Rapid Detection of Toxic Gases

Fund details

Comprehensive coverage of chemical hazards is preferred. Some toxic gases are of greater concern than others in rapid-release emergencies – for example, colourless or odourless gases which would not otherwise alert bystanders, compared to coloured or odoriferous gases that would generate sensory alarm.

In future, certain gases may be prioritised for particular focus. At this stage, DASA is exploring detectors with the widest possible range of chemical libraries and capabilities.

DASA is looking for novel ideas to benefit end-users working in UK Defence and Security. Your proposal should include evidence of:

How you plan to develop a TRL 4 sensor that:

• can detect more than one toxic gas
• an alarm within a maximum of 30 seconds to the breach of appropriate AEGL of toxic gas
• can operate unmonitored/with minimal human intervention or maintenance needed
• can operate in enclosed and semi-enclosed environments
• is tolerant to active spaces and various backgrounds – eg. foot traffic or vehicles
• is suitably sized for mounting in busy detection location (Size, weight and power)
• is low cost (Appreciation that any fully developed product would ideally be deployed in many and varied public locations)
• is capable of being networked/ to send detection signals externally

– theoretical development, method of advancement or proof of concept research which can demonstrate potential for translation to practical demonstration in later phases

– innovation or a creative approach

– clear demonstration of how the proposed work applies to any defence and security context