The CWA-SIM Kit introduces a new generation of realistic chemical simulants for the nerve agents sarin (GB) and VX, and the blister agent sulphur mustard (HD). The simulants are specifically developed to simulate environmental behaviour of corresponding CWA in respect to the appearance (colur, viscosity, surface behaviour) and detection response with the three mainstream field detection technologies.
Chemical warfare agents are highly toxic chemicals, subject to strict national and international regulations guiding their production, storage, transfer and use. Only a handful of sites worldwide handle CWA, very few in open environment. How then can one achieve and test the understanding of training lectures related to the properties, response and detection behaviour of the CWA under typical field conditions? Realistic CWA simulants are the answer: these chemical mixtures are not only tailored to look like the real agents, they create the same response on the majority of detection technologies available, they are safe for the user and environment, and they are biodegradable.
The CWA-SIMs are conveniently delivered in 20 ml bottles, with the field transport box and two user-selectable applicator options. The special bottle closure dispenser allows the user to apply the simulants dropwise in equal drop volumes. The cap with brush allows precise application of the simulants over a surface or in hidden spaces.
The CWA-SIM Kit is the result of many years of “live agent” training experience, laboratory research, and field validation trials. Each SIM presents a mixture of chemicals having dedicated purposes such as:
– Detection trigger – active components causing the response on selected chemical detection technologies, closely mimicking the authentic CWA in terms of the response type, response time and signal strength.
– Thinners and/or thickeners – the solvents that adjust the viscosity, the drop formation, or the general appearance of the SIM to look like the authentic CWA. More importantly, these components control the airborne concentration of the detection triggers creating more ‘realistic’ CWA simulations.
– Fluorescent tracer – an additive that emits visible light when irradiated by the UV lamp supplied. This enables fast safety distinction between the simulant and corresponding authentic CWA, as both produce the same response on the detection technologies. Fluorescent tracer also enables simulants use in training scenarios focused on cross-contamination and contamination control.
