4226044 (Rev. C) © 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc.
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FLIR Fido® X4 Operations Manual
Figure 3-3: Fido X4 (back and right side)
3.4 Primary Hardware Components
3.4.1  Thermal desorption module (TD)
The primary function of the thermal desorption module, or thermal desorber (TD), is to pro-
cess trace particulate samples by heating a sample swipe, which vaporizes particulate mater-
ial that was collected. When a sample swipe is inserted into the TD, the desorber 
automatically senses swipe insertion and mechanically positions the effective area of the 
swipe in close proximity to the detector inlet (3.4.2).Sample vapor is then drawn into the 
detector, where detection events can occur.
3.4.2  Detector inlet
The primary function of the detector inlet is to efficiently draw sample vapor into the system 
and across the sensor array.The detector inlet material is silica-treated stainless steel, which 
provides efficient heating and sample transport into the detector.