The VeroTect Bio-detector

The VeroTect Bio-detection System is unique, it is the only commercially available real-time biodetector that measures the shape of an airborne particle in real time, as well as its size and total particle concentration, together with the fluorescence response of the sample aerosol.

This ability to characterise the aerosol by measuring a number of different properties is then enhanced by VeroWarn, a suite of powerful detection algorithms which interpret the data to provide effective discrimination between threats and non-threats.

KEY FEATURES

• No consumables
• Low maintenance
• Rapid deployment
• Low false alarm rate due to:
  - Multi parameter aerosol characterisation (size, shape, fluorescence)
  - Sophisticated detection algorithms, VeroWarn.

The VeroTect bio-detector is a state of the art generic BWA (Biological Warfare Agent) detector operating in real time with a very low cost of ownership. Military and civil defence applications include:

• Standalone point detection
• Networked detection - integration of multiple sensors into an early warning system (such as the UK MoD's ISMS - Integrated Sensor Management System)
• CBRN detection suite - used as the biological detection component of a vehicle or platform mounted Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear detection suite.

The ability to capture the data from the aerosol sample in isolation is of limited use without the ability to interpret the captured data and to determine analytically the potential presence or otherwise of a threat agent. This is the role of the associated detection software or algorithms. Effective detection software is just as important as the measuring sensor itself and VeroWarn provides this capability.

The VeroWarn bio-detection software provided with the sensor is based around a common algorithm core offering a range of operator interfaces from a simple yes/no indication to a sophisticated analysis package for research use. The software can be supplied integrated with the sensor, or for greater flexibility as an application on a host platform. For more information on the VeroWarn detection software please see the Accessories tab.

The choice of operator interface and operational sensitivity settings are complex issues that require a detailed understanding of the customer’s requirements and operational needs. Biral always seeks to work closely with the customer to ensure the delivered equipment provides the best possible detection performance in the customer’s environment.

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Principle of Operation

The VeroTect bio-detector combines the proven ASAS technology of Aerosol Size And Shape characterisation with novel technology for generic characterisation by particle fluorescence using 280 nm excitation.

This combination of light induced fluorescence, together with particle size and shape information, allows VeroTect to characterise the aerosol to an extent that is not currently achievable by any other real time sensor. The result is a high level of discrimination between threat and interferents and a correspondingly low level of false alarms, thus increasing end user confidence.

Based on modular design principles the VeroTect bio-detector is compact, easily deployable and low maintenance, requiring no operational consumables. The low voltage DC powered, VeroTect contains an embedded computer that provides data processing and instrument control. External communications to control computers are via high-speed serial link.

ASAS sensors have been successfully deployed in the UK Armed Forces PBDS biodetection systems for several years and are now a key element in the upgraded IBDS system. VeroTect is the selected biodetector for the UK MoD’s Integrated Sensor Management System (ISMS) and has been supplied to or is under evaluation by a number of government organisations world-wide.

SPECIFICATIONS of the VeroTect bio-detector
Dimensions in service: Dimensions in storage:	H 960 mm x W 460 mm x D 496 mm H 695 mm x W 700 mm x D 700 mm
Mass:	40 kg (excluding inlet assembly) 42  kg (including inlet assembly)
Power:	18-36 VDC, 300 W max, 200 W nominal
Total instrument  flow rate:	33 litres per minute through x10 concentrator
Sample flow rate	1.0 litre per minute (± 10%)
Connectivity Power: Data:	Single Mil Spec Connector Single Mil Spec Connector
Deployment	Deployable within 5 -  10 minutes
External interfaces:	Communications via RS422 serial link
SINGLE PARTICLE
Particle size range	0.5 to 15 microns
Size resolution	0.5 microns
Asymmetry factor range:	0 – 100
Max. particle throughput	20,000 particles per second (º 1,250 p/cc)
FLUORESCENCE:
Excitation wavelength	280 nm
Fluorescence channel 1	330 nm - 650 nm
Fluorescence channel 2	420 nm - 650 nm
Flow rate	2 litres per minute
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Temperature range (standard model):  Operation	-33 oC to +40 oC
Temperature range (extended temperature  model): Operation	-33 oC to +55 oC
Temperature range : Storage	-33 oC to +70 oC
Humidity range:	0 - 95% RH
Shock and vibration:	to DEF STAN 00-35 Part 3 Ch 2
EMC:	to EN 61000-6-3:2001 and EN 61000-6-1:2001

Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. E.&O.E

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Contact Biral for more information

To find out more about this instrument or to discuss your application requirements please do not hesitate to contact Biral.

• wwwparticle@biral.com (or click the Make Request button below the product photograph)
• telephone to 01275 847787 (from the UK) or +44 1275 847787 (International)

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After Sales Support

Biral offers free advice and technical support for the lifetime of the instruments we sell. Once you have purchased the unit you can contact us for help:

• wwwaerosolsupport@biral.com
• telephone to 01275 847787 (from the UK) or +44 1275 847787 (International)

Product Information

• VeroTect brochure version rev0410.pdf

Scientific Papers and Articles

• SPIE poster.pdf
• NBC article.pdf
• NBC abstract.pdf
• Using Light to Detect.pdf
• Shedding light on biodetection.pdf
• Microbiological aerosols.pdf