Enhanced chemical detection using acid catalyzed hydrolysis
AssigneeFLIR Detection, Inc.
InventorsSteven Keen, Lara Wald, Mark Fisher
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various techniques are provided to determine the presence of trace chemicals corresponding to various materials of interest. In one example, a method includes receiving a vapor-phase nitric acid precursor. The vapor-phase nitric acid precursor is subsequently hydrolyzed in the presence of an acid catalyst to form nitric acid. The nitric acid is then received at a chemical reporter of a chemical detector. A response of the chemical reporter to the nitric acid is detected by the chemical reporter to determine whether materials of interest are present. Additional methods and related devices are also provided.
Claims20
A device comprising:
- an inlet configured to receive a vapor-phase nitric acid precursor;
- a solid acid catalyst configured to react with the vapor-phase nitric acid precursor to form nitric acid;
- and
- a chemical detector comprising a chemical reporter configured to respond to the nitric acid, wherein the chemical reporter is configured to detect a response of the chemical reporter to the nitric acid to determine whether materials of interest are present.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.