Development of a Chemical Sense Aerosol Testing Capability

Will Sellors, GEORGE SPENCE, Sarah Marchant, Peter Jones, Dstl, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ, UK

     Abstract Number: 675
     Working Group: Aerosol Chemistry

Abstract
Dstl supplies specialist services to MOD and wider government, working collaboratively with external partners in industry and academia worldwide to provide expert research and support. Within Dstl, Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Sciences Division aims to deliver integrated research, development and advice on all aspects of counter-CBR Defence and Security. The Chemical Sensing Team specialises in the development of sensors to detect, identify and monitor chemical threats.

Next generation chemical sensors are required to detect airborne hazards in the aerosol phase. A bespoke facility for safe and controlled generation of aerosols of toxic chemicals has been developed to support the test and evaluation (T&E) of new prototype chemical sensors.

Utilising low hazard materials in a model system, technical innovations have been implemented to progressively improve the stability and reduce the temporal variability of aerosol challenges generated. Commercial automation software has been used to provide control and data acquisition of individual system components through a consolidated Human Machine Interface (HMI) for the system.

The system has been characterised to deliver wide range of control over the concentration of toxic material delivered to systems under test (SUTs). Integrated bespoke and Commercial Of The Shelf (COTS) components have been implemented to provide humidity control, environmental conditioning of SUTs, and rapid switching between aerosol challenges and clean air. This comprehensive T&E capability will allow future chemical sensors to be assessed under situationally relevant conditions.

Crown copyright (2023), Dstl. This material is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence.