Citation

Casamento S, Konza E, Du Pasquier E, Royds D. J. Can. Soc. Forensic Sci. 2005; 38(4): 191-203.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00085030.2005.10757591

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Confirmation of the presence of an ignitable liquid is currently not possible at a fire scene. Samples must be analysed in the laboratory to identify whether or not an ignitable liquid was present. The investigative process would be aided significantly if the presence of an ignitable liquid could be ascertained at the scene. This research investigates the use of a portable gas chromatograph, the zNose™, for the detection of ignitable liquids in fire debris samples. The zNose™, developed by Electronic Sensor Technology, utilises fast gas chromatography and surface acoustic wave technology. It was determined that this portable gas chromatograph was unsuitable as a confirmatory technique for ignitable liquid analysis at fire scenes.