation, LDI Innovation Ltd develops powerful proprietary technologies using patented optics and advanced electronics. This dedication translates into actionable insights for industrial process oversight and environmental protection, unlocking information previously unavailable with conventional techniques.

The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification to ensure the highest quality standards.

Select customers

PhotonTec™: Your North American Partner for Hawk Sensor Technology

PhotonTec, the new U.S. and Mexico distributor of LDI Innovation Ltd’s revolutionary hydrocarbon and algae sensing technology, brings over 20 years of experience to the North American market. We specialize in introducing innovative products and possess a deep understanding of various optical and photonic solutions, ranging from IR sensing to 3D machine vision and AI-driven visual inspection.

Leveraging this extensive experience, PhotonTec goes beyond simply being a distributor. We act as a full-service partner, providing comprehensive sales and application support, customer service, and technical support. This ensures seamless access and expert guidance for North American customers who want to deploy these unique sensors for their monitoring needs.

Learn how BlueHawk and TinyHawk can help prevent the next industrial or environmental disaster. Contact our Atlanta, GA office to discuss your specific needs and get a free consultation.

Our email is info@photontec.net and phone number (770) 366-4137.

We’d Love to Hear from You

We’re here to help! Whether you are curious about Hawks’ features, their capabilities in your application, a free demo or feasibility test with your own sample liquids or materials, or even press inquiries – we’re ready to answer your questions.

You can reach us using the contact form below or by:
Email: info@photontec.net
Phone: (770) 366-4137
We’re located in Atlanta, GA, in the Eastern U.S. time zone.  

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