Nitrogen Detector and Method of Detecting - Reference #110

Background

The amount of nitrogen in proteins, certain plastics, fertilizers, explosives, and even illicit drugs is a key characteristic that can be used to identify these materials. As such, the detection of the amount of nitrogen in an object has important applications in agriculture, homeland security, customs, airline security and defense.

 

Technology Description

TRIUMF researchers have developed a device and patented a method for determining the amount of nitrogen in a small object even when concealed in a large container. The technology utilizes a small accelerator to produce gamma rays of sufficient intensity to cause measurable resonant absorption by 14N in the nitrogenous compounds. The object’s shape and nitrogen content are then computed using tomographic techniques with information provided by an array of gamma ray detectors.

 

Advantages

  • Can detect nitrogenous compounds in amounts as small as a few millimeters thick
  • Significantly more reliable than x-ray based detectors
  • Can handle commercial aircraft containers
  • Determines the amount of concealed contraband
  • Explosive residues do not confuse the detector
  • Detection threat level can be varied
  • Image of contraband object available to operator
  • Automated detection is possible
  • Offers rapid, on-line measurement of protein content without calibration delays, thereby expediting & adding value to shipments

 

Applications

  • Detection of concealed explosives and illegal drugs
  • Measurement of protein content in dairy, grain, or other agricultural and food products

 

Commercial Status

Patent protection has been obtained in the US and in multiple jurisdictions worldwide. A prototype has been built and tested. This technology is available for immediate licensing or collaborative development. Please contact us for further information.

 

Contact

Phil Gardner
Head, Technology Transfer Division
Phone: 604.222.7436
Email: ttadmin@triumf.ca
Please quote reference number 110.