Chemical detection systems are used by law enforcement, industry, and the military to identify harmful or toxic substances in air, soil, or water. Handheld devices, gate detectors, fixed detectors, and wristbands are common types of equipment used. Scanners, sensors, and spectrometers are also used to detect substances based on fluorescence, mass, or molecular identification.
Chemical detection systems are typically used to detect and identify chemicals in the air, soil or water. Law enforcement, industrial job sites, and the military can use different types of detection systems to alert personnel to the existence of harmful or toxic substances. Scanners, sensors, and spectrometers are common types of chemical detection system equipment.
In crime scene investigations, law enforcement might use handheld devices that take air samples and analyze them for the existence of particular substances. Tracers can detect airborne particles containing explosives, such as nitroglycerin, or narcotics, such as marijuana and methamphetamines. A portable or desktop chemical detection system could also analyze physical samples for the presence of certain chemicals. These devices incorporate the use of pads that capture particles as they are rubbed across surfaces. By inserting the swab into the device, the machine analyzes and identifies any substances present on the object.
For public safety purposes, airports and other public areas may employ the use of gate detectors that monitor for possible explosives or narcotic chemicals. Non-invasive automated devices analyze the air around individuals who are in the portal. The machine immediately detects and identifies any illegal substances emitted into the air by people or their clothes.
Industrial job sites may use fixed detectors in specific areas, portable devices or chemical detection systems worn by employees. Fixed devices generally sound an alarm when air quality is compromised by high levels of toxic substances. Employees can use handheld devices that scan the work areas or clothing of personnel entering or leaving a specific location. A wristband chemical detection system may contain a series of small cassettes that monitor and change color in the presence of toxic gases.
The military commonly uses chemical warfare agent detectors. Chemical detection systems can alert personnel to the presence of gaseous, liquid or solid chemicals which include blistering agents, nerve gas and other substances designed to kill or cause serious injury. These devices can be handheld or portable desktop models.
Scanners and sensors can detect substances based on the amount of fluorescence observed under a particular wavelength of light. Using a laser beam, a sensor could also measure the mass of particles by measuring the amount of light deflection that occurs as the beam passes through the particles. Samples placed in a spectrometer are split into molecules by an electron beam. The particle fragments then pass through a vacuum and magnetic field in which the molecules are identified by their mass-to-charge ratios.
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