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<nettime> SNIFFEX Detector of Explosives - Training Manual


[I first thought this was another message from our esteemed Frank
Beauregard, who has now moved futher west, from Paris to Lisbon,
pitching just just an esthetics, but device. You never now in this
industry. Particularly the reference to activists and angry students
seemed a tip off.... Felix]


Agents and Resellers Considered
 
REPRESENTANTIVE

______ INVESTMENTS LTD
LARGO DO _____ 34 R/C
_____ LISBOA  PORTUGAL
+351-21-____________ 
FAX: +351-21________

EMAIL:
_________@NETCABO.PT


PREFACE


THE CASE FOR EXPLOSIVES AND WEAPONS DETECTION SYSTEMS 

With an upsurge of attacks by extremist groups, world focus has been on
homeland defense and combating terrorism.  The use of explosives is not
limited to terrorist attacks, however; anarchists, cults, disgruntled
employees, activists, and even angry students have all been known to commit
acts of terror.  With a few simple clicks the Internet has made it easier
than ever to access the knowledge needed for even inexperienced people to
build explosives and other weapons.   This ongoing threat has created an
enormous market for explosives and weapons detection.  

Historically, EDS (explosive detection systems) equipment has been used in
restrictive settings such as to screen high volume traffic (at airport
screening points, border crossing points, etc), and for mine detection.  

There are a variety of EDS (Explosive Detection Systems) on the market.
Most are cost prohibitive and limited in scope.  Dogs trained in explosive
detection are by far the most widely used but can only be employed for 20-30
minutes before they become desensitized.  Other ?sniffer? products locate
explosives only within a few inches of the target, making for an unstable
and unsafe environment for the operator.  

Sniffex® is the next generation?s alternative technology for the detection
of nitrous oxide based explosives and weapons.

INTRODUCING SNIFFEX® 

Sniffex® is a pocket-sized, hand held device for the detection of a wide
variety of explosives including, but not limited to, TNT, dynamite, ammonite
(diesel), PETN, RDX, gunpowder, Semtex, C4, and all nitrous oxide based
explosives.  Sniffex® works on the basis of its ability to detect the
presence of nitrous oxide (free) radicals within its effective range.
Sniffex® does not tell the operator the type of explosive detected.

Sniffex® is the first device of its kind that can detect explosives from
distances of up to 100 meters, even when the explosive is hidden behind
walls or metal barriers such as buildings or vehicles.  Other products are
only effective within a few centimeters of their target.  Additionally,
Sniffex® appears to be just as effective at finding fired weapons as finding
nitrous oxide based explosives. 

This makes for an extensive variety of applications for Sniffex®:

*    Building searches (warehouses, schools, banks)
*    Parking lots
*    Crowd security
*    Aircraft, luggage and cargo
*    Police patrols
*    S.W.A.T. teams
*    Land mine detection
*    Military patrols

 

WHAT MAKES SNIFFEX® UNIQUE? 


Sniffex® is unique to all known explosive detection systems, both existing
and under development.

Sniffex® uses a totally different approach. It detects the interference
between the magnetic field of the earth, the explosive, the device itself,
and the human body which allows the device to penetrate and locate even
small amounts of explosives through concrete, soil, and metal barriers. 

Sniffex® detects all types of explosives on the basis of the presence of
nitrous oxide radicals. Sniffex® operates only when in contact with the hand
because of the human body interface.


A two-point interference field has a line of prominence along an axis
between the source signal and the target material. Using this approach of
detecting an interference field pattern, an operator can identify the
presence of nitrous oxide radicals. Determining the line of prominence gives
direction to the material and its location is achieved through
triangulation. 

FEATURES AND BENEFITS 

Most detection systems are typically too cost prohibitive and limited in
scope to be adequate for wide-scale use.  The features below make Sniffex® a
leader in the industry.

*    Accuracy

Sniffex® has reported 90% accuracy under these conditions.

*         Detection rate for >50 g active compound, behind barrier: ? 2?5 m
>90%

*         Detection rate for >1 kg active compound behind barrier: ? 10-20 m
>90%

*         Total false rate: < 10%

*         Ambient temperature: -20 °C ? +50 °C

*         Wind: up to 1 m/s

*   Portability

Sniffex® is hand held, lightweight, easily transported, and easily stored.

*         Length: 35 mm

*         Width: 32 mm

*         Height: 100 mm

*         Weight of the product: 550 g

*   Safety

*         Unlike many ?sniffer? devices that require the operator to be in
close proximity to unstable explosives, Sniffex® offers safe localization of
an explosive or weapon from a distance. Sniffex® does not contain any
dangerous chemicals or hazardous material.  This makes it both
environmentally friendly and safe for the operator to use.




 
MAIN COMPONENTS 

 Sniffex® has four major components: (Fig. 2)

 

1.            Antenna

2.            Casing

3.            Two pairs of magnets

4.            Proprietary Component (?Container 19?)

 

Fig. 2 ? Major Components


Telescoping Antenna ? The antenna is the pointer for the device.  When
Sniffex® detects a nitrous oxide based explosive or a weapon that has been
fired, the antenna ?points? or rotates in the direction of the explosive or
weapon. This rotation occurs as Sniffex® enters into an area containing an
abnormally high concentration of nitrous oxide radicals. 

Casing - The casing houses two pairs of magnets and ?Container 19?.  It also
serves as an attachment point for the antenna.  At the attachment point
there is a hinge that allows the antenna to rotate freely.  

Magnets ? Two pairs of magnets inside the casing create a magnetic charge
within the device.  One pair is on either side of ?Container 19?, which
creates the conditions necessary for the interference between the magnetic
patterns.  

Proprietary Component - The proprietary component (?Container 19?) is a
small cylinder contained within the housing component and between the two
pairs of magnets.  This is the component that separates Sniffex® from all
other explosive or weapon detection devices.  ?Container 19? reacts with the
nitrous oxide radicals when it comes into range and excites the radicals
specific to the modulation of the magnetic field.  The antenna is then able
to find and point to the target.

 

PREPARING TO USE SNIFFEX® FOR THE FIRST TIME

Two elements ensure successful operation of Sniffex®:  careful preparation
of the device and proficiency of the operator.  

Follow the steps below before using Sniffex® for the first time.

Familiarize yourself with the device.

Examine the device and note its external components:  the casing and
telescoping antenna, and in some cases the level. (Fig. 3)

 
Fig. 3 ? External Components

OPERATING SNIFFEX® FOR THE FIRST TIME 

PREPARATION

Sniffex® uses ?Container 19? and the human body to obtain a signal.  When
used correctly Sniffex® will detect the presence of a fired weapon or a
nitrous oxide based explosive.  

When Sniffex® enters into an area containing an abnormally high
concentration of nitrous oxide radicals, the antenna will rotate in the
direction of the suspected target. 

It is very important that the operator consistently maintains the level of
the device while walking and follows the instructions outlined below.

Prior to use, assemble the materials below:

*         Sniffex® (with level affixed)
*         Flags or markers*
*         Flags are used to mark suspect targets.


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