Comparative analysis of the vapor headspace of military-grade TNT versus NESTT TNT under dynamic and static conditions

摘要

The Institute for Biological Detection Systems (IBDS) has developed a quantitative vapor delivery system that can aid in characterizing dog's sensitivity and ability to recognize odor signatures for explosives and contraband substances. Determining of the dog's odor signature for detection of explosives is important because it may aid in eliminating the risk of handling explosives and reducing cross-contamination. Progress is being made in the development of training aids that represent the headspace of the explosives. NESTT$+TM$/ TNT materials have been proposed as an approach to developing training aid simulates. In order for such aids to be effective they must mimic the headspace of the target material. This study evaluates the NESTT$+TM$/ TNT product with regard to this criterion. NESTT$+TM$/ TNT vapor was generated by the IBDS vapor delivery system, which incorporates a vapor generation cell that enables the user to control the conditions under which a substance is tested. The NESTT$+TM$/ TNT vapor was compared to the headspace of military-grade TNT. The findings identify and quantify major vapor constituents of military-grade TNT and NESTT$+TM$/ TNT. A comparative analysis evaluated the degree to which the NESTT$+TM$/ TNT mimics the headspace of an actual TNT sample.