Chemical analyzers can detect and identify explosives, drugs, and other hazardous substances in their various physical states. Substances can be identified from small amounts of powder or liquid, invisible traces, or vapors and gases.
With RAMAN technology, identification can be done quickly from translucent bottles or packages without opening them. FTIR technology requires contact of the measurement head with the substance, except for our FTIR gas analyzer, which identifies, for example, vapors from the mouth of an open bottle. Swipe tab products based on extended colorimetry can identify explosives and drugs from bags or surfaces where they are usually not visible to the naked eye.
Our primary principals are Thermo Scientific, 908 Devices, and DetectaChem, whose products include:
Thermo Scientific: Gemini, TruNarc, Defender Omega
908 Devices: XplorIR, ThreatID GLS
DetectaChem: SEEKER Pro, APEX, Mobile Detect
Identification of Solids and Liquids
Identification of Gases and Vapors
Safe identification of unknown substances in various physical states under field conditions
The analyzers in our product range are widely used by US military, border control, and emergency personnel. Durable and fit-for-purpose instruments quickly and safely identify unknown chemicals, explosives, chemical weapons, and drugs in hazardous areas.
Identification of Solids and Liquids
Tecnex signed the first distribution contract for portable devices suitable for identifying solids and liquids more than a decade ago with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. These were Thermo Scientific™ chemical FTIR and Raman analyzers.
The product range has evolved over the years and continues to develop. Solids and liquids can also be identified with products from 908 Devices and DetectaChem.
Identification of Gases and Vapors
FTIR measurements usually require a background measurement before the actual sample measurement, which slows down obtaining results. However, the 908 Devices gas identification system is capable of continuous sampling to locate the source of gas and estimate its concentration within about twenty seconds, because it initially builds a model of the measurement environment to automatically correct for background effects as humidity and carbon dioxide levels change.
The accuracy of identification has been significantly improved by fitting a multi-meter multi-pass gas cell into small devices.
Identification from Traces
In field conditions, explosives and drugs often must be identified from small quantities or invisible traces, in which case swipe strips are commonly used.
DetectaChem has developed and automated a solution where the sampler does not come into contact with the suspect substance, and where the device analyzes the substance colorimetrically (Automated Trace Detection). Automatic recognition of the sample’s color response can also be done via a smartphone application that uses the phone’s camera, but the SEEKER Pro and SEEKERe detector devices achieve even higher accuracy due to their special features.
Identification of Solids and Liquids
Raman and FTIR Spectrometers
Thermo Scientific portable chemical analyzers are compact, durable, and easy-to-use Raman and FTIR spectrometers. When you need to quickly find out in the field what discovered substances are and whether they are hazardous in any way, these devices are the best possible tools for you.
Raman spectrometers can typically analyze substances in seconds without directly touching them, straight through their storage containers, provided the containers are at least partially transparent.
FTIR spectrometers can analyze darker fluorescent substances, which are more challenging for Raman spectrometers.
Gemini
Gemini is the world’s first and smallest handheld chemical analyzer that combines Raman and FTIR technologies.
With the flexible arm, the Raman component can reach tighter spaces.
The FTIR measurement head features a motorized anvil (sample press), enabling safe remote analysis of explosives.
Ease of use is enhanced by a guided user interface and a touchscreen that works even while wearing gloves.
It is MIL-STD 810G ruggedized, meaning it withstands drops and operates in sub-zero temperatures. It has an IP-67 ingress protection rating, making it dustproof and capable of withstanding temporary immersion in water.
Gemini brochure and more information on Thermo Scientific’s website.
1064Defender and Defender Omega
Both devices are built on the same hardware platform and utilize 1064 nanometer (nm) laser technology. They look identical, but the 1064Defender is optimized for narcotics and hazardous substances, while the Defender Omega also includes an explosives library.
The strength of 1064Defender and Defender Omega lies in the analysis of fluorescent substances. By suppressing background fluorescence, they enable point-and-shoot identification of most hazardous substances without touching the target itself. Gemini and TruNarc use 785 nm technology, which is slightly more sensitive but more susceptible to fluorescence that interferes with measurements.
