Microsphere Heater System
The Microsphere Heater System is a purpose-built tool to assist in the training of canines on the detection of various explosives including peroxide-based explosives Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) and Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine (HMTD). TATP and HMTD have a high shock sensitivity which makes handling of these energetic materials extremely dangerous. They also have a very short shelf life which makes long-term storage difficult.
To create the TATP or HMTD scent, the Microspheres are heated using the Microsphere Heater which releases the explosive material from the microspheres onto an inert filter for safe training and transport. Current research at the University of Rhode Island is extending these capabilities to other hazardous explosives to improve shelf life and overall safety in handling and transport of explosive materials used for training
SAFESCENT TECHNOLOGY
Safe-To-Handle Microspheres allow for training against evolving threats
RUGGED AND PORTABLE
Safe for Transport of Volatile Substances
RELIABLE TESTING
User friendly interface activates long-lasting Microspheres for reliable test results
What is it?
A heating device that safely and accurately produces TATP, HMTD, or other volatile explosives so they can be used for by first responders for dog training aids or by manufacturers for trace explosive detection systems.
There are two parts to the system: the heater and the test vials. The test vials contain the Microspheres and an aluminum wool plug. The test vials are good for up to 3 heating cycles and can last for hours of training.
The system has a long shelf life and easily handles the Microspheres. When it comes time to training or testing, the Microspheres are inserted into the Microsphere Heater, which then safely heats and releases the explosive that is collected and can be used for training. The system is portable, simple to use, and produces training aids in minutes.
Who is it for?
- First Responders
- Dog Trainers or Handlers
- Manufacturers of Trace Explosive Systems
- Allows for safe transport and handling of highly volatile and energetic peroxide based explosives (TATP and HMTD)
- Microspheres drastically increase shelf-life of explosive from days to years
- Canine explosive training can be safely performed without risk to the canine or handler
- Microsphere Heater is rugged and can be taken to wherever training may occur. It contains a large battery to last for 100’s of tests.
- Device has a simple, easy to navigate interface to ensure consistent testing results
What are Microspheres
Triacetone peroxide (TATP) and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) are explosives that were used in events such as terrorist bombings in Paris and Brussels. These explosives are made from common household chemicals but are highly unstable and volatile when in pure form. This high sensitivity and vapor pressure make it very dangerous to handle which in turn makes it difficult to train explosive detection dogs on or develop trace explosive detection instruments with.
Dr. Jimmie Oxley, of the University of Rhode Island, and her team created a method of encapsulating these explosives in polymer to render the them safe for handling and transport. These polycarbonate Microspheres contain only a low percentage of explosive, such as TATP, that has been demonstrated to last for years yet produce pure explosive vapor when heated at the designated heat-profile. The Microspheres consist of a “Core Material” which are the explosives such as TATP or HMTD, and a “Polymer Matrix” which is the surrounding material that protects the explosive. This approach provides canine handlers and instrument vendors with safe access to stored hazardous explosives at trace levels for use in detection, calibration, and validation of instruments as well as the training of explosives detecting canines.
How Does the Microsphere Heater System Work?
To create the TATP or HMTD scent, the Microspheres are heated using the Microsphere Heater which releases the explosive material from the Microspheres onto an inert filter for safe training and transport.
The Microspheres are inserted into a glass vial and a plug of aluminum wool is inserted above. This vial is then inserted into the Heater. With simple 1-touch operation the Heater begins heating to a precise temperature profile in order to melt the polymer of the Microspheres and release the TATP, or other explosive, into vapor form. This vapor then collects and crystallizes onto the aluminum wool. After only a minute the heating is complete and the aluminum wool containing the pure explosive can be removed and used for dog scent training or trace explosive detection.
| Text | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology | Microsphere Encapsulated “Safe-Scent” Techology |
| System | 1. Microsphere Heater 2. Test Vials with Microspheres |
| Weight | 197g (6.94oz or .43lbs) |
| Size (Inches) WxHxD | 11.8″ x 9.8″ x 4.7″ (30 x 24.9 x 11.9 cm) |
| Battery | Internal Rechargeable Lithium Ion |
| Languages | English |
| Explosives Types | TATP and HMTD – Please contact DetectaChem for current list of available substances |
| Accessories | Wall Charger, Quick-Start Guide, Loading Vials, Aluminum Wool |
