ASE shows cargo and vehicle inspection system

Scanning cargo is a big deal, because unlike personal luggage, cargo comes in very different shapes and sizes, and is encased in packaging made of different materials.

We thus note that American Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI), a supplier of X-ray detection solutions, has introduced the MobileSearch High-Energy (HE) cargo and vehicle inspection system with both high-energy transmission and proprietary Z Backscatter X-ray imaging for detecting threats and contraband including weapons, explosives, drugs, and currency. The system offers multiple scan modes for high speed scanning of passenger vehicles or oversized or odd-shaped cargo, allowing the operational flexibility of the Z Backscatter Van, in either “drive-by” mode to scan stationary objects, or “portal” mode to scan vehicles as they drive past the system. MobileSearch HE also features an integrated cab design that enables the drivers and operators to share the same cabin for improved communications.

“MobileSearch HE provides the industry’s most versatile and effective mobile scanning system on the market,” said Robert Postle, AS&E’s senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing. “The system’s combination of transmission and Z Backscatter X-ray technologies provides superior imaging and displays the most information about the contents of the cargo. With its multiple scan modes, the system offers the flexibility and the photo-like imaging of our top selling Z Backscatter Van, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.”

The company says that MobileSearch HE is ideal for homeland security and drug interception missions at seaports, border crossings, and other high threat checkpoints. The system offers the largest tunnel size in the industry, allowing for the inspection of oversize cargo and vehicles. MobileSearch HE can travel on roads and at highway speeds.

AS&E’s patented Z Backscatter Technology plus High-Energy Transmission

MobileSearch HE offers two complementary imaging technologies integrated in one system. Its 4.5 MeV high energy transmission X-ray generates high penetration and high resolution images for the inspection of densely loaded cargo, with typical penetration more than 12 inches (300 mm) of steel. The system also uses Z Backscatter X-ray imaging to assist in the identification of organics for improved detection of threats and contraband. The company says that Z Backscatter technology offers the additional benefits of photo-like images and improved image analysis time, as well as a wide field of view with no tire or ground cutoff, unlike transmission X-rays, allowing for the effective scanning of passenger vehicles and tires.

Flexible scan modes
MobileSearch HE offers multiple scan modes for added flexibility. During normal operations, MobileSearch HE scans over stationary vehicles and cargo with both transmission and Z Backscatter imaging with the boom deployed.

Additionally, MobileSearch HE can operate in Z Backscatter-only mode, with the boom stowed, for high speed scanning of passenger vehicles or oversized or odd-shaped cargo. In Z Backscatter-only mode, the system is safe to scan drivers and passengers while they remain in their vehicles.

MobileSearch HE is the latest introduction into AS&E’s family of Cargo and Vehicle Inspection Systems, which also includes:

• Sentry Portal: New advanced, high-throughput, high-penetration, drive-through inspection system.
• OmniView Gantry: Cargo and vehicle inspection system with high-energy X-ray transmission inspection for high penetration into complex cargo and dense objects — up to 14 inches (350 mm) of steel — without requiring an exterior building or heavy shielding.
• Z Portal: Cargo and vehicle screening system offers high-throughput, drive-through, multi-view screening for cars, vans, and their cargo with Z Backscatter imaging. The system is safe for drivers and passengers to remain in their vehicle during screening.
• Z Gantry: Cargo and vehicle screening system offers bi-directional, multi-view Z Backscatter scanning by moving on rails for screening cargo and vehicles. The Z Gantry is ideal for high-traffic locations with space constraints and is extremely safe for operators, cargo, and the environment.
• Z Backscatter Van (ZBV): The most maneuverable, versatile mobile X-ray detection system on the market; a low cost highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van, offering rapid “drive-by” Z Backscatter screening.