Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is an excellent tool for identification of unknown chemicals. As infrared energy is passed through or bounced off of a chemical, a spectrum is created based on the absorbance pattern and compared to a database (library) for identification.
Advances such as Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) sampling, which eliminates sample prep, have simplified FTIR such that it has become standard equipment for advanced CBRNE response. FTIR is commonly used to identify unknown liquids and solids. ATR sampling requires direct contact with the sample to perform the analysis.
Advances such as Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) sampling, which eliminates sample prep, have simplified FTIR such that it has become standard equipment for advanced CBRNE response. FTIR is commonly used to identify unknown liquids and solids. ATR sampling requires direct contact with the sample to perform the analysis.
The HazMatID has currently a library of over 4500 chemicals and is capable of identifying over 32,000 substance including:
• WMD - nerve & blister agents
• Toxic industrial chemicals (TIC)
• White powders
• Explosives & Clan Lab precursors
• Drug precursors
• Common chemicals
• Forensic drugs
• Pesticides
• WMD - nerve & blister agents
• Toxic industrial chemicals (TIC)
• White powders
• Explosives & Clan Lab precursors
• Drug precursors
• Common chemicals
• Forensic drugs
• Pesticides
- No sample preparation required
- Easy and consistent sampling
- Identifies unknown liquids, powders and solids in seconds
- Light weight and field portable
- Entire system can be submerged in a decon solution
- smithID can be use Inside the lab and in field
- Provides results in less than 2 minutes
- Enhanced mixture analysis and classification tools for complex or contaminated mixtures down to 0.2%
- Offers customization of library for adding local substances for mission assurance
- Detects the presence of significant protein content, including BWA's
- Large screen and software tools allow for spectra review, sample comparison and ease of operation
Detection Catagory |
Chemical; Explosives |
Detection Principle |
Molecular Spectroscopy |
Detection Method |
Mid-infrared Spectroscopy |
Application |
Emergency Response; Bulk Analysis; Laboratory Analysis; Screening |
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) |
9 |
Dimensions |
18 x 11 x 7 in (45.7 x 30 x 17.8 cm) |
Weight |
22 lbs (10 kg) |
Power Requirements |
Internal battery, 120 V AC, or cigarette lighter. Battery lasts approx. 2 hr |
Transportability |
Person-Portable |
Durability |
Designed for rugged use; Designed for use in harsh environmental conditions. Withstands decon. |
Operating Conditions |
–5 to 50°C (22 to 122°F), 0 to 100% RH |
Consumables |
Spatulas for handling sample material. |
Solvents/Reagents |
No |
Calibration Schedule |
Yes |
Suggested Routine Maintenance |
Replace infrared source when signal falls below minimum level |
Communications Interface |
USB port, 801.22b wireless Ethernet |
Start-up Time |
10 to 30 minutes |
Software Control |
Unit is controlled by an on-board computer with integral LCD display. Acquired data files may be transferred onto a USB Flash DISK for processing on a PC using Grams AI. |
Other Operational Parameters |
Generates FTIR spectra in Grams (.SPC) format. Spectra can be searched against standard FTIR reference libraries or against custom libraries created by the user. |
Operator Skills Required |
Non-technical background needed to operate the unit. Technical background needed to assess the quality of acquired spectra and perform library searches. Advanced skills needed to perform manual interpretation of spectra. |
Documents
Technical Information |
Training Manual |