Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) researchers have developed a new technology for detecting materials that can be used in transporting dangerous or illegal liquid and gels through checkpoints. PNNL's Container Screening Device (CSD) can be used across the full spectrum of screening stations by airport security screening specialists, customs and border patrol, law enforcement officers, and more.
The technology uses sound waves to measure specific acoustic properties, allowing the operator to detect, classify, and discriminate benign liquids from substances such as liquid explosives, and hazardous and flammable liquids at security checkpoints. In a three-month study, PNNL researchers successfully tested 181 liquid samples using a multi-property measurement method. Using advanced statistical data analysis algorithms, the CSD was able to discriminate threat versus non-threat liquids 99.86% of the time. With additional development of the technology, researchers believe that the CSD can be optimized to detect differences without fail.
Advantages
- Detects anomalies, contraband, and hidden compartments in liquid-filled containers and solid form commodities
- Rapidly and noninvasively sorts and classifies liquid types into groups of like and unlike
More info: Dave Greenslade, 509-375-6555, David.Greenslade@pnl.gov.
