Advanced Screening Technologies
The trials are designed to find out which, if any, of the advanced screening technologies is most appropriate for use in Australia.
- Some of these technologies are already in use in the United States, Canada and Europe
- All of the technologies selected to be trialled in actual airport settings passed a range of rigorous tests conducted in a controlled environment in Australia earlier this year
- These tests were carried out by:
- the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (www.ansto.gov.au)
- the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (www.dsto.defence.gov.au)
- An independent scientific adviser from the University of Canberra has also been involved throughout the trial process.
During the airport trials the Centre for Intelligent Systems Research at Deakin University is responsible for the process modelling and analysis of all the activities under trial. This includes use of advanced 3D simulation techniques and in-house developed simulation-based optimisation and analysis algorithms to determine the best layout, highlight operational issues through simulation and finally provide performance and financial impact assessments.
The advanced technologies being trialled include the latest in vapour and liquid analysers, explosive detecting X-ray technologies, and 'millimetre wave' and 'X-ray backscatter' body scanning technologies.
Different technologies and manufacturers' models are being trialled at each airport:
Adelaide Airport
- L-3 ProVision 100 Millimetre Wave Whole Body Scanner - uses radio frequency signals to create an image which reveals hidden objects on a person
- Nuctech LS1516BA Bottle Scanner - uses computed tomography and digital radiography to detect threat substances in liquids, aerosols and gels carried in containers
- Smiths Hi-Scan 6040aTIX - uses an automated explosive detection system to detect explosives concealed in carry on baggage.
Melbourne Airport
- Rapiscan Secure 1000 Backscatter X-ray Whole Body Scanner - Uses a low energy X-ray that penetrates clothing to create an image which reveals hidden objects on a person.
- Ahura Scientific TruScreen Bottle Scanner - Uses Raman Spectroscopy to detect threat substances in liquids, aerosols and gels carried in containers.
- Rapiscan 620DV AT - The Rapiscan X-ray inspection system uses a second X-ray scan perpendicular to the first allowing screening officers to view baggage from multiple angles. It also uses automated explosive detection systems to detect explosives in carry-on baggage by analysis of material density using independent views.
Sydney Airport
- American Science and Engineering SmartCheck Backscatter X-ray Whole Body Scanner - The SmartCheck uses a low energy X-ray that penetrates clothing to create an image which reveals hidden objects on a person.
- L-3 Communications ACX - The L-3 X-ray inspection system uses automated explosive detection systems to detect explosives in carry-on baggage by analysis of material.
More information on these technologies is provided at the web page on each airport.