CDEX’s SUITE OF HOMELAND SECURITY SCREENING SYSTEMS
www.cdex-inc.com
Applying our technologies, CDEX scientists and engineers are developing a comprehensive suite of systems for security applications, such as airport and building security screening. They include explosive screening systems for individuals and their hand carried items and packages, including luggage in an airport setting. CDEX’s screening systems using X-ray and UV based technologies identify explosives and other targeted substances (e.g., RDX, C4, Semtex, TATP, TNT, prescription drugs, cocaine) from close range and greater distances.
These Products rely on direct chemical detection rather than on calculation of densities. From our testing, the CDEX chemical detection products result in very few instances of false positives, even when screening common household objects such as chocolate, sausage, cheese, and mouthwash, that plague density calculating equipment. Furthermore, in addition to detection of a wide range of explosives, with some modifications the systems have the capability to detect metals such as iron, lead, and copper, as well as certain drugs. The systems allow for future expansion to identify a growing list of explosives and drugs.
Among the applications under development by CDEX with potential near term marketability are the Mobile Security Screening System (MS3), the Personal Security Screening System (PS3), and the Fixed Security Screening System (FS3). The MS3 employs a mobile platform for inspection of suspicious articles and/or unattended packages and bags using an X-ray source and detector to identify explosives, down to several ounces. MS3 was developed by CDEX at the suggestion of Bomb Squad and SWAT Team representatives of a large metropolitan police department after participating in an independent test of a related CDEX development product, the Explosive Mobile-1X (EM-1X).
The actual detection components are small in size and housed in a mobile package. The MS3 is a battery powered mobile unit that can be easily and quickly deployed to areas of concern. The MS3 has remote operation and indicators for operator safety, and can be operated in a “Slow Scan Mode” to pinpoint the location of an explosive within the article for safe, timely action. The MS3 requires little operator training and no interpretation of the output (such as that required in current baggage x-ray screening systems). The outputs are both visual colored lights and audible tones indicating the presence or absence of target substances.
Planned improvements to the MS3 include a more powerful and wider-angle energy source, additional detector capabilities and processing hardware, and an automatic scan capability. Such improvements are expected to enhance operator safety, while improving efficiency.
For screening of individuals, CDEX has developed the Personal Security Screening System (PS3) which could be converted to battery powered capability. The PS3 is designed for handheld scanning of people and their personal effects, using a wand connected via fiber optic cables to a UV source and detector, to identify presence of trace explosives (e.g., RDX, C4, Semtex, TATP, TNT) and other substances on surfaces impacted by the UV energy. Target areas are scanned to detect explosives, and to detect drugs such as Cocaine and Heroin. As in the MS3, the PS3’s output of visual and audible alerts requires no operator interpretation of positive or negative indications. The rechargeable batteries would have an operating time of four to six hours, and capable of easy replacement while in the field. The PS3 is the forerunner technology to a mobile personnel portal for rapid screening of individuals.
The Fixed Security Screening System (FS3) is designed for use on existing baggage conveyor belts. It has the efficiency and effectiveness of the MSSS in a compact and lightweight design with a throughput competitive with the most advanced systems available today.
These three systems form a suite of products that fuse the base X-ray technology of the MS3 and FS3 with the UV technology of the PS3 for a comprehensive internal and external security screening system. They can be adopted for use in conjunction with current baggage and personnel screening systems or as stand-alone systems.
CDEX’s suite of security screening systems, provide security managers with a comprehensive suite of systems to detect explosives with x-ray fluorescence inside baggage and containers as well as on and around incoming personnel with UV light. Outputs require no interpretation. Unit outputs can be fused and monitored from a central operations center to provide instant situational awareness and validate operator performance.
CDEX products are planned to be capable of being integrated with existing legacy systems, and to be expandable to incorporate new signatures of explosives and other substances of interest as they are identified. CDEX uses primarily off the shelf components to reduce maintenance costs. The security systems require no structural modifications to the site, and normal power sources are all that are required for installation and operation.
Possible Product Applications of CDEX’s Technologies:
Oil & gas exploration
Standoff biological and chemical detection in an open-air environment
Head Vent Monitoring and Characterization in Waste Drums
Monitoring Radioactive Waste
Monitoring Plasma Chambers of Chipmakers for contaminants |