The durable 1064Defender adapts to user needs and provides information for reliable and efficient decision-making by offering user-configurable scan profiles and up-to-date libraries.
The clear and intuitive user interface features two different operating modes: an advanced user ID mode and a Screener mode suitable for everyone to detect critical chemicals.
As MIL-STD 810H ruggedized, it withstands drops to floor and operates in sub-zero temperatures. It features an IP-68 ingress protection rating, making it dustproof and capable of withstanding continuous immersion in water.
More information on Thermo Scientific’s website:
TruDefender FTX
This FTIR spectrometer is suitable for the rapid identification of unknown chemicals and explosives under field conditions. It is particularly well-suited for colorful and fluorescent substances that present difficulties for RAMAN analyzers.
The anvil (sample crusher) swings over the measurement head and presses the sample against the measurement head with appropriate force when turned.
The device is MIL-STD 810G certified, meaning it withstands drops and operates in sub-zero temperatures. Certified with an IP-67 ingress protection rating, it is dustproof and withstands temporary immersion in water.
FirstDefender RM and RMX
The FirstDefender RM Raman analyzer weighs only 800 grams. The RMX version features a rigid measurement flex arm, allowing the device to be left to measure hazardous or hard-to-reach locations (e.g., in explosive hazard scenarios) and can also be integrated into a robot.
Both can identify over 12,000 chemicals using their extensive spectral library.
MIL-STD 810G ruggedized, meaning it withstands drops and operates in sub-zero temperatures. It features an IP-67 ingress protection rating, making it dustproof and capable of withstanding temporary immersion in water.
TruNarc Tau
Weighing just over half a kilogram, this new device features a library more than twice the size of the previous TruNarc model, containing over 1,200 substances. The device is capable of more accurate identification at low concentrations and in noisy environments where identifying fentanyl and methamphetamine, for example, may have previously been difficult.
As a highly requested new feature, the device includes a replaceable lithium-ion battery and is significantly faster than the previous model, allowing you to get analysis results in a shorter time.
The TruNarc Tau is durable and reliable. It is IP64-protected and approved according to the MIL-STD-810H standard.
See more at Thermo Scientific webpages.
Identification of Gases and Vapors
XplorIR
This 2.5 kg gas analyzer, XplorIR, simultaneously identifies and quantifies hazardous gases and vapors.
When an unknown gas or vapor is detected in an area, it is often necessary to know quickly and accurately whether it is dangerous, what its chemical product ID is, and what its concentration in the air is.
Based on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the XplorIR draws gases and vapors from the environment into a roughly 2-meter-long internal coiled gas cell within a hazardous area or above opened containers, and it can identify over 5,600 gases/vapors with extreme selectivity in seconds.
With new quantification software using a reference library based on known chemical concentrations, the XplorIR can now determine gas/vapor concentrations at parts-per-million (ppm) levels without calibration and report the concentrations and properties of the identified gases.
With the XplorIR software, you can easily compare concentration data to the compound’s Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) level and make quick tactical decisions regarding protection needs, remediation, and decontamination actions with just a few button presses.
Generally, FTIR technology requires a background measurement first, followed by the identification measurement. However, a continuous measurement mode has been developed for the XplorIR, where the device first creates a model of the background and then adjusts it as humidity or carbon dioxide levels change, allowing gases to be identified by monitoring their presence continuously for long periods without background measurements.
Key Features
- Adapts to atmospheric background conditions
- Identifies products reliably based on characteristic spectral features
- Simultaneously identifies up to 6 components from a mixture
- Multi-component quantification at the parts-per-million (ppm) level
- No calibration required by the user
Results can be uploaded to the cloud, for example, via a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, where authorized personnel can examine results and even view their spectra using the TeamLeader application. The application can be downloaded to a smartphone or tablet for free from the Google or Apple app stores.
ThreatID GLS
Another analyzer from 908 Devices capable of identifying over 5,600 gases is the ThreatID GLS. It is a slightly larger FTIR analyzer built directly into a transport case, capable of identifying solids and liquids (over 22,000 substances) as well as gases and vapors using its gas module.
