TORnado

TORnado

– the integrated filter workstation for electrostatic detection (ESD) use. For many years, ESD has been considered a standard in document examination. During the evidence development process, ozone from the high voltage charging system and toner particulates are released into the air, especially when mixing glass beads and toner and spreading them over electrostatically charged developer film.

While this is still the optimal procedure for developing indented writing, local health and safety regulations have changed over the years. Many more extensive laboratories already use exhaust cabinets and fume hoods to comply with these new regulations. However, smaller labs and many private document examiners cannot access such systems. Attestor Forensics developed TORnado, the Toner Particulate and Ozone Reduction System, especially for these users.

The TORnado system operates independently from any external ventilation hookups, and the air recirculation system ensures that it does not negatively affect the surrounding air in the room.

The multi-stage filter system increases safety and reduces contamination concerns by removing harmful particulates from the air and your workspace.

Benchtop or Height-Adjustable Stand

TORnado is a benchtop system with a 77 x 77cm footprint. If users don’t wish to use it directly on a benchtop, we have a height adjustable stand option, allowing it to be used either standing or sitting as needed. This stand is designed with no cabinets to allow for legroom. It is possible to order a unit on a heavy-duty lab cart with extra shelving space.

Automatic Safety Features

TORnado has a microprocessor built into the unit. While users can control the system via the touch panel display, the system also has several features built in to help increase safety when using an ESD device.

If the lid of the TORnado is opened, a powerful fan is automatically activated at half speed, creating an air stream above the document bed of the ESD. Once the user switches on the ESD, the fan speed is automatically increased to maximum. The air is then filtered through a stainless steel mesh and a particulate filter Type F9, a combination filter specially designed to mix beads and toner used with ESD. An activated carbon fleece integrated into the filter cassette also reduces the ozone in the air stream.

TORnado runs a counter to monitor operating hours and informs the user when a filter change is due. If the maximum filter capacity is reached, TORnado automatically switches off the fan as well as the power supply of the ESD until a new filter is inserted to prevent the ESD from operating when it cannot effectively filter hazardous materials out of the system.

Multi-Stage Filter System

TORnado uses a combination of a stainless steel mesh filter and an F9 particulate filter to filter air, dust, and debris from the workspace to make it cleaner and safer. In addition, an activated carbon filter reduces harmful ozone. The system monitors the filter life and tells the user when it’s time to change the filter.

When it’s time for a filter change, the system shuts off to prevent unsafe use. As a result, filter changes are fast and easy. The user can do this in a few minutes without any tools.

Interior Features

The interior of the TORnado has a bed for an ESD device. The ESD is placed in the bed and connected to power. Power connections for the ESD device are right in the workspace, reducing the need for extra cables. The workspace also has spaces to hold ESD materials.

When material like toner beads runs off the ESD device, it flows down into a corner of the TORnado, which is collected in a small drawer. This can be pulled out so excess toner material can be easily removed without creating a mess and needing to move the ESD itself.

Several folding flaps enclose the workspace. These can be folded up and out of the way when the system is in use and can quickly be closed to store the system or take a break from processing evidence while ensuring that the evidence is not just left out in the open. Not only does this enclosure system help protect evidence while saving space, but it also helps keep your work area cleaner and safer.

Toner Bead Collection

When material like toner beads runs off the ESD device, it flows down into a corner of the TORnado, which is collected in a small drawer. This can be pulled out so excess toner material can be easily removed without creating a mess and needing to move the ESD itself.

Additional Options

TORnado is delivered as a fully functional workstation, including a cold white LED lighting system for brighter illumination. The system can be used on a benchtop or outfitted with a height-adjustable stand so the system can be used for standing or sitting. We offer a wheeled laboratory stand base with extra shelving as a third option.