New chemical threat detector unveiled

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DANBURY, Conn., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- A small high-speed chemical threat detector for military and emergency response use has been introduced by Smiths Detection of Connecticut.

The detector is called Guardion. It is the size of a small carry-on suitcase and combines high-resolution gas chromatography and a miniaturized toroidal ion trap mass spectrometer to detect chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals in liquids, gases and vapors.

It is battery-operated, has a start-up time of only 5 minutes and can analyze 30 samples on a single battery charge.

"Guardion's combination of trusted GC/MS technology and ground-breaking portability makes it the go-to solution when rapid chemical identification is needed to save lives and limit exposure impact," said Smiths Detection President Mal Maginnis.

"It also greatly expands our portfolio of CBRNE detection technologies, allowing armed forces and emergency responders to turn situational awareness into situational certainty."

Smiths Detection said Guardion was developed in partnership with Torion Technologies of Utah.