Detection & Decontamination
The goal of this group are gaining, maintenance, and expansion of specialised knowledge in the area of detection and decontamination of chemical agents in order to protect living organisms and materials from the effects of chemical weapons. We carry out practical measurements using chemical warfare agents and simulants, perform literature studies, as well as theoretical work. In order to make optimum use of our resources, we cultivate good cooperation with partner laboratories in Germany, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and the US.
Detection
The timely detection of chemical weapons allows to avoid contamination. Chemical agents can be detected with the aid of devices employing enzymatic, chemical, or physical measurement methods. Review articles of the various methods can be found in references (1) and (2).
An important aspect in this area is the characterization of such C- detection devices with respect to their sensitivity to chemical weapons under different measuring conditions. For this purpose, we built three testing stands (see picture), which can generate accurate concentrations of the chemical warfare agents Tabun, Sarin, Soman, VX, Mustard, and Lewisite at different humidities. The properties and the validation of the apparatus are described in references (3, 4, 5). Equally important is the assessment of the sensitivity of the device toward interfering substances, which can affect detection, and which also can be measured with the same testing stands and in the natural environment.
In addition, a fourth apparatus has been built for toxic industrial chemicals which gain importance in connection with accidents and terrorist acts. On the four agent generators, detection and analytical equipment has been evaluated which is now installed in the new NBC reconnaissance vehicle (6).. Our test stands are open for testing equipment of external users.
In addition to this practical work, we follow the technical literature in the entire area of instrumental C-detection including chemical sensors (7) and C-remote sensing (8). Concerning remote sensing, we could recently evaluate a passive FTIR-system (SIGIS II), owned and operated by the Mannheim fire fighters, in lab measurements as well as in field operation during the Euro 08 European soccer championship (9).
- Partial view of measurement apparatus
Decontamination
Decontamination means the destruction of chemical agents with the goal of preventing contamination of living organisms and materials, as well as preventing the spread of chemical weapons.
In order to decontaminate smaller objects, such as weapons and light vehicles, the decontamination solution 85 (DS-2) has been used, so far. Although this is very effective against all known agents, it is extremely corrosive and will dissolve paint or destroy sensitive equipment. In the context of the project NBC Protection XXI of the Swiss army, decontamination systems which are based on substantially less aggressive chemicals have been procured for both small and large objects. Decontamination solutions, emulsions and foams have been evaluated in comprehensive field trials (10); the best chemical, namely the CASCAD foam, has been procured (see picture). In addition, we investigated in extensive experiments whether liquid chemical agents could be covered gastight by fire extinguisher and decontaminating foams. CASCAD is best suited for this purpose, but some conventional fire extinguisher foams are also very effective (11)
- Decontamination of a tank with CASCAD foam
For training purposes, two non-toxic simulants for chemical warefare agents (12, 13) were developed. They allow realistic decontamination exercises, in which the success can be directly measured by the swiss chemical agent monitor CNG 97.
In addition, we follow the technical literature and have well-maintained documentation in this area. In addition, we follow the technical literature and have well-maintained documentation in this area.
Literature
(1) W. Aue: Detecting and monitoring chemical warfare agents and other toxic chemicals: A Review (LS 2002-02)
(2) W. Aue, F. Guidetti: Recent developments in chemical detection (LS 2006-02)
(3) W. Aue, F. Guidetti: Validation of the chemical agent vapor generator KAA 01 (LS 2001-23)
(4) W. Aue, F. Guidetti: Validierung der Kampfstoffanreicherungsapparatur KAA 03 für GA, GB und L1 (LN AA 2009-09)
(5) W. Aue, F. Guidetti: Installation and Validation of the VX vapor generator KAA 06 (LN AA 2009-01)
(6) W. Aue: Beurteilung von C-Nachweis- und Analyseninstrumenten zum Einbau in das ABC Aufklärungsfahrzeug, Stand 31.3.2007 (LN AA 2007-01)
(7) R. Zenobi: Chemische Sensoren zur raschen Detektion von chemischen Kampfstoffen (ACLS 9722)
(8) R. Zenobi: Remote Sensing von chemischen Kampfstoffen (ACLS 9526)
(9) W. Aue: Scanning Infrared Gas Imaging System SIGIS II: Short validation of Detection Limits (LS 2008-07)
(10) W. Aue, F. Guidetti: Live agent decontamination field trials with HD, THD, VX, GD and TGD: Comparison of three decontamination chemicals on seven materials (LS 2003-14)
(11) W. Aue, F. Guidetti: Covering sources of toxic vapors with foam (LS 2009-06)
(12) W. Aue, P. Trachsler: Verhalten und Entgiftung des Hautgiftsimulationsmittels HSim auf verschiedenen Materialien (ACLS 2000-13)
(13) W. Aue, F. Guidetti, B. Menzi: Das Nervengiftsimulationsmittel GSim (LN AA 2009-05)
 Head: Dr. Walter Aue |
 Fausto Guidetti |