Pune DRDO lab HEMRL, IISc Bangalore builds new explosive detector

Pune, March 1, 2020 : High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune based DRDO laboratory is celebrating Diamond Jubilee on 1st March 2020. On this occasion, 2nd National Workshop on Explosive Detection (NWED-2020) is organized at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Golden Jubilee Auditorium, Pashan, Pune.

The National Workshop on Explosives Detection (NWED-2020) is inaugurated by Dr Satheesh Reddy, Secretary DD R&D and Chairman DRDO. The workshop provides a platform to scientists, technocrats and Users to share knowledge, experience and technological advancements made in the recent past. 250 delegates from different DRDO labs, Army, CRPF, CISF, BDDS, Police, Academic Institutes, Industry and other Security agencies are attending the workshop.

During the workshop, a new explosive detection device named as Raider-X, developed jointly by HEMRL, Pune and IISc Bangalore was launched. Raider –X is a Rapid Identification Detector, used to identify a wide range of explosives. The device is capable of detecting concealed explosives using Raman Spectroscopy based technique UMARS (Universal Multiple Angle Raman Spectroscopy) from a stand-off distance. The data library can be built in the system to expand its capability to detect a number of explosives in pure form as well as with the contaminants.

During inaugural address, Dr Satheesh Reddy, stated that with increasing terrorist activities, detection of explosives became a compelling need of the hour. Security agencies are continuously suffering from naxal attacks in various parts of our country. To effectively thwart the attempts of these anti-social elements, Academia, DRDO and other scientific institutes must focus on explosive detection in both bulk and trace forms. He expressed happiness that the pursuit of IISc, Bangalore and HEMRL had resulted in developing portable device Raider-X.

Shri P.K. Mehta, Distinguished Scientist & Director General (ACE) emphasized that now concerted efforts have to be made for development of devices for detection of concealed explosives. He added that lot of research work on different types of sensors, is going on in academia and these ideas are to be converted into devices with the help of DRDO to extensively evaluate and come out with a meaning full devices for future.

Shri K.P.S. Murthy, Outstanding Scientist & Director HEMRL, mentioned that HEMRL is pursuing the research on various explosive detection concepts in association with academia. HEMRL is also holding hands of all the indigenous developments in this area by extending help in evaluation. Further he stated that there is a need to come out with standard protocols for evaluation of various detectors. He informed that earlier, HEMRL has developed an Explosive Detection Kit (EDK) based on colorimetry and is being used extensively by various security & investigative agencies in India. He mentioned that the ToT of Explosive Detection Kit (EDK) was given to USA. An advanced version of explosive detection kit christened as “OPX-Revilator” was developed by HEMRL, was launched in 1st National Workshop on Explosive Detection – NWED 2018. The device can detect more than 25 explosives in bulk or trace or in contaminated conditions. The device has undergone extensive laboratory and field trials successfully and will be made available to all security agencies.

Dr Umapathy, Director IISER, Bhopal in his keynote address mentioned that serious research on explosive detection technologies in academia was started only a decade ago in India and is fast expanding. He has stressed that no single technology would suffice to detect all types of explosives. Hence scientists should think of amalgamation of two or three technologies and come out with devices to provide a comprehensive solution.

Shri Jayant Naiknavre, DIG, ATS, Mumbai in his address highlighted the need of indigenous development of versatile explosive detection devices and highlighted the need for explosive detectors to be made available to the security agencies for countering the threats faced by the forces. They have enlightened the audience on the difficulties faced by paramilitary personnel during explosive detection in Maoist areas.

Scientists from renowned Institutes / Universities will present and share the research work on detection of explosives during this workshop on 2nd March 2020 to evolve the road map for futuristic development of detection technologies.

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