A variety of portable environmental monitoring systems have been designed, built, and field tested using SAW devices to provide rapid, reversible, sensitive, and quantitative detection of individual volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The SAWS devices are coated with visco-elastic polymers. Two independent responses of the SAW sensor (wave velocity and attenuation) are measured to provide information about the chemical species absorbed by the coating. The changes in the wave velocity and attenuation occur because the film coating the sensor softens and becomes heavier when it absorbs the contaminant. Sensing is rapid and reversible, and coatings can be optimized for particular chemical selectivity and sensitivity. SAW technology allows the manufacturing of a smaller, lighter and most importantly, more chemical specific instruments. Three products manufactured by Microsensor Systems Inc. are introduced.

HAZMATCAD
The HAZMATCAD instruments represents SAW based chemical warfare agent detection. It is rugged, lightweight and battery powered - perfect for use in difficult environments. Designed for operation in a level A environment, HAZMATCAD has an uncomplicated user interface allowing rapid field deployment.

CW Sentry Plus
The CW Sentry Plus is a wall mounted SAW based chemical agent warfare detector in a hardened twenty-four hour, seven day a week platform. The instruments can be used as stand alone monitor or as multiple monitors linked to existing building security systems for maximum fixed asset protection. The unit completes an analysis cycle three times a minute for rapid response to the release of chemical warfare agents.

HAZMATCAD
(Courtesy of Microsensor Systems Inc.)
(Click on the picture for large one)

CW Sentry Plus
(Courtesy of Microsensor Systems Inc.)
(Click on the picture for large one)

MiniCAD mkII
(Courtesy of Microsensor Systems Inc.)
(Click on the picture for large one)

MiniCAD mkII
The MiniCAD mkII is a small, portable, nerve and blister agent only detector. It was designed for special operations and protective services applications in mind. It's reduced size and hands free operation allows operators to concentrate on their primary mission while giving them the protection of more sophisticated instruments.

The HAZMATCAD incorporates all the features mentioned above with the added benefits of being able to detect up to four classes of toxic industrial chemicals. The presents of hydride, halogen, choke and blood agent vapors can be quickly determined, giving the user the ability to screen for the greatest potential of threats.
The CW Sentry Plus uses redundant sampling pumps and can draw a sample from up to three meters. An internal check source and self diagnostics are used to verify performance.
The MiniCAD mkII features replaceable batteries and optional external power pack giving it an eight hour operation life. It incorporates LED and audible alarms, data logging and can be secured by the nylon protective covering to bunker or duty gear.

The products introduced above provide instruments and sensors for the detection of nerve agents, blister agents and several classes of toxic industrial chemicals (TIC’s) that may be used in chemical warfare, terrorist incidents or hazardous material spills. Customers include federal agencies (special operations, protective services, explosive ordnance disposal) and municipal authorities (first responders, fire and police departments) such as SWAT teams, bomb squads, and emergency medical technicians.