A high altitude, air sampling technique using an unmanned 'drone' aircraft has been developed to test the concentration and dispersal of air particles from major fires or chemical incidents.

The Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) developed the micro-drone, originally designed as a low-cost means of taking aerial photos, fitting it with bespoke sampling equipment. "This could significantly improve incident response times, while also being more cost-effective than other air sampling methods," said Duncan Rimmer, head of HSL's Analytical Sciences unit. "From the Laboratory's point of view, it will allow us to safely collect samples from difficult to reach areas.  By combining sampling data alongside the drone's imaging capability, it will help to recreate a virtual ‘scene' back in the lab."

The micro-drone has a range of 500m and can fly at a height of up to 400ft.

HSL has signed a deal licensing the new technology to MW Power for sale commercially, with HSL providing bespoke training or consultancy services for customers.