Detecting Metallic Primary Explosives with a Portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry XRF analysis is a practical means of performing in-situ screening to establish the presence of high concentrations 0.1 or 1000 ppm of lead Pb andor mercury Hg. These two metals are of special military interest because they are constituents in three primary explosives lead azide PbN32, lead styphnate C6HO6N3Pb, and mercury fulminate HgCNO2. The success of in-situ XRF analysis to perform this task depends on instrumental sensitivity, selectivity, effective sample volume, transportability, and user friendliness. Laboratory experiments established that the MAP-3 XRF spectrum analyzer SCITEC Corporation is well-suited for this application. This instrument is self-contained, portable, and equipped with a Co-57 source that allows for a simultaneous analysis of both the K and L energy lines of Pb and Hg, among other metals. Laboratory experiments established that high concentrations of Pb and Hg could be detected in an active sample area of cylindrical shape, approximately 1.0 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm in depth.