Standoff trace explosives vapor detection at meter distances

Nims, Megan K.; Denis, Elizabeth H.; Hart, Garret L.; Escobedo, Nancy M.; Murphy, Shannon E.; Addleman, R. Shane; Novosselov, Igor; Ewing, Robert G.

doi:10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125562

Standoff trace explosives vapor detection at meter distances

Journal Article · Sat Dec 16 00:00:00 EST 2023 · Talanta

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125562· OSTI ID:2335706

Nims, Megan K. ^[1]; ^[1]; Hart, Garret L. ^[1]; ^[1]; ^[1]; Addleman, R. Shane ^[1]; ^[2]; ^[1]

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)

Vapor detection is a noncontact sampling method, which is a less invasive means of explosives screening than physical swiping. Explosive vapor detection is a challenge due to the low levels of vapors available for detection. This study demonstrates that the parts-per-quadrillion sensitivity of atmospheric flow tube-mass spectrometry (AFT-MS) combined with a high-volume air sampler enables standoff detection of trace explosives vapor at distances of centimeters to meters. Standoff detection of explosives vapor was possible both upstream and downstream of the vapor source relative to room air currents. RDX vapor from a saturated source was detected at up to 2.5 m. Vapors from RDX residue and nitroglycerin residue were detected at distances up to 0.5 m. The sampling can be optimized by accounting for air movement in the room or environment, which could further extend standoff detection distances. In conclusion, using AFT-MS with a high-volume sampler could also be effective for standoff vapor detection of drugs and additional chemical threats and could be useful for security screening applications such as at mail facilities, border crossings, and security checkpoints.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: US Department of Homeland Security (DHS); USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830

OSTI ID:: 2335706

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA-189824

Journal Information:: Talanta, Journal Name: Talanta Vol. 270; ISSN 0039-9140

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
standoff detection
explosives
vapor detection
noncontact sampling
atmospheric flow tube-mass spectrometry
RDX

Standoff trace explosives vapor detection at meter distances

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