Smiths Detection - X-Ray Screening and Explosives Detection Systems for Passengers and Baggage

Smiths Detection has the most comprehensive range of detection technologies in the world today. It specialises in the detection and identification of chemicals, explosives, biological agents and drugs. It supplies x-ray and millimetre-wave security imaging systems, and adds smart video systems for network control.

Smiths Detection has long been committed to eliminating threats at airports and on-board aircraft. It is increasingly providing security solutions for mass-transit systems and passenger terminals across the world.

Trace detection and X-ray screening

Two principal technologies are used in combination to provide a layered approach to security. Trace detection and X-ray screening enable security operators to detect explosives, weapons and illegal items in baggage, on staff or on the passengers themselves.

Smiths Detection supports security professionals by giving them the best tools for the job. The addition of new technologies such as millimetre wave will help to transform security checkpoints. New levels of automation will speed the throughput of passengers.

In busy transport terminals, passenger throughput, accuracy of detection and low false alarm rates (false positives) are critical requirements. Smiths Detection applies its experience and its technology to achieve these goals.

Screening for explosives and weapons at airports

For explosives, passengers are screened at the security checkpoints with the Sentinel II walk-through portal, with their baggage checked with the HI-SCAN aTiX x-ray system, and possibly with the Ionscan 500DT trace detector. The Hi-SCAN aTiX also checks for weapons and illegal or dangerous items, which can also be screened with a standard x-ray system such as the HI-SCAN 6046si.

A new technology has been introduced to screen passengers for weapons, explosives and dangerous items – the millimetre wave in the Tadar portal.

In arrivals, customs officers can check for narcotics or contraband on passengers using the Sentinel II walk-through portal and desk-top Ionscan 500DT trace detector.

Screening checked baggage

Baggage that has to be checked into the hold needs to be screened for explosives. Smiths Detection high-throughput automatic x-ray systems such as the HI-SCAN 10080 EDtS can be used as stand-alone equipment or built into conveyor systems.

Integrated X-ray security systems

Security and high throughput are paramount in aviation transport. At Frankfurt Airport Smiths Detection has implemented fully-integrated automatic x-ray inspection systems, which communicate with the existing baggage handling infrastructure.

They are capable of screening up to 300,000 pieces of baggage per day. These systems use an electronic tracking data transfer method with the baggage handling system to communicate detection results. Images are distributed with corresponding passenger and baggage data to dedicated servers and to individual analyst workstations

Technology to enhance CCTV cameras

Fixed systems constantly monitor the atmosphere in buildings for airborne toxic or chemical threats. Linked to CCTV cameras, smart systems soon indicate whether an alarm indicates an emergency situation. The Smiths Detection technology delivers high-quality images securely over an IP connection, with support for third-party video analytics

Beyond the terminal area, networked CCTV cameras secure the perimeter, linked to multiple intrusion detection devices for active surveillance, continually monitoring the fence line.