State-of-the-art radiation detection technology developed by Passport Systems Inc. will provide effective and efficient cargo scanning around the globe and will help protect property and populations from nuclear terrorists and CBRNe threats.
“We are excited that our technology can vastly enhance the scanning of cargo arriving at ports and other transportation hubs around the world,” said Paul Hurd, Passport’s Product Manager, who is showcasing the technology, as well as other Passport Systems products, at Milipol Qatar in Doha (31 October 31 to 02 November ).
“The Milipol Qatar show is a rare opportunity to talk with international security authorities, port security directors from around the world, foreign governments and global private sector interests about how Passport Systems’ innovative radiation detection technology can improve security,” said Mr. Hurd, who added that he and his team at Milipol Qatar will be available for media interviews.
Passport Systems Inc., which is based in N. Billerica, Massachusetts in the USA, is producing its SmartScan 3D™ cargo scanner and the SmartShield™ Networked Radiation Detection System, a first of its kind networked, handheld radiation detection system. Both products represent significant advancements in their respective fields.
Many ports today utilize a limited X-ray scanning process that requires dense or thick objects, which could hide radioactive threats or contraband, to be inspected by hand, slowing the shipping process and putting inspectors in dangerous situations.
By contrast, SmartScan 3D doesn’t require that containers be opened. Trucks with cargo are conveyed through a tunnel. The cargo is inspected using high-resolution x-rays and other passive radiation detection methods with proprietary technologies. Three-dimensional images based on the effective atomic number and density are generated as the system measures photon signals to determine anomalies, such as explosives or radioactive material. A three-dimensional scan of the cargo is provided, and alerts flag suspicious cargo. The non-intrusive scanning also detect explosives and contraband such as drugs, tobacco, and firearms – a growing concern among security professionals and lawmakers.
In the US, the SmartShield technology has been used to beef up security at the NCAA Final Four Basketball Tournament in Houston, at the Boston Marathon, and other crowd gathering events, such as NASCAR races in New Hampshire. Internationally, it has market for use at celebrations, soccer matches, concerts, as well as airports, and ports.
The SmartShield system is comprised of small gamma-radiation detectors that collect radiation data and transmit the information wirelessly through smartphones, forming a network that allows security forces to simultaneously respond to any threats. While on routine patrols, security and law enforcement officers collect background radiation data. When gamma radiation is detected, an alert and GPS coordinates are sent throughout the network, to a central command station, and to responding law enforcement personnel.
“We believe our technology is the best available at a time when the global threat against terrorists is growing,” said Mr. Hurd. “Technology is an important counter balance to the growing sophistication of terrorist groups seeking to do harm. Our challenge is to get this technology deployed to the authorities tasked with protecting the public.”
