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Quantitative Detection of Trace Explosive Vapors by Programmed Temperature Desorption Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector
Published on: July 25, 2014
Direct real-time detection of vapors from explosive compounds
Robert G Ewing1, Brian H Clowers, David A Atkinson
1Pacific Northwest National Laboratory , Richland, Washington 99352, United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|October 5, 2013
Summary
This study demonstrates rapid, real-time detection of low volatility explosives like PETN and RDX using an atmospheric flow tube coupled with mass spectrometry. The nonradioactive method achieves high sensitivity for explosive vapors in ambient air.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Detection of low volatility explosives is crucial for security applications.
- Traditional methods often require sample preconcentration or longer analysis times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate real-time vapor detection of explosives using a novel atmospheric flow tube (AFT) system.
- To achieve high sensitivity and rapid detection without sample preconcentration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an atmospheric flow tube (AFT) coupled to a mass spectrometer with a nonradioactive ionization source.
- Employed nitrate reactant ions (NO3(-) and NO3(-)·HNO3) for selective ionization.
- Applied selected ion monitoring (SIM) for detecting specific explosive-nitrate adducts.
Main Results:
- Achieved direct vapor detection of PETN, RDX, tetryl, and nitroglycerine in under 5 seconds at ambient temperature.
- Demonstrated detection limits below 10 parts-per-quadrillion by volume (ppqv) for diluted explosive vapors.
- Successfully detected vapors from 10 different energetic formulations, including propellants and plastic explosives.
Conclusions:
- The AFT coupled with mass spectrometry provides a highly sensitive and rapid method for detecting explosive vapors.
- This nonradioactive approach is effective for real-time analysis of various explosives and energetic materials in ambient air.
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