How does explosive trace detection system work?

Colorimetric detection of explosives involves applying a chemical reagent to an unknown material or sample and observing a color reaction. Common color reactions are known and indicate to the user if there is an explosive material present and in many cases the group of explosive from which the material is derived.

What is trace detection technology?

PNNL’s award-winning trace detection technology provides reliable, real-time detection of explosives. Instead of collecting explosives particles, the tailored chemistry approach detects and identifies vapors of even very low-volatility explosives at ambient temperature and without sample pre-concentration.

What is an explosive detection system?

ETD machines work by detecting vapors and residues of explosives. Human operators collect samples by rubbing bags with swabs, which are then chemically analyzed in the ETD machine to identify any traces of explosive materials. ETD machines are used for both checked baggage and passenger carry-on baggage screening.

Can particulate detector detect explosives?

Trace detection of explosives typically involves collecting vapor or particulate samples and analyzing them with a sensitive sensor system. Currently, many different techniques exist for detecting trace explosives4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What does explosive trace detection mean?

explosive trace detection, ETD (noun) a system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives

An explosive detection system detects potential threats by scanning bags placed on any airplane, whether carry-on bags or bags checked in with the airline company. This explosive detection system works similarly to a magnetic resonance imaging machine found in most hospitals. It analyzes each bag and determines if the bag carries a potential security threat.

What is trace detection?

Trace Amounts Definition. Trace Detection is a TSA Approved technology designed to detect the presence of trace amounts of bomb, explosive, drug or narcotic chemical substances. The goal is to intercept, and to prevent access, by people who have handled dangerous or illegal materials.