Comparative study of the vapor analytes of trinitrotoluene (TNT)

Cindy C. Edge; Julie Gibb; Regina E. Dugan

doi:10.1117/12.334997

28 December 1998 Comparative study of the vapor analytes of trinitrotoluene (TNT)

Cindy C. Edge, Julie Gibb, Regina E. Dugan

Proceedings Volume 3575, Enforcement and Security Technologies; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.334997
Event: Enabling Technologies for Law Enforcement and Security, 1998, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a high explosive used in most antipersonnel and antitank landmines. The Institute for Biological Detection Systems (IBDS) has developed a quantitative vapor delivery system, termed olfactometer, for conducting canine olfactory research. The research is conducted utilizing dynamic conditions, therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the headspace of TNT to ensure consistency with the dynamic generation of vapor. This study quantified the vapor headspace of military- grade TNT utilizing two different vapor generated methodologies, static and dynamic, reflecting differences between field and laboratory environments. Static vapor collection, which closely mimics conditions found during field detection, is defined as vapor collected in an open-air environment at ambient temperature. Dynamic vapor collection incorporates trapping of gases from a high flow vapor generation cell used during olfactometer operation. Analysis of samples collected by the two methodologies was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and the results provided information with regard to the constituents detected. However, constituent concentration did vary between the sampling methods. This study provides essential information regarding the vapor constituents associated with the TNT sampled using different sampling methods. These differences may be important in determining the detection signature dogs use to recognize TNT.

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Cindy C. Edge, Julie Gibb, and Regina E. Dugan "Comparative study of the vapor analytes of trinitrotoluene (TNT)", Proc. SPIE 3575, Enforcement and Security Technologies, (28 December 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.334997

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