Abstract
Aim: The aim of the article is to present the structure and performance of the detector for the chemical contamination detection, installed on the unmanned mobile platform “Strażak” (Fireman) presented in the review article BiTP Vol. 30 Issue 2, 2013, pp. 81-90.
Introduction: The current advancement state of the firefighting techniques requires to take into account in rescue and firefighting action plans a thorough diagnosis of the risks that may appear during the execution of the task. The need to recognize the type of burning object is obvious. Preparing means to suppress the fire, one should take into account dangerous chemicals that are present on the site (chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial agents, explosives, gases forming a flammable mixture, radioactive sources, etc.). Until now, the PSP did not have appropriate equipment that would enable remote detection. Currently at the disposal of CNBOP is an unmanned platform “Strażak”, which was equipped with a detector for monitoring risk and generating an alarm signal when the threat is detected.
Methodology: The detection of the threats was done by the multi-sensing measuring set: “FireChem”. This device was mounted as an integral part of “Strażak”. It is used to detect the emission of hazardous chemicals. It consists of three modules: electrochemical sensors, optical spectrometer and ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). With such a unique design this system is able to detect chemicals (toxic industrial compounds) with uncontrolled releases and chemical warfare that may arise in the event of a terrorist attack. An important part of the detection system is an optical spectrometer, which is primarily used to warn of entry into the hazardous zone. Using it, aliphatic hydrocarbons may be detected with high precision (methane, propane and butane mixture). This paper presents basic information about the construction and operation of the IMS detector and the results of measurements of selected substances by the detector “FireChem”
Conclusions: Main objectives in the R&D project no. OR00004812 “Technology for decreasing threat caused by uncontrolled releasing hazardous substances” were achieved by developing “Strażak” and equipping it with detector “FireChem”. The vehicle has been thoroughly tested and subjected to a series of field trials. After a period of testing CNBOP is anticipated to transfer to JRG and use under real emergency response. The project takes to build a BPL “Strażak” as a demonstrator of technology. This means that after a period of trial and testing, the report will be submitted with applications for the further aspects of the construction.
Keywords: detection, Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)
Type of article: review article