Wearable Multimodal Aerosolized Chemical Threat Detector

Makel Engineering, Inc., with subcontractors Sandia National Laboratory and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS Group)propose to develop a real-time wearable multi-threat aerosolized chemical detector (W-MACD) for use by DHS emergency response and law enforcement personnel in both land maritime operations.The wearable, multi-modal system will use a compact aerosol detector/sampler and a high sensitivity chemical detector based on microchemical detection using a micro-preconcentrator, micro-gas chromatograph and a miniaturized ion mobility spectrometer detector to achieve high sensitivity and high selectivity to chemical threat agents.The system will have both local alarms (audible, visual, and vibratory) for the user and wireless connectivity options for smart watch display and automated, real-time communications of data to command hubs.Aerosolized threats will be detected by the aerosol detection module/collector and analyzedby the analysis module which can be worn on a vest or belt.The system will be fully automated and require no action from the user other than turning it on and wear it.The form factor will be less than 500 cc, weigh less than 0.5 kg and will operate for over eight hours on single battery charge.The analysis module will rapidly identify chemical threats below IDLH levels and warn users. Our work will focus on detection of the full range of chemical threat classes including, low volatility chemical warfare agents, pharmaceutical based agents including fentanyl and synthetic opioids, and non-traditional agents such as A-series agents A-230, A-232, and A-234.