Explosives
Explosives detection and identification devices are developed using novel materials and methods to field systems that are highly evolved but simple to use in very tough environments.
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Description
In counter-terrorism applications, be they military, law enforcement or security applications, it’s important to understand how the words detection and identification are properly used. When talking about explosives, detection is the ability to determine whether or not an explosive is present; identification is the ability to say which compound is actually there – for example, TNT, RDX, TATP, etc. As you might imagine, there is also quite a lot of flexibility in identification; for example, being able to identify a chlorate is less specific, implies less identifying power, than being able to identify a particular compound of chlorates, like potassium chlorate.
Additionally important, terminology-wise is to understand the difference between trace levels and bulk levels in the context of explosives detection and identification. A trace amount is an amount that cannot be seen with the naked eye; a bulk amount is that amount that can be seen with the human eye – even if only one crystal, if it can be seen it is a bulk amount.
Field Forensics offers several detection and identification systems – both instruments and disposable test kits.
ELITE™ – TRACE EXPLOSIVES DETECTION & IDENTIFICATION
ELITE™ detection and identification kits are simple, rugged & reliable. They detect and identify commercial, military and home-made explosives (HME), trace and bulk. There are two models, the EL100, which detects all nitrogen-based explosives and explosive precursor chemicals at trace levels. The EL200, which detects and identifies peroxide, perchlorate and chlorate -based HME and precursors, in liquid, vapor or solid forms. The EL300 detects all nitrogen-based explosives plus chlorate and peroxide-based explosives.
IDEX™ – PRECURSOR IDENTIFICATION
The IDEX™ series of precursor identifiers each identify one type of explosive precursor. They can be used individually to interdict trafficking of particular precursors, in combination to identify particular explosive compounds, and are also used to backup portable Raman systems to confirm the class of chemical or in cases where the material is not in the Raman library or exhibits fluorescence. IDEX™ is currently used by police and military EOD and anti-terrorist teams worldwide.
ULTRA™ – DETECTION & IDENTIFICATION
The ULTRA™ units are colorimetric, disposable testers that in one step detect & identify trace or bulk HME and HME precursors, using not only a color change but a color pattern. Currently four models in the ULTRA™ range: ULTRA 1B6: nitro-aromatic, aliphatic, nitrate; ULTRA 246: ammonium nitrate & chlorate; ULTRA 236: urea nitrate & ammonium nitrate; ULTRA 459: chlorate, perchlorate & peroxide.
HandyRam II™- HAND-HELD RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
HandyRam II™ Raman spectrometer identifies illicit narcotics, controlled drugs, explosives materials, pharmaceutical ingredients and a wide range of unknown substances. Thousands of compounds are available in FFI’s spectral libraries. It also analyzes and reports the components of mixtures.
HandyRam II™ is a compact, ruggedized Raman spectrometer that is incredibly powerful. It is able to analyze thousands of explosives, narcotics and toxic chemicals in seconds. Laser power is adjustable and use programmable acquisition delay when measuring energetic materials. HandyRam™ II features a durable and waterproof construction yet can also be connected to a PC for detailed spectral analysis, library and record management.
Spot.On.ID™ – Thin Layer Chromatography
Spot.On.ID™ brings Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) to the field in a practical, simple to use format. It is ideal for rapid, low-cost identification, which – when used in conjunction with color tests or other field analytical methods – gives the end user a lot more information about the explosive compound(s) in question. TLC is inexpensive, practical, and gives valuable chemical information including identification of compounds in a mixture and establishing the purity of a substance – forensics labs routinely use TLC for these reasons. Winner of the R&D100 Award it tests forensic samples to identify explosives, illicit drugs, insecticides on surfaces, liquids and solids with greater power than other presumptive analyses and it works in a complementary way to color tests.