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U.S. Department of Energy
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Detection of perfluorinated taggants in electric blasting caps by electron capture monitors

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6512282

Three types of monitors or detecting instruments for determining the presence of perfluorinated taggants have been developed and validated in field studies. Each of the three versions--a portable continuous real-time monitor, a portable concentrating chromatograph, and a fixed station high sensitivity chromatograph -- have been utilized for detecting these types of compounds in atmospheric tracer studies. The portable continuous monitor, which has a detection capability of two parts of taggant in one trillion parts of air (2 pp 10/sup 12/), has been used in three field tracer studies in the past 18 months, operating on-board aircraft. In a scenario such as continuous on-line screening of checked and hand-carried luggage at airport environments, the sensitivity and response time are more than adequate. Confirmation of the method applied to conveyor belt suitcase screening has been demonstrated. A small concentrating field instrument was developed and field tested more than a year ago. Five minute repetitive sampling rates are estimated to ultimately provide limits of detection for the taggant compounds at about 5 pp 10/sup 16/ and could be extended as much as another 50-fold lower. Applications potentially include detecting vapor tagged explosives in meeting rooms, corridors and passageways, and on-board aircraft.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-02-0016
OSTI ID:
6512282
Report Number(s):
BNL-25050; CONF-7810115-2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English