Domestic Preparedness Program: Testing of MIRAN SapphIRe Portable Ambient Air Analyzers Against Chemical Warefare Agents, Summary Report

• NCJ Number: 190329
• Author(s): Terri L. Longworth; Jacob L. Barnhouse; Kwok Y. Ong
• Date Published: July 2000
• Length: 22 pages
• Corporate Author: US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM)
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Test/Measurement
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded September 18, 2001

Annotation

This document focuses on a test to provide emergency responders with an overview of the capabilities of the MIRAN SapphIRe portable ambient air analyzer to detect chemical warfare (CW) agent vapors.

Abstract

The test characterizes the CW agent vapor detection capability of the MIRAN detector. The agents used included Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB), and Mustard (HD). These were chosen as representative CW agents because they were believed to be the most likely threats. For each selected CW agent, the test concept was to determine the minimum concentration levels (Minimum Detectable Level, MDL) where repeatable detection readings would be achieved. The military Joint Services Operational Requirements served as a guide for detection sensitivity objectives. Also, the goals were to investigate the effects of humidity and temperature on detection response, use results to establish response curves for each agent, and observe the effects of potential interfering vapors upon detection performance, both in the laboratory and in the field. Results showed the detectors were not sensitive enough to provide sufficient warning for the safety of first responders. Civilian responders and HAZMAT personnel use Immediate Danger to Life or Health (IDLH) values to determine levels of protection selection during consequence management of an incident. The MIRAN detectors were unable to detect to the IDLH or Airborne Exposure Limit (AEL) values for GA and GB, or the HD AEL value. The results, however, were consistent when above the minimum detectable levels in the laboratory environment. The CW agent detection performance was reliable as evidenced by the response curves constructed from the results of CW agent laboratory testing. However, agent detection capability could only be associated in the laboratory-controlled environment where the agent presence is known. This suggests that the MIRAN, in its current configuration, cannot be used for CW agent detection in the field. 2 figures, 5 tables, 4 references