BCAS to issue technical norms within a month for new security technology

Subject :Science and Technology

The aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), is expected to issue technical norms within a month which will pave the way for airports to adopt modern equipment to screen bags without removing electronic devices.
While the traditional x-ray machines currently used at airports produce a 2-D image, newer technologies such as computer tomography produce a 3-D image with a higher resolution, and have better automated detection of explosives.
They also have a low rate of the false alarms which often lead to CISF personnel requiring a physical inspection of a bag. These factors result in a higher baggage throughput (or flow) through the machine.
Technologies such as dual x-ray, computer tomography and neutron beam technology will eliminate the need for passengers to remove laptops and other electronic devices.

About Computer Tomography (CT)

A CT scan is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to get detailed images of the body noninvasively for diagnostic purposes.
The multiple X-ray measurements taken from different angles are then processed on a computer using reconstruction algorithms to produce tomographic (cross-sectional) images (virtual “slices”) of a body.

How does it work?

They use a narrow X-ray beam that circles around one part of your body. This provides a series of images from many different angles.
A computer uses this information to create a cross-sectional picture. Like one piece in a loaf of bread, this two-dimensional (2D) scan shows a “slice” of the inside of your body.
This process is repeated to produce a number of slices.
The computer stacks these scans one on top of the other to create a detailed image of your organs, bones, or blood vessels.
For example, a surgeon may use this type of scan to look at all sides of a tumor to prepare for an operation.

About Neutron Beam Technology

Neutron beams are especially useful in advanced industrial inspection, most notably for neutron radiography, or neutron imaging.
A collimated neutron beamline can be used to create radiographic neutron imaging of an object’s internal structure, just as can be done with a beam of X-rays or gamma rays.
Because neutrons have special properties compared to electromagnetic radiation and can more easily pass through certain heavy elements than light elements.
Neutron radiography provides a unique perspective compared to X-ray and gamma radiography, and neutron imaging can be used to identify defects and flaws that other forms of testing might miss.
Neutron radiography can be done with thermal or fast neutrons, which influence the neutron absorbing or scattering cross section of various materials’ atomic nuclei.
Neutron Sources : Traditionally, researchers performed neutron imaging using a research nuclear reactor as the neutron source, but as nuclear reactors are more scarce with each passing decade (especially research reactors),now other neutron source options as an alternative to a nuclear reactor for neutron imaging are being developed.
Applications : For this reason, neutron activation analysis sees use not only as a method in industrial non-destructive testing and materials research, but also in areas such as art history, archaeology, geology, and agriculture. Neutron beams can even be used to detect explosives and narcotics.

Dual X ray technology

The Dual Xray analyzes two X-ray signals – both a high and low energy – for a higher detection rate of low-density items, as well as contaminants not previously detectable by standard X-ray systems.
The x-rays generated from an x-ray inspection system have several energy levels. The dual energy inspection system produces two different images from two different energy x-rays simultaneously.
High energy x-rays produce a brighter image and low energy x-rays produces a darker image. By subtracting the two images acquired at different energies, the system eliminates an image having the same gray level, leaving only contaminants.
The dual energy technology delivers the following unique features compared to conventional X-ray technology:
Low density items can be detected.
Even overlapping products can be inspected without false rejecting.