Low Cost of Ownership:
Designed for Maximum Reliability
miniEXPLONIX® and EXPLONIX®
Unlike conventional Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs) based on IMS, DMS, FAIMS, or other technologies, the miniEXPLONIX ® and EXPLONIX ® use the proprietary IRSSIL (Infrared Sampled Selective Luminescence) technology developed by RS DYNAMICS ®.
Because the instruments are not spectrometers, they eliminate many costly consumables, maintenance procedures, and calibration requirements associated with traditional ETD technologies, resulting in an exceptionally low total cost of ownership.
Operational cost at a glance
measurements per detector cartridge
miniEXPLONIX ® start-up
EXPLONIX ® start-up
sealed cartridge shelf life
continuous operation with two-battery setup
Technology behind the low operating cost
The IRSSIL detection principle is simple and highly robust. Vapors collected from the inspected object are drawn into the instrument and exposed to extremely high temperatures, where explosive molecules undergo thermal decomposition. The resulting combustion products pass through a proprietary luminescent detector cartridge. If explosive compounds are present, the cartridge emits light, producing a rapid and reliable positive indication.
IRSSIL in four steps:
- Vapors are collected from the inspected object.
- The sample is exposed to very high internal temperature.
- Thermal decomposition products pass through the luminescent detector cartridge.
- Light emission produces the positive indication.
Not a spectrometer / IMS
The IRSSIL technology is not based on ion mobility spectrometry. The instruments do not require continuous circulation of clean, dry air, drying cartridges, dopants, or routine peak-position calibration.
Long-life, low-cost consumables
Each detector cartridge typically provides 6,000 – 10,000 measurements while maintaining a sealed shelf life of one year. Replacement cartridges are inexpensive and long-lasting, helping reduce operating expenses throughout the instrument lifetime.
The instruments use specially manufactured, clean, individually packaged, and carefully balanced paper sampling strips. If a strip remains visibly clean after inspection and the instrument reports a negative result, it can often be reused, further reducing consumable costs during routine screening.
Smart solutions save operator's money
The extremely high internal operating temperature also helps keep the detection system clean. Dust, moisture, dirt, and common interfering substances such as perfumes, cosmetics, fuels, and human perspiration are continuously burned away before they can contaminate the detection system.
This rapid self-cleaning principle minimizes servicing requirements, eliminates frequent cleaning procedures, and virtually removes the need for recalibration. The result is lower maintenance cost, less downtime, and strong resistance to contamination even in harsh field environments.
continuous clean, dry air circulation
drying cartridges or dopants
cleaning and recalibration requirements
Do not wait for your old-fashioned spectrometer to be ready
Traditional IMS-based ETDs often require extended warm-up periods to establish sufficiently dry internal conditions before reliable measurements can begin. In contrast, the miniEXPLONIX ® is ready for operation in approximately 15 seconds, while the EXPLONIX ® becomes fully operational in about one minute.
This rapid deployment allows security personnel to begin inspections almost immediately, saving valuable operational time.
24/7 operation without being tied to a wall plug
For continuous operation, both instruments can be equipped with a second rechargeable battery and an external battery charger. While one battery powers the instrument, the second can be charged simultaneously, enabling uninterrupted 24/7 operation without waiting for batteries to recharge.
This configuration is particularly valuable for airports, border crossings, military installations, and other high-throughput security operations.
The advanced verification kit
Daily performance verification is simple and economical. RS DYNAMICS® supplies a dedicated Test Sampling Pen containing a certified, safe micro-quantity of PETN explosive.
The operator draws a small red cross onto the sampling strip, inserts it into the instrument, and verifies proper instrument performance through a positive detection. The method is fast, safe, highly repeatable, and a single Test Sampling Pen lasts for a very large number of functional tests, making its operating cost negligible.
Remote diagnostics via Internet connection
Should service ever be required, RS DYNAMICS provides rapid remote diagnostics using proprietary PC software that enables engineers to quickly identify the source of a problem.
In the rare event of a hardware failure, the European Union service center is notified immediately, allowing replacement parts and repair procedures to be prepared even before the instrument arrives. This minimizes repair time and helps customers return to full operation as quickly as possible.
Field-proven reliability with exceptionally low operating costs
The miniEXPLONIX ® and EXPLONIX ® product family has been successfully deployed for many years by security organizations in numerous countries around the world. Rugged construction, contamination resistance, and a stable detection principle translate directly into lower maintenance costs, reduced downtime, and a longer service life.
The combination of proprietary IRSSIL technology, minimal maintenance requirements, inexpensive consumables, fast start-up, contamination resistance, and proven long-term reliability makes the miniEXPLONIX ® and EXPLONIX ® highly cost-effective Explosive Trace Detectors for demanding field operation.