Peroxide Explosives
“...metal detectors are The Detection Challenge In addition, the outer shape of the TATP
molecule is pretty dull, appearing like many
equally useless for Detection of TATP and other peroxide other common greasy molecules with no
explosives represents a major challenge specific functional group displayed on its
detection of TATP-based to security organisations worldwide. CTX surface. Consequently, TATP cannot be an
machines, which are commonly deployed attractive target to specific binding
IEDs because no for the screening of checked luggage are molecules, such as antibodies and Invent your individual
ineffective for TATP because they synthetic receptors.
detonators, wires and measure “effective Z” or average density. Although dogs can be trained to detect
This technology is based on the fact that TATP, canine technology is controversial
batteries are needed to conventional explosives are because it is not clear which actual
security checkpoint.
characterised by high density, usually in material the dog senses; is it the actual
ignite TATP...” the range of 1.6-1.9 gram/cm3, which is material, its decomposition products, or
much higher than most items found in a some other volatile impurities that were
scepticism because it had been passenger’s luggage. For comparison, present during the training sessions?
commonly accepted that all explosive the density of water is 1.0 gram/cm3. Even manual search of open suitcases in
materials release much thermal energy Unfortunately, the density of crystalline now becoming quite unreliable because
during their explosion, pretty much like TATP is as low as 0.5 gram/cm3, searching for white crystalline powders
Smiths Detection‘s innovative iLane
fuels that release heat upon burning. reminiscent of crystalline sugar. Thus, could be misleading. Overall, the unusual
checkpoint design meets future
Nevertheless, we have recently been the CTX machines cannot differentiate properties of TATP narrows the window of
able to verify those theoretical between TATP and the common contents opportunities for its detection to only few
requirements in both security and
predictions by actual experiments, and of a suitcase, such as clothing, papers, techniques, such as positive mode mass
these results will soon be published. plastics and food items. spectrometry, IMS, IR/Raman enhanced inspection workflow
Another unusual property of TATP was Furthermore, the mass spectrometers spectroscopy, chemical detection and X-
discovered at the Technion while that operate on a negative ion mode, which ray powder diffraction.
investigating its solid-state structure. For are suitable for detection of all nitro groups The chemical technology solution we
šEfj_c_p[ZfWii[d][hj^hek]^fkj
the 114 years since its discovery by in conventional explosives, are developed at the Technion represents a
Wolffenstein, TATP has been considered to inappropriate for the detection of the unique approach to meet the huge
šCeZkbWhYecfed[dji[j#kf
have only one crystalline form; we found peroxides. TATP does not have any nitro detection challenge. Since enzymes are
š9eij#[\\_Y_[dj
that this explosive forms at least six group; it does not even have any nitrogen the most efficient catalysts on earth in
different types of crystals, depending on atom in its molecule. Moreover, metal terms of speed, selectivity, and sensitivity,
š;h]edec_Ymeha_d][dl_hedc[dj
the conditions used for its synthesis and detectors, which can detect weapons and it was clear to us that if we sought
crystallisation. The results were published explosive devices, are equally useless for efficiency and the fast detection of
for operators
this year in Crystal Growth & Design. detection of TATP-based IEDs because no explosives, we should go for an enzyme.
These findings will facilitate the detection detonators, wires and batteries are needed The technology was developed on the š:khWXb[ief^_ij_YWj[ZZ[i_]d
of TATP by advanced X-ray powder to ignite TATP; a simple mechanical stress, basis of two principles: firstly that TATP and
diffraction technologies (vide infra). spark or open flame can initiate the device. other peroxide-based explosives are
š7ZWfjWXb[jeckbj_fb[
concepts of operation
Example of a modular iLane checkpoint
For information please call +49 (0) 611 9412 0
Email: mail.germany@smiths-heimann.com
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On 9th August 2001, 15 people were killed and dozens wounded when a suicide bomber, loaded with TATP, attacked the Sbarro pizzeria in the centre of Jerusalem.
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12 Register now for FREE instant access to ASI online by visiting www.asi-mag.com August 2009 Aviationsecurityinternational
www.smithsdetection.com
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