Smiths Detection Unveils Mobile, High Energy Cargo Screening System

Smiths Detection offers HCV-Mobile, a high-energy mobile cargo screening system designed to scan more than 25 loaded trucks and containers per hour. Beginning in January 2005, the system will be tested and exhibited in select U.S. ports and evaluation centers.

The 3.8 MEV system combines mobility, radiation detection capabilities and high-energy X-rays that can penetrate more than 10.5-in. of steel. The HCV-Mobile generates high-resolution images of a container’s contents and is designed to assists in the identification of conventional explosives, weapons and contraband such as illegal drugs. It also assists in the recognition of radiological dispersion devices (dirty bombs) and other nuclear weapons or materials.

Smiths Detection introduced the high-energy, mobile cargo screening system in 2000. HCV-Mobile is the second generation and incorporates a number of improvements, and is lighter, smaller and more powerful than the first-generation system and can detect the presence of Gamma energy.

“With more than a decade’s experience in designing screening solutions for trucks and containers, we are confident that the HCV-Mobile represents a significant step forward in detection capability,” said Bret Bader, Vice President, Smiths Detection North America. “With its combination of high energy, mobility and automated radiation detection, the HCV-Mobile will demonstrate its effectiveness screening containers for multiple threats and contraband.”

The system was deployed in Greece during the Summer Olympics and that it is currently operating at several key international ports.