Correspondents' Correspondence
LAND, THOMAS
Correspondents correspondence BRIEF TAKEOUTS OF MORE THAN PERSONAL INTEREST FROM LETTERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE EDITORS. Hands-Off Inspection London—The world's first...
...This is so sensitive, Reid explained, that "it could detect a single drop of alcohol allowed to diffuse throughout the Astrodome in Houston—if the stadium were completely sealed...
...The units will be housed in specially designed buildings that have walls over three feet thick and are equipped with mechanized conveyor belts to speed the passage of containers...
...And once it is installed in more ports around the globe, the current surge in international terrorist activity could be sharply curbed.—Thomas Land...
...Very little was known about the newly developed technology prior to a recent statement by Neil Reid, vice president of Sciex, which produced the vapor sensor for the supersniffer...
...The system, making use of sophisticated electronics with important military applications, will cost approximately $60 million...
...According to Reid, the mass spectrometer in the Anglo-Canadian system is still under intense development in a project that may take up to nine years to complete...
...If successful, the method may shortly be adopted by many countries to assist in customs handling...
...A second phase of the cargo inspection will employ high-energy x-ray analysis developed in Britain...
...During that period, however, sales for the cargo examination units already available will proceed...
...The system could save many lives by foiling those who traffic in narcotics...
...Not surprisingly, the initial two orders for the world's first high-tech, remote control container inspection system have come from the Middle East —an area of wealthy ports much troubled by drug smuggling as well as illegal weapons shipments...
...This will enable customs inspectors both to scan the contents of containers, using zoom-facility cameras for an occasional close look, and to retain the photographs for future reference...
...In most countries, cargo is still examined manually, or with dogs trained to sniff out drugs and weapons...
...The new high-tech clearance procedure developed by Sciex of Thornhill, Ontario, in partnership with a consortium led by British Aerospace Dynamics, will enable two technicians to examine the contents of up to 40 standard containers in an hour...
...It is a more sophisticated version of an earlier computerized spectrometer, designed for the study of environmental pollutants, food fragrances and flavors, and vapors of possible military significance...
...The inspection is carried out by remote control, while the containers remain sealed...
...The collected vapors are then passed into chambers where analysis takes place that can reveal the presence of alkaloids and nitrates—telltale ingredients, respectively, of drugs and of explosives...
...Manual inspection is cumbersome and slow, involving the unpacking of goods that must be packed again, and sometimes causing damage to the cargo...
...It is particularly valuable for geochemical and nuclear research, and for facilitating the use of stable isotopes in nutrition, agriculture and bio-medicine...
...It also promises to speed the flow of commerce and reduce the risk of cargo damage and theft at customs checkpoints...
...The sniffer uncovers the presence of contraband in closed containers by sampling the air around a cargo shipment...
...Rapid growth in the use of sealed containers for international transport has made detection of contraband increasingly expensive and difficult...
...It is expected to emerge as a significant new weapon against both international drug syndicates and terrorist organizations...
...Hands-Off Inspection London—The world's first high-technology cargo examination system will be installed this year at two ports in the Middle East...
...Combining a Canadian "supersniffer" and a powerful British x-ray detection machine, it is capable of identifying various kinds of contraband concealed in freight containers along with legitimate cargo—including guns, explosives, drugs, and alcohol...
...A variant of the technology provides quick isotropic dilution that is able to analyze about 90 per cent of the elements in the periodic table...
...The device is the result of research made possible by a $3.1 million grant from the Canadian Defense Industry Productivity Program...
...A computer will match information gathered by the spectrometer and by x-ray with the statement of contents entered on shipping bills...
...In manpower alone savings will be substantial...
...For 60 seconds, its "nose" inhales the odors that seep through container walls...
Vol. 69 • February 1986 • No. 3
