Sherlock X™ Site Preparation for Fire Debris Analysis

Importance of the Topic

This document outlines the essential site preparation requirements for fire debris analysis using the Sherlock X™ system in combination with Agilent GC–MS instrumentation. Proper setup and calibration are critical to ensure reliable detection of ignitable liquid residues in forensic fire investigations. Following standardized installation procedures enhances data integrity, method reproducibility, and laboratory safety.

Objectives and Overview

The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive checklist of hardware, software, gas supply, reagents, and power specifications necessary for successful installation and operation of the Sherlock X™ system and Agilent ChemStation–controlled GC–MS instruments. This guide serves as a reference for laboratory managers and technicians during site planning and commissioning.

Methodology

The document adopts a descriptive approach, listing customer responsibilities and specifying system requirements. Key elements include:

• PC hardware and operating system compatibility
• Software prerequisites and user privileges
• Gas purity and supply lines for carrier gas
• Required calibrants and consumables for fire debris analysis
• Electrical power and environmental considerations

Instrumentation Used

The following instruments and software versions are specified:

• Agilent 7820 or 7890 gas chromatograph with 5977 MSD detector
• Agilent ChemStation Data Analysis D.01 or higher
• GC–MS columns: HP-5ms, Agilent #19091S-433I
• Spectral libraries: Wiley or NIST
• PC running Windows 7 Professional SP1 with administrator rights

Main Findings and Discussion

The site preparation guidelines highlight several critical factors:

• Minimum PC specifications: Pentium ≥1.0 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 30 GB free disk space
• Software: Windows 7 Professional SP1; ChemStation D.01+
• Gas supply: Helium 99.999% purity
• Reagents: NIST SRM #2285 or ASTM E1618‐PAK standards; activated charcoal; carbon disulfide
• Power: Dedicated circuits (10–20 Amp) matching regional voltage

Adherence to these requirements minimizes installation delays and ensures the system meets forensic analysis standards.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Having a well-prepared site accelerates system commissioning and operator training. It reduces downtime, enhances data quality for ignitable liquid detection, and supports compliance with ASTM E1412 and E1618 forensic standards. Laboratories gain confidence in trace-level analysis and spectral library matching.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements may include automated system health monitoring, cloud-based data management, and integration of machine learning for pattern recognition in fire debris spectra. Portable GC–MS platforms and remote diagnostics could expand on-site forensic capabilities.

Conclusion

Thorough site preparation is foundational to reliable fire debris analysis. By following the detailed hardware, software, gas, reagent, and power specifications, laboratories can achieve consistent performance and maintain accreditation standards. This guide serves as a blueprint for successful Sherlock X™ system installations.

References

1. MIDI, Inc. Sherlock X™ Site Preparation for Fire Debris Analysis, Date: 18 April 2016.
2. ASTM E1412 Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Fire Debris by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry.
3. ASTM E1618 Practice for Ignitable Liquid Classification by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry.
4. NIST SRM #2285 Ignitable Liquids Standard Reference Material.
5. Agilent Technologies ChemStation Data Analysis D.01 documentation.