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Guide for the Selection of Commercial Explosives Detection Systems For 2.5.3.8 EXPRAY Field Test Kit EXPRAY is a unique, aerosol-based field test kit for the detection of what the manufacturer refers to as Group A explosives (TNT, DNT, picric acid, etc.), Group B explosives (Semtex H, RDX, PETN, NG, smokeless powder, etc.), and compounds that contain nitrates that are used in improvised explosives. Detection of explosive residue is made by observing a color change of the test paper. EXPRAY can be used in a variety of applications, and although in some aspects it does not perform as well as many of the other trace detectors discussed in this section, it costs only $250. This very low cost, coupled with simplicity and ease of use, may make it of interest to many law enforcement agencies (see the EXPRAY kit in fig. 13). The EXPRAY field kit2 is comprised of the following items: - one can of EXPRAY-1 for Group A explosives, - one can of EXPRAY-2 for Group B explosives, - one can of EXPRAY-3 for nitrate-based explosives (ANFO, black powder, and commercial and improvised explosives based on inorganic nitrates), - special test papers which prevent cross contamination. Figure 13. Photo of the EXPRAY Field Test Kit for explosives Initially, a suspected surface (of a package, a person’s clothing, etc.) is wiped with the special test paper. The paper is then sprayed with EXPRAY-1. The appearance of a dark violet-brown color indicates the presence of TNT, a blue-green color indicates the presence of DNT, and an orange color indicates the presence of other Group A explosives. If there is no reaction, the same piece of test paper is then sprayed with EXPRAY-2. The appearance of a pink color indicates the presence of Group B explosives, a group which includes most plastic explosives. If there is still no reaction, the same paper is then sprayed with EXPRAY-3. The appearance of pink then indicates the presence of nitrates, which could be part of an improvised explosive. If EXPRAY-2 2 The EXPRAY kit pictured in figure 13 is available from Genesis Resource as Model M1553. The phone number for Genesis Research is (602) 838-6420. 24 is applied after a positive result with EXPRAY-1, a change to pink color indicates a double or triple base explosive. The chemistry associated with these color changes is proprietary. Note that the order of spraying is critical, and all three sprays should be used in order to perform a complete test. The EXPRAY system has certain limitations. Obviously, it is not always possible to identify the specific type of explosive present when a positive result occurs. Sampling is entirely by surface swiping; there is no method for obtaining a vapor sample. Furthermore, not all types of explosives can be detected. Some nitrate esters and the chlorate group give a negative result. These include mixtures of potassium chlorate, sodium chlorate, and potassium nitrate with sugar, sulfur, and/or carbon. In addition, only the specific colors mentioned above can be judged a positive detection. Other discoloration is possible, but should be judged negative. The manufacturer claims that EXPRAY can detect particles as small as 20 ng. However, tests performed at Sandia National Laboratories show limits of detection for TNT that are 10 to 20 times greater than this. Nevertheless, this kit is still sensitive enough to make detections in many real world situations. 2.5.4 Table on Commercial Trace Detectors Table 4 gives information on various commercially available trace explosives detection systems. It must be emphasized that all information is subject to change, and the potential buyer should always check with the manufacturing company to obtain the most up-to-date information, including information on new systems. Companies can also provide advice on the suitability of their products for specific applications, though such advice will clearly not be disinterested. Bear in mind that all costs are approximate, and will depend to some degree on the exact options and accessories purchased. 