New Technology to Detect Radiation in Millions of Containers
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Detecting small amounts of dangerous nuclear material in one container out of millions is a challenge to security professionals worldwide, as solutions are needed that are capable of efficiently scanning up to 100% of cargo transiting a port. This high level of screening enforcement can only be achieved with systems that produce very low false alarms during primary screening and rapid alarm resolution capabilities, including secondary screening.
L3 Security & Detection Systems (L3 SDS) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The company’s solutions focus on port and border security screening and airport checkpoint, checked baggage and air cargo screening, as well as secure government and commercial facilities and events.
The company will provide radiation monitoring portals at ports of entry operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. The contract is part of a federal programme to enhance the detection of radiation in cargo containers and prevent unauthorized nuclear materials from entering the country.
The CR-Portal gamma/neutron detection solution is designed for 24/7 monitoring. The safe portals use passive radiation detectors and are specifically designed for a variety of uses. The CR-Portals are integrated portal configurations with optional sensor capability using the company’s CV 2 software, according to their website.
The CV 2 software solution integrates data from a variety of scanning systems onto a single, centralized display. The software is a user-friendly, visually-based solution that allows analysts to quickly assess cargo contents locally or remotely for contraband and other illegal materials.
According to porttechnology.org, the CR-Portals are the “continued evolution” of L3’s advanced radiation monitoring portals, which have been used in the Netherlands since 2014. The technology has been tested, according to L3, under the most rigorous and comprehensive testing regimen for radiation portal monitors.
Pak Chin, President of L3 SDS, said: “L3’s advanced detection radiation monitoring portals will enhance Customs and Border Protection’s ability to perform screening with significantly improved accuracy and effectiveness.” “The portals detect dangerous radioisotopes masked by other materials while allowing for normally occurring radioactive materials – thereby improving cargo throughput.”
