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Explosive Detection




Explosive detection is a non-destructive Inspection process to determine whether a container contains Explosive material. Explosive detection is commonly used at Airport s, Port s and for Border Control .


DETECTION TOOLS


Dogs

Specially trained Dog s can be used to detect explosives using their noses which are very sensitive to Scents . While very effective, their usefulness becomes degraded as a dog becomes tired.

These dogs are trained by specially trained handlers to identify the scents of several common explosive materials and notify their handler when they detect one of these scents. The dogs indicate a 'hit' by taking an action they are trained to provide, generally a passive response.

The explosive detection canine was originated at the Metropolitian Police Department in Washington, D.C. in 1970, buy then trainer Charles R. Kirchner. (Newlon, Clark (1974). ''Police Dogs in Action.'' New York, Dodd, Mead and company)


Mechanical scent detection

See Also: Machine olfaction


Several types of machines have been developed to detect trace signatures for various explosive materials. This equipment uses technology similar to Gas Chromatography , known as Ion Trap / Differential Mobility Spectrometry . Amplifying Fluorescent Polymers are also being investigated for detecting explosives.


X-ray machines

Specially designed X-ray Machine s can detect explosives by looking at the density of the items being examined. They use Computed Axial Tomography based systems that are enhanced with dedicated software, containing an explosives threat library and false - color coding, to assist operators with their dedicated threat resolution protocols.

Neutron Activation

Specially designed machines bombard the suspect explosives with neutrons, and read the gamma radiation decay signatures to determine the chemical composition of the sample. Explosive materials all have similar ratios of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, which the machine is able to detect.


DETECTION AIDS

A Detection Taggant can be added when explosives are made to make detection easier. An example of this is with Semtex , which now is made with Ethylene Glycol Dinitrate added as a detection taggant.