METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF AMMONIUM NITRATE AND A SUGAR OR A HYDROCARBON

摘要

A method is provided for the detection of a material comprising ammonium nitrate and a sugar, the method comprising sensing for the presence of hydrogen isocyanate (HNCO) and optionally nitrous oxide (N20). It is further provided an apparatus comprising heating means (22) in thermal communication with a sample holder (31) suitable for the containment of the material, the sample holder being in gaseous communication (12) with a sansing region (6), the apparatus being further provided with a means (9) for inducing flow of gas from the sample holder of the sensing region and a means (9) for sensing the presence of hydrogen isocyanate in the sensing region. In addition, a method is provided for the detection of a material comprising ammonium nitrate and a hydrocarbon, comprising sensing for the presence of nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide or a hydro carbon.