New scanner aims to make liquids on planes safer
Oct 13, 2010, 6:28 pm
#1
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New scanner aims to make liquids on planes safer
New scanner aims to make liquids on planes safer
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Associated Press Writer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- The latest airport security technology being developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory could open the door for airline passengers to bring their soft drinks and full-size shampoo bottles on board again.
Homeland security officials put the latest generation of the bottled liquid scanner to the test Wednesday during a demonstration at Albuquerque's international airport. Everything from bottled water and champagne to shampoo and pink liquid laxatives were scanned to make sure explosives weren't hiding inside.
The device, about the size of a small refrigerator, uses magnetic resonance to read the liquids' molecular makeup, even when the substances are in metal containers. Within 15 seconds, a light on top of the simple-looking metal box flashes red or green, depending on whether there's danger.
The device is so sensitive it can tell the difference between red and white wine, and between different types of soda.
"What we're doing is really looking for the real dangers, like liquid homemade explosives," said Stephen Surko, program manager of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency. "We're just real excited at the progress we're making."
[...]
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Associated Press Writer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- The latest airport security technology being developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory could open the door for airline passengers to bring their soft drinks and full-size shampoo bottles on board again.
Homeland security officials put the latest generation of the bottled liquid scanner to the test Wednesday during a demonstration at Albuquerque's international airport. Everything from bottled water and champagne to shampoo and pink liquid laxatives were scanned to make sure explosives weren't hiding inside.
The device, about the size of a small refrigerator, uses magnetic resonance to read the liquids' molecular makeup, even when the substances are in metal containers. Within 15 seconds, a light on top of the simple-looking metal box flashes red or green, depending on whether there's danger.
The device is so sensitive it can tell the difference between red and white wine, and between different types of soda.
"What we're doing is really looking for the real dangers, like liquid homemade explosives," said Stephen Surko, program manager of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency. "We're just real excited at the progress we're making."
[...]
Last edited by essxjay; Oct 14, 2010 at 12:45 am Reason: Trimmed for respect for copyrights
Oct 13, 2010, 6:34 pm
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I'm sure one of the mods will move this out of the DL forum (and could perhaps in the process make the subject not imply this is imminent), but in the mean time this isn't really news. Reports of this R&D were out last fall, with an ETA of sometime this year. Sounds like we'll still be waiting for a bit.
Better than the nude-o-scopes, though.
Better than the nude-o-scopes, though.
Oct 13, 2010, 6:35 pm
#4
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Just because some machine like this is created, doesn't mean that the liquids smaller than 3 ounces system is going away tomorrow. No need to jump that fast. This also needs to go to the TS&S forum.
Oct 13, 2010, 7:08 pm
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Oct 13, 2010, 8:11 pm
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Sounds like a solution looking for the problem TSA created. The problem can't be solved unless someone's pockets are lined. It also ignores the fact they've had liquid scanning tech in Japan for YEARS. Classic "not invented here."
Wow, several times a year is the epitome of frequent flyerdom. 
The German is absolutely right.
Originally Posted by TFA
Barbara Riegelsberger of Cleveland, who travels several times a year, said she has become accustomed to the hassles of packing her shampoo and leaving behind her water bottle.
The German is absolutely right.
Oct 13, 2010, 8:15 pm
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Originally Posted by Susan Bryan, Naive AP writer, Oct 2010
The technology is still a few years from being deployed in the nation's airports...
They have already spent more than $14 million developing the liquid scanners, ...
Over the last two years, researchers have been able to make the bottled liquid scanner about 90 percent smaller and six times faster. The goal is to make it even smaller so it can fit beside other equipment at airport checkpoints.
They have already spent more than $14 million developing the liquid scanners, ...
Over the last two years, researchers have been able to make the bottled liquid scanner about 90 percent smaller and six times faster. The goal is to make it even smaller so it can fit beside other equipment at airport checkpoints.
