Paint Can Mantles for Arson Detection: Pint, Quart or Gallon Sizes

These arson-detection mantles are specified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF Standard Methods for Detection of Petroleum-Based Accelerants in Fire Debris, paragraphs 3.4, 3.5, and 5.1) for use in arson investigations and fit the three sizes of paint cans in which evidence is most often collected. The recommended procedure heats fire debris to vaporize suspected accelerants, which, if present, are collected in a charcoal tube for analysis.

According to the Arson Resource Directory of the U.S. Fire Administration (p. 91), " Even though fire may destroy 99 percent of incendiary evidence, properly equipped and staffed laboratories can often determine the type of accelerant, incendiary device, or explosives used by analyzing the most minute particles of submitted evidence."

Glas-Col provides three sizes of mantles to accommodate the three sizes of cans. ATF (paragraph 3.4): " To minimize need for evidence repackaging, suggest buying two or more different sizes to fit paint cans most often received." These mantles are also useful for work done in metal cans with resins and adhesives.

These units must be operated with a power controller (SOLD SEPARATELY). Maximum operating temperature: 400 °C (752 °F). The recommended control for these units is the PowrTrol™ (item # 20000).