How Itemiser Works

Itemizer captures and analyses the microscopic particles and vapors naturally emitted by organic substances. It is calibrated to identify contraband narcotics and explosives and it can be set to provide alarms for any type or level of substance, and all of them simultaneously from a single sample!

Trace detection is based on contamination from handling narcotics or explosives which causes trace amounts of particles to be left on the hands and clothes of the person who came into contact with the contraband. Itemiser identifies these compounds when they are collected on a dedicated "swipe" and analyzes them in the Itemizer computer. Analysis is based on the time it takes an ionized molecule to travel through an electrified field in a tube inside the Itemizer desktop.

Simple Steps for the Operator

The operator collects trace samples by drawing disposable particle wipes across a surface suspected of contamination or by placing the wipe within a sealed container to "sniff" concentrated vapors trapped within.
The wipe may optionally be placed in an envelope for future analysis.
The operator inserts the wipe into the sample port in the Itemiser for analysis.
Itemizer analyses the sample and delivers instant hard-copy results, off-site reports and stores the information for future reporting.
Alarms are resolved following the procedures of the operating organization.

How Itemizer Detects Trace Substances

Samples are collected.
Trapped particles and vapors are evaporated by heating.
Target molecules are ionized for analysis and their mobility is measured.
These patterns are analyzed and target substances and their concentration are identified and reported on.

Key Features

Unique Capabilities

Ability to detect explosives and narcotics simultaneously
Ability to detect peroxide-based explosives (positive ion) and plastic and nitro-based (negative ion) explosives simultaneously
Lightweight, portable system with battery backup
Patented dryer eliminates need for replenishing filters, dryers, dopants, chemical modules and gas bottles, all of which are expensive and time consuming to manage

Important Features

Combined hardware and software solution
Range of detection includes all common explosives and illegal drugs
Offers the largest range of compounds to detect
5-10 second analysis time
Easy to use folding touchscreen
AC/DC power support and internal 1-hour battery
Hand wand sampler and "trap" wipes
User's manual and log books
Carrying case
Optional vacuum wand
Floppy drive and infrared data transmition devices
Kepboard port and optional keyboard

Specifications

Detector Type

Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometer (ITMS®)

Analysis Time

Default 7 seconds

Sample Acquisition

Surface wipe or optional vacuum collection

Warm-up Time

Allow 30 minutes minimum for system to stabilize

Operating Temperature

32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C) IP20 protection rating

Storage Temperature

32 to 122° F (0 to 50° C)

Power

AC Input: 100-120 VAC, 200-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz, 150W
DC Input: 11-18 VDC input, 10A (150W) max

Battery Backup

Up to 60 minutes of standby time daily for transport

Computer

Pentium-based, industrial-grade, single-board computer, solid-state hard disk

Display

10.4 in (26.4 cm), 640 x 480 pixel, 300 nits brightness, TFT-LCD monitor with resistive touchscreen

Signal Processing

Recognition on multiple peaks and multiple controlled drugs and explosives.Output to four different display types, including bar graph display or time-of-flight plasmagram display.

Detection Modes

Explosives (optimized negative ion mode)Narcotics (optimized positive ion mode)Dual (positive and negative ion mode)

Physical Characteristics

Itemiser (with display opened)

Height

14.9 in (38 cm)

Display Clearance

16.3 in (41 cm)

Width

18.9 in (48 cm)

Depth

19.8 in (50 cm)

Weight

26.5 lbs (12.02 Kg)

Itemiser (with display closed)

Height

7.1 in (18 cm)

Width

18.9 in (48 cm)

Depth

18.0 in (46 cm)

Hand Wand

Length

11 in (28 cm)

Diameter

1.1 in (2.8 cm)

Weight

2.3 oz (65g)

Optional Vacuum Sampling Unit

Length

16.8 in (42 cm)

Diameter

3.4 in (8.5 cm)

Weight

18.9 oz (535g)

Call 713 722-7800 for more information about how Itemiser works and how it compares to alternative solutions.

Itemiser Case
Study Video

Itemiser White Paper
Itemiser Data Sheet
Itemiser Brochure
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