European Hazmat Teams Implement HAPSITE® CDT

When there is a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) threat, every second matters in response time. Hazmat teams need to arrive at the scene quickly, identify the threat accurately, and make decisions confidently. Often, they are working with limited information and under the pressure of a ticking clock. 

Having the right tools is crucial for reconnaissance and confirmation. In 2024, a European defense agency was looking to upgrade their hazmat and border patrol kits. Knowing gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is the highest standard in detection technology, the agency considered HAPSITE^® CDT from INFICON. The portable field-ready chemical detection and identification system delivers lab-quality results in minutes, right on scene. 

Prior to implementation, the agency first evaluated the system’s usability by conducting both air and liquid analyses utilizing two unique features of HAPSITE CDT: the remote sample collector and injection port. The handheld remote sample collector weighs only 1.5 kg (3.3 lb.), making it easy to handle for responders wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). The air sampling cartridge can be reused. The injection port is used to analyze both liquids and solids. Once samples are collected, accessories can be easily docked onto the system for immediate analysis that completes in minutes. 

Because response teams don’t know what they’re dealing with when they enter a scene, their standard procedure is to enter wearing PPE. However, hazmat suits, gloves, and goggles can present some challenges to handling equipment if it’s too bulky, buttons are too small, or screens aren’t easily readable. In the race against time to identify a chemical threat, teams must have tools that are useable while wearing PPE. HAPSITE CDT has a user-friendly interface, including extra-large navigation buttons that accommodate gloved fingers and on-screen alerts when danger is present. 

HAPSITE CDT offers an expanded chemical identification range and increased sensitivity for volatile compounds, which drives customers to adopt this new instrument. 

“We tested a wide range of compounds. Compared to older systems, we witnessed extended low-volatility range and sharper low-volatility peaks, along with high match factors with AMDIS deconvolution. In addition, we developed an easy-to-use operational approach tailored to first responder needs,” said an agency representative.  

These sample tests were conducted both in a lab and in the field. They confirmed that HAPSITE CDT provides portable, lab-quality analysis in the field, and HAPSITE CDT has been deployed with several of the country’s hazmat and border patrol teams. During an incident, field results are sent online to a reach-back function for detailed spectral interpretation based on match factors and retention indices. 

“There is no margin for error when response teams are called to an incident to investigate and make what can be a life-saving call. When you’re considering a new hazmat instrument, it’s critical to field test and evaluate the instrument under adverse conditions,” said Tim Crofton, Security Marketing Manager, INFICON Intelligent Sensor Solutions. “We built HAPSITE CDT to address first responders’ specific needs, and we are proud that the agency selected our system and has deployed it across many of their teams for a variety of applications.”