More Than an FTIR Chemical Analyzer

During the development of ThreatID, we remained committed to learning about how our customers respond to critical incidents involving unidentified chemicals. Depending on the tools available, hazmat responders may synergistically use a range of technology from very basic paper indicator tests to advanced scientific equipment like FTIR, Raman, and GCMS analyzers. Though ThreatID is primarily an FTIR chemical analyzer, it also functions as a platform for gathering and sending information. Using the on-board quad-core 64bit processor with 4GB of Ram and Android OS, first responders can access the internet, email clients, and use various onboard/wireless chemical databases for important information without going through multiple platforms.

A major goal in any emergency response is to mitigate damage and injuries. After a chemical spill, professionals rely on their training and information collected at the scene to respond appropriately. A crucial part of the required information comes from vast chemical informational databases like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) pocket guide, or the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER). These databases are indispensable sources of chemical information such as explosion/fire hazards, chemical incompatibilities, required protective equipment, and so on.

“Feedback from the emergency responders with whom we spoke always included access to important chemical information and getting that information quickly. We developed the ThreatID app to allow users to access a range of databases with the push of a button.”

– Mark Stoltze (Managing Partner, Software Engineer)

When accessing chemical databases, personnel cannot always rely on having internet access and therefore we include two onboard chemical information resources. The NIOSH pocket guide is available as a searchable PDF directly from within the app. Additionally, we built and continue to update a RedWave common chemical database, which is information-rich and easily accessible for any compound identified in a library match.

With internet access, all chemical databases are accessible and many are preloaded in a drop-down menu available through the information tab. Once a library hit has been selected and the button pressed, the following links appear: Google, PubChem, NIOSH, and WISER. Once a database has been selected, the software automatically copies the library name or CAS number to be searched.

With our commitment to delivering an enhanced chemical analyzer, we are working to provide a platform that can archive information collected by various chemical testing methods and combine it in a single report. This data can be retrieved from a USB drive, through email, over Wi-Fi, or through an ethernet cable. Integrating various forms of collected information will enable ThreatID to function as a knowledge platform in emergency response and enable all-inclusive reporting.