ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 10

The Use of Activated Charcoal Strips for Fire Debris Extractions by Passive Diffusion. Part 1: The Effects of Time, Temperature, Strip Size, and Sample Concentration
Lothridge, K
Forensic Chemist and Forensic Laboratory Director, Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory, FL

Newman, RT
Forensic Chemist and Forensic Laboratory Director, Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory, FL

Dietz, WR
Chief Forensic Section, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, San Francisco Laboratory Center, CA

(Received 30 January 1995; accepted 28 September 1995)

Abstract

The introduction of commercially produced activated charcoal strips into fire, debris analysis has provided an easy, efficient and cost effective method for accelerant extraction. Several parameters associated with passive diffusion extraction of fire debris using activated charcoal require consideration in order to obtain a truly representative sample of the accelerant. This study investigated the effects of time, temperature, charcoal strip size and sample concentration on the adsorption of common accelerants. Notable displacement of specific volatile components, similar to the break-through noted in dynamic systems, occurred under certain extreme conditions. An analysis protocol was developed to minimize these effects.

Keywords:
forensic science, criminalistics, fire investigation, arson, fire debris, arson accelerant, activated charcoal, adsorption, gas chromatography

Paper ID: JFS13922J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13922J
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