25 Table 4. Trace explosives detection systems Cost Detector Advertised Size / # Trace Detector in K$ Type Sensitivity Use Weight Phone 1 EXPRAY Field Test Kit 0.25 Color 20ng of most nitrated high Personnel, package, and 3 aerosol cans (602) 838-6420 Model M1553 explosives vehicle search 1 lb. 2 Ion Track Instruments 5 GC/ECD most nitrated high Personnel, package, and 2”x2”x16” (978) 658-3767 Exfinder 152 explosives vehicle search 1.5 lb. GC/ECD explosive vapor exceeding Personnel, package, and 2”x3”x13” (703) 352-3400 3 JGW International, Ltd. 5 9 Graseby GVD4 1 part in 10 vehicle search 1.6 lb. 4 XID Corporation 13 GC/ECD 0.01 parts per billion Personnel, package, and 4”x12”x17” (201) 773-9400 XID Model T-54 vehicle search 18 lb. IMS explosive vapor exceeding Personnel, package, and 22”x4”x13” (703) 352-3400 5 JGW International, Ltd. 16 9 Graseby GVD6 1 part in 10 vehicle search 21 lb. 6 Ion Track Instruments 20 GC/ECD most nitrated high Personnel, package, and 14”x19”x6” (978) 658-3767 Model 97 explosives vehicle search 40 lb. 7 Scintrex/IDS 23 TR < 1 part per billion Personnel, package, and 4”x5”x20” (613) 230-0609 < 100 nanograms for vehicle search 7 lb. EVD-3000 particulate 8 Electronic Sensor Tech., Inc. 25 GC/SAW 100 parts per billion Personnel, package, and 10”x20”x14” (805) 480-1994 EST Model 4100 vehicle search 35 lb. 9 MSA Instrument Division 29 FIS 10 to 1000 parts per trillion Personnel, package, and 24”x15”x13” (800) 672-4678 FIS vehicle search 20 lb. 10 JGW International, Ltd. 35 IMS 1 nanogram of TNT, NG, Personnel, package, and 7”x14”x18” (703) 352-3400 Graseby PLASTEC RDX, PETN vehicle search 38 lb. 11 Ion Track Instruments 38 IMS 100 pg to 300 pg Personnel, package, and 13”x5”x5” (978) 658-3767 ITMS Vapor Tracer vehicle search 7 lb. 12 Scintrex/IDS 43 GC/ECD < 50 parts per trillion Personnel, package, and 8”x18”x24” (613) 230-0609 < 5 nanograms for vehicle search 48 lb. EVD-8000 particulate 13 Ion Track Instruments 44 IMS 100 pg to 300 pg Personnel, package, and 18”x21”x14” (978) 658-3767 ITEMISER vehicle search 43 lb. 14 Barringer Instruments, Inc. 50 IMS 50 pg to 200 pg Personnel, package, and 22”x13”x12” (908) 665-8200 IONSCAN 350 vehicle search 105 lb. 15 Ion Track Instruments 52 GC/ECD 1 part EGDN vapor in 1011 Personnel Portal (fixed 80”x33”x60” (978) 658-3767 Model 85 Entry Scan parts air checkpoint portal) 600 lb. 16 Ion Track Instruments 52 GC/ECD 1 part EGDN vapor in 1011 Personnel Portal (fixed 80”x33”x60” (978) 658-3767 Model 85 Dual scan parts air checkpoint portal) 600 lb. 17 Barringer Instruments, Inc. 60 IMS 50-200 picograms Personnel, package, and 22”x13”x12” (908) 665-8200 IONSCAN 400 vehicle search 60 lb. 18 Intelligent Detection Systems 70 GC/IMS picograms to nanograms Personnel, package, and 40”x20”x30” (613) 230-0609 ORION vehicle search 240 lb. 19 VIKING Instruments, Inc. 70 GC/MS low parts per billion Portable Analytical 24”x16”x21” (703)968-0101 Spectra Trak by volume Lab Instrument 150 lb. 20 Intelligent Detection Systems 75 GC/IMS picograms to nanograms Mail Screening 40”x20”x30” (613) 230-0609 ORION Mail Scanner 240 lb. 21 Intelligent Detection Systems 75 GC/IMS picograms to nanograms Simultaneous narcotics 40”x20”x30” (613) 230-0609 SIRIUS and explosives 240 lb. 22 Thermedics Detection, Inc. 150 GC/CL all nitrogen based Personnel, package, and 51”x25”x26” (508) 251-2030 EGIS Model 3000 explosives plus taggants vehicle search 400 lb. 23 Intelligent Detection Systems 155 GC/IMS picograms to nanograms Personnel, package, and 40”x20”x30” (613) 230-0609 ORION Plus vehicle search 240 lb. 24 Intelligent Detection Systems 300 GC/IMS picograms to nanograms Personnel Portal (fixed custom (613) 230-0609 ORION Walk-Through checkpoint portal) 25 Intelligent Detection Systems custom GC/IMS picograms to nanograms Vehicle Screening Portal custom (613) 230-0609 V-bEDS 26 Thermedics Detection, Inc. 300 GC/CL all nitrogen based Personnel Portal (fixed 84”x96”x90” (508) 251-2030 SecurScan Portal explosives plus taggants checkpoint portal) 26 2.6 X-ray Explosives Detection X-ray technologies are used to search for explosives in a variety of situations. X-ray systems are most often used for screening luggage, packages, mail, and other relatively small items. All of the systems involve irradiation of a target item with x-rays, followed by detection of an image created by x-rays that are either transmitted or backscattered by the item. The process of personnel screening is problematic because of privacy concerns and the perceived health problems associated with x-rays, but there are currently two different x-ray based personnel scanners on the market in the U.S. Vehicle screening systems are also available, though these are large, expensive, and require passengers to exit the vehicle while it is being screened. 2.6.1 X-ray Technologies The capabilities of x-ray systems range from those that produce a black and white picture to those that measure the effective atomic number (Z) of the screened items. The black and white images must be viewed and subjectively interpreted by an operator. Systems measuring effective Z can automatically alarm in the presence of materials that have an effective Z that is in the correct range for explosives. For most x-ray systems on the market, detection of a suspicious object is not automatic, and suspicious objects need to be identified by the person viewing the images.
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