Systems exist to find liquid explosives

[Kadie]

Systems exist to find liquid explosives
By BRIAN BERGSTEIN, AP Technology Writer
2 hours, 28 minutes ago



BOSTON - While the process isn't perfect, scanning machines do exist to detect liquid explosives like the ones purportedly at the heart of the terrorist plot broken up this week.

But don't expect the machines to be rushed into airports soon. Cost and logistical issues present challenges for these devices.

Consider work that's been done at Rapiscan Systems, part of OSI Systems Inc.

Rapiscan is developing four kinds of devices — some based on technologies more than 10 years old — that can detect liquid or gel-based explosives. Two that would work on carry-on bags already have been tested by the Transportation Security Administration and "could be deployed this afternoon," said Peter Kant, the company's vice president for government affairs.

But none are being used in the United States. Some are in place overseas, though Kant said those aren't in airports.

One big reason is that it is not easy to integrate the explosive-detecting machines, some of which can cost $250,000, into existing security checkpoints. Because each briefcase, purse or other carry-on bag has to be put in a special drawer for analysis, using the detectors could significantly bog down passenger screening.

more...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060811/ap_on_hi_te/explosives_technology_3




Rapiscan and TraceGuard to develop explosive detection system
Friday August 11, 4:11 pm ET


OSI Systems subsidary Rapiscan Systems has partnered with TraceGuard Technologies for a 12-month joint development program to work on an advanced combined bulk/trace detection system for detection of explosive devices and weapons at airport security checkpoints, the company said Friday.

The system, called TraceScan will be marketed exclusively by Rapiscan primarily to the U.S. Government and also through its global direct sales and distributor network. The system is being developed to be used as a checkpoint x-ray system with secondary screening based on automated trace extraction and detection capabilities to be integrated into aviation passenger checkpoints. The companies say its purpose is to improve accuracy of detection for both explosive and non-explosive weapons and achieve higher passenger checkpoint efficiency.

The companies will integrate TraceGuard's CarrySafe system with Rapiscan's 620XR transmission x-ray inspection system in TraceScan, and also say they intend to incorporate Ion Mobility Spectrometry explosive trace detection sensors in the product.

more...
http://biz.yahoo.com/bizj/060811/1330574.html?.v=1



This undated handout photo released by Rapiscan Systems shows the Rapiscan Secure 1000 Explosives and Weapons Detection People Screening System. This system inspects passengers for metallic and non-metallic weapons, solid explosives, liquids, and other contraband using low energy X-rays. Rapiscan is developing four kinds of devices _ some based on technologies more than 10 years old _ that can detect liquid or gel-based explosives. Two that would work on carry-on bags already have been tested by the Transportation Security Administration and 'could be deployed this afternoon,' said Peter Kant, the company's vice president for government affairs. (AP Photo/Rapiscan Systems)



This undated handphoto released by Rapiscan Systems shows the Rapiscan Small Parcel Explosive Detection System. This system is used at checkpoint to detect liquid, gel and other explosives automatically. Rapiscan is developing four kinds of devices _ some based on technologies more than 10 years old _ that can detect liquid or gel-based explosives. Two that would work on carry-on bags already have been tested by the Transportation Security Administration and 'could be deployed this afternoon,' said Peter Kant, the company's vice president for government affairs. (AP Photo/Rapiscan Systems)

[elocs]

1. Bush staff wanted bomb detect cash moved:

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-terror-explosives-detection,0,4099498.story

August 11, 2006, 6:12 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- While the British terror suspects were hatching their plot, the Bush administration was quietly seeking permission to divert $6 million that was supposed to be spent this year developing new homeland explosives detection technology.

[tocqueville]

2. yep they turn up orange on the screen

showed on French TV today. Problem : two components systems. Liquids or gels or powders that are not explosive separately but become it if mixed. Carrying around nitroglycerine is somewhat outdated.