Design of an Innovative Accelerant Detector

Today, canines are still used effectively in acceleration detection situation. However, this method is becoming impractical in modern age and a new automated replacement to the canine is required. This paper reports the design of an innovative accelerant detector. Designing an accelerant detector is a long process as is any design process; therefore, a solution to the need for a mobile, effective accelerant detector is hereby presented. The device is simple and efficient to ensure that any accelerant detection can be conducted quickly and easily. The design utilizes Ultra Violet (UV) light to detect the accelerant. When the UV light shines on an accelerant, the hydrocarbons in the accelerant emit florescence. The advantages of using the UV light to detect accelerant are also outlined in this paper. The mobility of the device is achieved by using a Direct Current (DC) motor to run tank tracks. Tank tracks were chosen as to ensure that the device will be mobile in the rough terrain of a fire site. The materials selected for the various parts are also presented. A Solid Works Simulation was also conducted on the stresses in the shafts and the results are presented. This design is an innovative solution which offers a user friendly interface. The design is also environmentally friendly, ecologically sound and safe to use.

• Esther T. Akinlabi
• Milan Isvarial
• Stephen A. Akinlabi

• Accelerant detector
• Canines
• Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
• Ultra Violet light.

[1] Science Resources (2009) science-resources.co.uk. (Available Online).
http://www.scienceresources.
co.uk/KS3/Chemistry/Chemical_Reactions/Hydrocarbons/Distillation.htm
[2] E Du Pasquier and P. M. L. Sandercock. "Chemical fingerprinting of
unevaporated automotive gasoline samples". Journal of Forensic Science
International, 2003; 134: p. 1-10.
[3] L. Yizhar, B. Gil, A. Ophir, G. Allen, T. Joseph and G. Irit. "A simple
system for the remote detection and analysis of sniffing in explosives
detection dogs" Journal of Behavior Research Methods, Instruments & Computers. 2003; 1(35): p. 82-89.
[4] G. Schaffer. (2009) Outside K9. (Available Online).
http://outsidek9.com/tag/canine-accelerant-detection-association/
[5] T. Shigeki and S. Naoki. "Fluorescence imaging of petroleum
accelerants by time-resolved spectroscopy with a pulsed Nd-YAG laser".
Journal of Forensic Science International. 2006; 163; p. 38-50.
[6] T. Atwell, D. Michael, R. Cole and J. McCurdy. "The use of vapour
phase ultra-violet spectroscopy for the analysis of arson accelerants in
fire scene debris". Journal of Forensic Science International, 2001, 123;
p. 191-201.
[7] Ultra Violet Products (UVP). (1997) Ultra Violet Products web site.
(Available Online). http://www.uvp.com/pdf/ab-107.pdf
[8] Labino. (2007) Crime - UV and Fire Investigations. (Available Online).
http://www.labino.com/pdf/Crime%20-
%20UV%20and%20fire%20investigation.pdf.
[9] E. Wagner. (2010) TC Forensic. (Available online).
http://www.tcforensic.com.au/docs/uts/essay2.pdf
[10] C. Vargas. (2006) UV-Curable Interlayers for Glass Lamination. (Available Online). The Design of an Accelerant Detector.
http://d67576.u25.creativedg.com/Industry/pdf_articles/uvglasslammayjun06.pdf