HazMatID Elite Chemical Identifier

HazMatID Elite is a hand-held solid and liquid chemical identifier developed by Smiths Detection.

HazMatID Elite can detect explosives, chemical warfare agents, toxic industrials and narcotics.

HazMatID Elite uses Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify unknown chemical agents. Image courtesy of Tahoenathan.

HazMatID Elite is hand-held solid and liquid chemical identifier manufactured by US-based company Smiths Detection. It is the only explosive, chemical warfare agents (CWAs), toxic industrials and drugs identifier complying with the stringent military standards for operation in harsh conditions.

HazMatID Elite can identify chemical warfare agents, explosives, pesticides, toxic industrial chemicals (TIC), drugs, suspicious powders and other hazardous chemical agents.

Smiths Detection unveiled the HazMatID Elite chemical identifier in July 2012. Elite is the improved version of HazMatID, the widely employed portable solid and liquid identifier applying Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technology.

The HazMatID family of products are used by the US Postal Service, US Military, Civil Support Teams and Fire and Police departments.

The New Jersey State Police (NJSP), one of the largest state law enforcement agencies in the US, acquired the first of HazMatID Elite units in February 2013.

HazMatID Elite features

HazMatID Elite is about 90% smaller and 40% lighter than its predecessor. The length, width and thickness of HazMatID Elite are 26cm, 14.3cm and 7.9cm respectively. The weight of the device is 2.29kg.

The identifier uses FTIR spectroscopy and innovative sampling techniques for authentic determination of suspicious powders, as well as for direct surface contaminant analysis and robotics integration. HazMatID Elite can perform an analysis in less than one minute.

HazMatID Elite features a large display screen, large keypad controls and an intuitive software work-flow design. The 4.3in internally-bonded LCD colour display offers a high viewing angle and visibility in direct sunlight. The individually-lit keypad allows the users to enter commands. The on-screen instructional graphics make the operations of the device user-friendly.

The graphical interface also enhances the ease of use and reduces the training requirements for the operators. HazMatID Elite can be connected with USB devices for external storage of the data.

HazMatID Elite is provided with a GPS and embedded radio frequency (RF) wireless transmission for command and control, as well as line-of-sight data transfer up to a one kilometre range. Certified as FIPS 140-2 compliant, the RF modem also ensures the rapid transmission of data out of the hotzone to ReachBackID support services. The package will also include PC-based software complementing the advanced data handling methods applied by specific users. The optional RF repeater will further extend the range of wireless data transfer.

Hand-held solid and liquid chemical identification

The sample interface includes a diamond ATR sensor with a solid press and liquids well. The sample of unknown content is placed onto the sensor for the analysis. The pressure is applied with an integrated press for solid samples. The liquid samples are poured in the integrated well. HazMatID Elite also integrates a second diamond ATR interface for direct sampling of grouped liquids and surface films.

HazMatID Elite is certified to MIL-STD-810G specification for operation in extreme climates and temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°, which is the widest thermal and solar functional range offered by portable chemical identification devices. The optical engine of the device withstands the high vibration and can resist the mechanical disturbances experienced during the transportation.

Performance of Smith Detection’s Elite device

HazMatID Elite can detect the pure solids and liquids in microgram quantities. It can identify ingredients of mixtures, as long as the ingredient contains not less than ten percent of the mixture.

Each chemical has its own property, which is compared against an onboard library database of more than 10,000 substances.

The HazMatID Elite is optionally provided with an advanced software package to search against 35,000 spectra. It provides a list of valid matches to a chemical database in rank order using a correlation-based algorithm. The priority materials are provided with visible alarms.

HazMatID Elite is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery allowing operations for four hours. It is also compatible with disposable 123A battery.

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