Expert System for Bomb Factory Detection by Networks of Advance Sensors

Abstract

(1) Background: Police forces and security administrations are nowadays considering Improvised explosives (IEs) as a major threat. The chemical substances used to prepare IEs are called precursors, and their presence could allow police forces to locate a bomb factory where the on-going manufacturing of IEs is carried out. (2) Methods: An expert system was developed and tested in handling signals from a network of sensors, allowing an early warning. The expert system allows the detection of one precursor based on the signal provided by a single sensor, the detection of one precursor based on the signal provided by more than one sensor, and the production of a global alarm level based on data fusion from all the sensors of the network. (3) Results: The expert system was tested in the Italian Air Force base of Pratica di Mare (Italy) and in the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) in Grindsjön (Sweden). (4) Conclusion: The performance of the expert system was successfully evaluated under relevant environmental conditions. The approach used in the development of the expert system allows maximum flexibility in terms of integration of the response provided by any sensor, allowing to easily include in the network all possible new sensors.

Recent Developments in the Field of Explosive Trace Detection

“…[36][37][38] The multi-sensor system consists of several optical techniques including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS), electrochemical (EC) sensing, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR)/differential absorption LIDAR detection system (DIAL) sensor. 39 The COSMIC project, due to be completed in 2021, aims to develop new screening technologies for the detection of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) materials concealed in shipping containers. 40 The NATOfunded STANDEX (STANdoff Detection of EXplosives) program is another example of an integrated early-warning system, for deployment in mass transit infrastructure locations.…”

“…EMPHASIS (Explosive Material Production (Hidden) Agile Search and Intelligence System), BONAS (BOmb factory detection by Networks of Advanced Sensors), and LOTUS (Localization of Threat Substances in Urban Society) are complementary EU-funded projects involving partnerships between government, academia, and industry, with the aim of developing systems for identifying bomb-making facilities. With focus on using stand-off detection technologies to identify peroxide explosive precursors, the approach involves developing sensors (LOTUS) which can be wirelessly networked (BONAS) and embedded within urban infrastructure to carry out real-time monitoring (EMPHASIS). − The multisensor system consists of several optical techniques including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS), electrochemical (EC) sensing, and a light detection and ranging (LIDAR)/differential absorption LIDAR detection system (DIAL) sensor . The COSMIC project, due to be completed in 2021, aims to develop new screening technologies for the detection of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) materials concealed in shipping containers .…”

Sanitary Systems: Challenges for Innovation

“…Narcotics and narcotics residue in sewage might be measured to get an indicator of drug use in cities [99]. In the near future, sensor systems might even enable law enforcement agencies to detect the precursors of improvised bombs in the sewage system, which might allow these agencies to dismantle bomb laboratories [100].…”

Electrochemical Sensor for Explosives Precursors’ Detection in Water

“…• A multichannel potentiostat ( Figure 2A) connected through GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) to the central control system (using TEKEVER communication tool box [22]). …”

“…A multichannel potentiostat (Figure 2a) connected through GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) to the central control system (using TEKEVER communication tool box [22]).  A wetting system fitting the sewage system and in which the eight-electrode array is inserted (Figure 2b).…”