Originally Posted by Kip Hawley, Oct2008
Path Forward
We are deploying the best technology and training as fast as we can get it. The goal is to remove all the restrictions on liquids when we have automated systems that can accurately separate threat from non-threat liquids. Here’s the plan:
Now: We are pretty close to having a network of AT-X-Ray deployed so that nearly 70% of daily passengers will be using major airports with AT. TSA is getting the hardware installed so that when the software is ready in the next year or so, all we have to do is a software upgrade. We will be testing software versions in the coming months.
Fall-2009: Size restriction removed, but all liquids will have to be placed in a separate bin. AT X-Ray software will be advanced enough to tell the difference between threat and non-threat but not yet proven to tell the difference when it is hidden in a bag.
End of 2010: No restrictions. AT X-Ray will have upgraded software that is proven to detect threat liquids in any configuration and is deployed in enough places so that TSA can change the rules to meet one uniform standard for the country.
We are deploying the best technology and training as fast as we can get it. The goal is to remove all the restrictions on liquids when we have automated systems that can accurately separate threat from non-threat liquids. Here’s the plan:
Now: We are pretty close to having a network of AT-X-Ray deployed so that nearly 70% of daily passengers will be using major airports with AT. TSA is getting the hardware installed so that when the software is ready in the next year or so, all we have to do is a software upgrade. We will be testing software versions in the coming months.
Fall-2009: Size restriction removed, but all liquids will have to be placed in a separate bin. AT X-Ray software will be advanced enough to tell the difference between threat and non-threat but not yet proven to tell the difference when it is hidden in a bag.
End of 2010: No restrictions. AT X-Ray will have upgraded software that is proven to detect threat liquids in any configuration and is deployed in enough places so that TSA can change the rules to meet one uniform standard for the country.
)
Last edited by RadioGirl; Oct 13, 2010 at 8:16 pm Reason: Saw Superguy's post!
Oct 13, 2010, 8:23 pm
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If my 12 ounce drink is so dangerous it could potentially bring down a plane, why does it get thrown away in a garbage can that thousands of passengers walk by and scores of TSO's stand next to for their entire shift?
Barbara Riegelsberger of Cleveland, who travels several times a year, said she has become accustomed to the hassles of packing her shampoo and leaving behind her water bottle.
"I'm willing to do what I need to do to be safe," she said.
AAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! Someone needs to smack this woman.
Barbara Riegelsberger of Cleveland, who travels several times a year, said she has become accustomed to the hassles of packing her shampoo and leaving behind her water bottle.
"I'm willing to do what I need to do to be safe," she said.
AAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! Someone needs to smack this woman.
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Oct 16, 2010 at 5:17 pm Reason: merge consecutive posts
Oct 13, 2010, 8:27 pm
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Oct 13, 2010, 8:32 pm
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Oct 13, 2010, 9:21 pm
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Once again, the useless TSA is late to the party - probably waiting for someone's pockets to line.
This technology has been around for eons - it's standard no-sample-prep gas chromatography. The lab in my alma-mater has used it for years and I posted about it maybe 4 years ago, even including a link to the manufacture's site and documentation in the hope that some dimwitted TSA employee might read my post and have a moment of 'duh'. The company was even trying to position it as a security device.
The machines run about 250k a pop - not cheap, but I'm sure the TSA can workout a deal even after the pocket lining and bribery.
This technology has been around for eons - it's standard no-sample-prep gas chromatography. The lab in my alma-mater has used it for years and I posted about it maybe 4 years ago, even including a link to the manufacture's site and documentation in the hope that some dimwitted TSA employee might read my post and have a moment of 'duh'. The company was even trying to position it as a security device.
The machines run about 250k a pop - not cheap, but I'm sure the TSA can workout a deal even after the pocket lining and bribery.
Oct 13, 2010, 9:30 pm
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Interesting... then how come if I buy liquids duty free en route from the US through the NRT hub, I can't carry them through security if I'm changing planes?