Method and system for explosive detection

摘要

The present invention is directed to methods and systems for detecting the presence of explosive elements. A sample element may be used to swipe an object for a test sample. The sample element may be positioned in a sample holder of a testing device having a heater. The heater may be programmed to heat the sample element and sample in a controlled manner through two or three temperature increases from approximately 35 degrees to 165 degrees centigrade in approximately 40 seconds. Prior to each temperature increase a first, second and third reagent fluid is applied to the sample holder, and during the temperature rise the sample holder is observed for the presence of various explosive elements by detecting colors as compared to a color chart. The color observations may be based on time and temperature variations using a testing device.

主权项

1. A method for detecting the presence of explosive elements comprising:
a) swiping an object to obtain a test sample using a sample element having a swipe pad; b) positioning said sample element in a sample holder in a testing device and retaining said sample element with a sample retainer; c) applying a first reagent fluid from a fluid container on said swipe pad, the first reagent being a mixture of a titanium metal oxide salt complex, one of an aniline or aniline derivative in a water solution, and ethanol; d) evaluating said swipe pad for yellow color indicating peroxide; e) activating a heater disposed under said sample element programmed to raise said swipe pad from approximately a temperature of 35 degrees to 115 degrees centigrade; f) evaluating said swipe pad for yellow color intensity indicating HMTD or TATP; g) evaluating said swipe pad for blue color indicating chlorate; h) applying a second reagent fluid from a fluid container on said swipe pad, the second reagent being a mixture of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide and ethanol and water; i) activating said heater programmed to raise said swipe pad from approximately 115 degrees centigrade to approximately 135 degrees centigrade and maintaining the temperature for at least approximately 6 to 8 seconds; j) evaluating said swipe pad for yellow-orange color for tetryl, blue hue colors for DNT and DNB, and brick red for TNT; k) activating said heater programmed to raise said swipe pad from approximately 135 degrees centigrade to approximately 165 degrees centigrade; l) applying a third reagent fluid from a fluid container on said swipe pad, the third reagent being a mixture of phosphoric acid, sulfanilic acid, N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride and a solvent; and m) evaluating said swipe pad for purple-fuchsia hue for HME/HE nitrates-nitrites, and for sugar.