Method and apparatus for the detection of explosives
AssigneeAmerican Innovations, Inc.
InventorGrant Haber
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for the colorimetric detection of two compounds in a bulk sample comprises the steps of forming an aqueous solution of the bulk sample, inserting a single dip strip having a pair of test regions each having separate colorimetric indicator reagents for a different one of the two compounds to be tested for into the solution and then removing the dip strip from the solution, and observing the test regions for color changes denoting the presence of the two compounds. The methodology is especially adapted for the colorimetric detection of nitrates and chlorates, two components commonly associated with explosives and particularly homemade explosives.
Claims7
A method for the colorimetric detection of two compounds in a bulk sample, comprising the steps of:
- forming an aqueous solution of the bulk sample;
- inserting a single dip strip having a pair of test regions each having separate colorimetric indicator reagents for a different one of the two compounds to be tested for into the solution and then removing the dip strip from the solution and then removing the dip strip from the solution, wherein a first of the test regions comprises colorimetric indicator reagents for detecting nitrate ions that may be present in the solution by reducing the nitrate ions to nitrite and causing a diazotization reaction with the nitrite to form an azo dye, and a second of the test regions comprises colorimetric indicator reagents comprising (i) an iodide that is oxidized by chlorate ions that may be present in the solution to form iodine/triiodide and (ii) a starch;
- and
- observing the test regions for color changes denoting the presence of the two compounds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.