Smiths Detection has unveiled a next-generation chemical threat detector that combines high speed, high-resolution gas chromatography (GC) and a miniaturized toroidal ion trap mass spectrometer (MS) in a portable device.

The revolutionary GUARDION™, which greatly enhances military and emergency response capabilities in the field, can confirm the presence and identity of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals in gases, vapors, liquids and solids.

Mal Maginnis, President of Smiths Detection, said: “GUARDION’s combination of trusted GC/MS technology and ground-breaking portability makes it the go-to solution when rapid chemical identification is needed to save lives and limit exposure impact. It also greatly expands our portfolio of CBRNE detection technologies, allowing armed forces and emergency responders to turn situational awareness into situational certainty.”

As part of Smiths Detection’s commitment to developing the new system, the company partnered with Torion Technologies (American Fork, UT) to miniaturize, ruggedize and optimize the GC/MS technology and specialized software that makes GUARDION so easy to use. A newly established GC/MS Center of Excellence at Smiths Detection’s Danbury, CT, facility includes an integrated team of engineers, researchers, manufacturing and product managers who contributed to the innovation behind GUARDION and the continuous advancement of GC/MS portable technology.

Danbury is where many of Smiths Detection’s specialized systems are developed to serve military and emergency responders. The GC/MS center helps the company leverage its market and technology expertise to help customers both fill critical mission gaps and maximize ways GUARDION can be used alongside currently fielded technologies.