Year
2003
Abstract
A variety of contraband and terrorist material can be transported via normal shipment channels, including the US Postal service as well as commercial carriers such as FedEX and UPS. SAIC has developed a mail/package scanning system to be used to improve the mail/package inspection process. The system scans at a rate of 1000 articles per hour and automatically diverts or segregates those items that emit nuclear radiation (beta, gamma, neutron) or are of a sufficient weight and metal content to suggest that they may contain an improvised explosive device. The segregated articles are then inspected with additional sensors to confirm the presence or absence of a hazard or, in the case of radioactive materials, if they contain acceptable materials that conform to the shipping manifest. This paper will contain a description of the system components, including conveyers, weigh station, metal sensor, radiation sensors, and divert station. It will also include results of field testing.