The Volataliser was a type of explosive equipment. The Xanthoids used them for mining operations, while used one to try to kill the Third Doctor. The Volataliser was a tube-like canister, not especially large in size. Despite this, a Volataliser could destroy an area up to a mile in circumference. The Master set up a canister in the control cabin of the Beacon Hill Research Establishment and tied it to the door, so that if anyone tried to open the door it would fall to the ground and destroy the building. The Doctor was able to act quickly enough to catch it before it blew up. (TV: Terror of the Autons, PROSE: Doctor Who and the Terror of the Autons)