It is intended for use near hazardous areas. Gas samples are brought in bags or syringes and injected into the gas module, which identifies the samples. The ThreatID GLS is highly convenient because it can identify all of these states of matter with a single device. It also features a camera to accurately view sample alignment when identifying powders and liquids. Just like with the XplorIR, the TeamLeader application can be used to view results uploaded from the ThreatID to the cloud via the internet from anywhere.
Identification from Traces
SEEKER Pro
SEEKER Pro is the next evolutionary step in DetectaChem’s handheld, field-ready threat detection technology after the SEEKERe.
Utilizing new Spectrum Matrix Analysis technology, the SEEKER Pro adds a detector to the SEEKER colorimetric family that analyzes complex substances faster than its predecessor.
Further developed from the widely used and reliable SEEKERe, the SEEKER Pro was designed in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to meet the latest requirements for accurate and user-friendly threat detection of explosives, narcotics, and their precursors.
The SEEKER Pro is MIL-STD-810G certified, meaning it withstands drops and vibrations while operating in extreme temperatures. Rated with IP-66 ingress protection, it is dustproof and withstands powerful water jets.
By combining the SEEKER Pro colorimeter with the APEXR7 RAMAN spectrometer, confirmatory results from two technologies can be combined into a single report.
APEXR7 Raman
The ultra-compact APEXR7 RAMAN analyzer is quick to deploy and easy to use, requiring minimal training.
An efficient library search using the Cross Peak Correlation algorithm enables accurate identification of over 24,000 substances and mixtures in less than 20 seconds.
Its display can be a phone or tablet using a free application via a USB cable or Bluetooth, or the SEEKER Pro in the Combo Kit.
The APEXR7 is MIL-STD-810H certified, meaning it withstands drops and vibrations while operating in extreme temperatures. Rated with IP-67 ingress protection, it is dustproof and withstands powerful water jets.
SEEKER APEX Combo Kit
The DetectaChem SEEKER APEX Combo Kit contains two complementary analyzers for detecting and identifying substances.
With these devices, operators working in hazardous zones can quickly assess hazardous substances from interesting traces, residues, and larger quantities.
Swipe targets, such as surfaces, pills, or packaging materials, using the SEEKER Pro swipe card and identify substances using the advanced spectrum matrix analysis technology of the SEEKER Pro colorimeter.
Scan powders, liquids, and solids with the compact APEXR7 Raman spectrometer to detect chemical threats.
Combine the APEXR7 with the SEEKER Pro to quickly generate reliable dual-technology identification reports.
Delivered in a compact briefcase, the devices are ruggedized for harsh environments.
Learn more at DetectaChem webpages.
SEEKERe
SEEKERe remains DetectaChem’s smallest colorimeter, weighing under 200 grams. Automated and guided testing provides reliable identification capabilities for various types of explosives or narcotics.
The sample swipe of the SEEKERe test card is used to collect residues of suspicious substances. The sealed test card also contains the chemicals required for identification, ensuring the user does not come into contact with the chemicals.
The SEEKERe automatically delivers results within 90 seconds after the test card is inserted into the SEEKERe device, without requiring the user to perform visual color comparisons.
As MIL-STD 810G-certified, it withstands drops and operates in sub-zero temperatures. Fulfilling the IP-66 protection rating, it is dustproof and withstands powerful water jets.
MobileDetect
The DetectaChem MobileDetect platform transforms iOS or Android smartphones into drug and explosive analysis tools by the help of a free app and field test cards or poaches.
The patented MobileDetect Pouch is designed for safety. The sealed card eliminates the risk of exposure to chemicals or broken glass. An integrated removable test swipe can collect even invisible substance residues from various surfaces.
The FREE MobileDetect app provides automated detection and reporting features for explosives and narcotics, increasing testing accuracy and traceability.
MobileDetect offers a simple, cost-effective automated drug or explosive detection solution for emergency and security professionals.
