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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/12193| Title: | Detecting metallic primary explosives with a portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometer |
| Authors: | U.S. Army Environmental Center. Hewitt, Alan D. (Alan Dole) |
| Keywords: | Lead Mercury Primary explosives X-ray fluorescence spectrometer |
| Publisher: | Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.) Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.) |
| Series/Report no.: | Special report (Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)) ; 97-8. |
| Description: | Special Report Abstract: X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) analysis is a practical means of performing in-situ screening to establish the presence of high concentrations (>0.1% or 1000 ppm) of lead (Pb) and/or mercury (Hg). These two metals are of special military interest because they are constituents in three primary explosives; lead azide [Pb(N3)2], lead styphnate (C6HO6N3Pb), and mercury fulminate [Hg(CNO)2]. The success of in-situ XRF analysis to perform this task depends on instrumental sensitivity, selectivity, effective sample volume, transportability, and user friendliness. Laboratory experiments established that the MAP-3 XRF spectrum analyzer (SCITEC Corporation) is well-suited for this application. This instrument is self-contained, portable, and equipped with a Co-57 source that allows for a simultaneous analysis of both the K and L energy lines of Pb and Hg, among other metals. Laboratory experiments established that high concentrations of Pb and Hg could be detected in an active sample area of cylindrical shape, approximately 1.0 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm in depth. |
| Rights: | Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11681/12193 |
| Appears in Collections: | Special Report |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR-97-8.pdf | 91.5 kB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |