Smiths Detection has introduced upgraded versions of several of its portable chemical and biological detection products, including improved sensitivity, lower false alarm rates, improved classification and more. The SmartBio Sensor, which has military and public safety applications, can be used for perimeter monitoring in indoor and outdoor environments to detect the presence of airborne biological microbes and bio-toxins. The new version of SmartBio Sensor features improved sensitivity and a lower false alarm rate, a combination that was achieved through the use of a larger pump to draw in more air for sampling and improved software algorithms, Tim Picciotti, vide president for Smiths Detection, tells TR2. The bio-sensor also features enhanced power consumption to increase battery life, he says. The system classifies but doesn’t identify microbes that are present. The SmartBio Sensor has been field tested with a major metropolitan police department in the U.S. with the goal being to be part of its protection plan, Smiths says. The LCD-NEXUS chemical detector is an extension of the company’s LCD product line that is based on technology developed for the Defense Department’s Joint Chemical Agent Detector program. NEXUS also features improved sensitivity and a lower false alarm rate based on a dual-doping system that enables air samples to be cross checked in parallel, Picciotti says. NEXUS provides chemical class, type, concentration and dosage as well as chemical warfare agent detection. It can be used in perimeter applications and be mounted on moving platforms such as ships. Smiths is also launching HazMatID 360, a new version of the portable and rugged HazMatID chemical identification system that does in-field analysis of unknown solids, liquids and gels for first responders and military users. New features include improved mixture algorithms, larger substance libraries, chemical hazard classification for not-in-library substances, and improved communications and information management support. The system is capable of identifying more than 32,000 substances in less than a minute. Finally, the company has introduced a new software system, HGVI LINX, which helps emergency responders in a command and control center view and assess real- time chemical sensor data from deployed Handheld Gas & Vapor Identifier (HGVI) units. Picciotti says the software is a “milestone” for the company in that it is another step toward an integrated system solution.