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The Dog Training Aid (DTA) Microsphere Heater is a purpose built tool to assist in the training of canines on the detection of peroxide based explosives Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) and Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine (HMTD). TATP and HMTD have a high shock sensitivity which makes handling of these energetic materials extremely dangerous. They also have a very short shelf life which makes long term storage difficult.
To create the TATP or HMTD scent, the Microspheres are heated using the Microsphere Heater which releases the explosive material from the Microspheres onto an inert filter for safe training and transport.
The Microspheres are inserted into a glass vial and a plug of aluminum wool is inserted above. This vial is then inserted into the Heater. With simple 1-touch operation the Heater begins heating to a precise temperature profile in order to melt the polymer of the Microspheres and release the TATP, or other explosive, into vapor form. This vapor then collects and crystallizes onto the aluminum wool. After only a minute the heating is complete and the aluminum wool containing the pure explosive can be removed and used for dog scent training or trace explosive detection.
We will provide you with a complete capabilities demonstration at your home-base, allowing the front line operators to put the Seeker to the test.
Triacetone peroxide (TATP) and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) are explosives that were used in events such as terrorist bombings in Paris and Brussels. These explosives are made from common household chemicals but are highly unstable and volatile when in pure form. This high sensitivity and vapor pressure make it very dangerous to handle which in turn makes it difficult to train explosive detection dogs on or develop trace explosive detection instruments with.
Dr. Jimmie Oxley, of the University of Rhode Island, and her team created a method of encapsulating these explosives in polymer to render the them safe for handling and transport. These polycarbonate Microspheres contain only a low percentage of explosive, such as TATP, that has been demonstrated to last for years yet produce pure explosive vapor when heated at the designated heat-profile. The Microspheres consist of a “Core Material” which are the explosives such as TATP or HMTD, and a “Polymer Matrix” which is the surrounding material that protects the explosive. This approach provides canine handlers and instrument vendors with safe access to stored hazardous explosives at trace levels for use in detection, calibration, and validation of instruments as well as the training of explosives detecting canines.