Australian scientists unveil system to test X-ray box scanners

THE Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the University of Canberra have developed a system for testing equipment used to examine large cargo objects such as x-ray machines.

ANSTO's Ned Blagojevic said it was the first time an independent scientific standard had been set to determine the best x-ray equipment for air and sea cargo examination around the world, said a report by PS News from Canberra, Australia.

According to Mr Blagojevic, the chief role of the project was to test manufacturers' claims about how good their machines were in a bid to improve equipment and border security.

Bearing in mind that the United States Government will require 100 per cent inspection of cargo entering the country by 2012, having the correct standards for x-ray machines is vital, Mr Blagojevic was quoted as saying.

Currently only about 10 per cent or less of all maritime cargo is examined by any technology so throughput is a major challenge facing cargo security.

He said the standards, which were currently in the patent process, were being tested in the United States and China, and customs authorities worldwide were expected to follow their lead to ensure the operational condition of their equipment was well maintained.

The Commonwealth Scientific Advisor for the project, Professor Dudley Creagh from the University of Canberra, said that ANSTO's standards substantially reduced the amount of time Customs Officers had to take to ensure their X-ray equipment was working properly.

In the past it would take a working shift to undertake the performance testing. Now it takes only a matter of minutes, Professor Creagh said.

Any time lost in testing is time lost from the essential activity of container examination: the detection of contraband and explosives.

The project involved collaboration with the Australian Customs Service and a number of parcel and freight forwarding firms, such as Qantas and DHL, with the standards designed to test x-ray equipment used to scan air cargo, shipping pallets and large shipping containers.

Source: Transportweekly