X-ray Baggage Scanner

The identification of the varied materials is based on the principle of color analysis, where varied materials show diverse colors under the x-ray image, in order to identify the category of the material. The varied colors that appear on the screen are reflections of the quality, quantity, and density of the object. Hence, the category of the object can be determined as per the color and depth of the image.

When the luggage passes through the security check machine, the screen will display many varied colors. 

Let us see what each color represents.

• Light Yellow – A single cloth piece, thin plastic, or a smaller number of papers.
• Orange – Soap, leather products, wood, drugs, explosives.
• Dark Orange, Yellow – More books, papers, a high quantity of liquid, large bags of rice flour, RMB, and so on.
• Blue – Iron, copper, zinc, and other inorganic substances. Things such as thick cables, bullets, defibrillators, guns, magazine cartridges, and knives depict varied shades of blue.
• Green – Stainless steel products, cables, etc. which show varied shades of green.
• Red – Impenetrable objects, such as thick objects and heavy metals.

The display of such varied colors helps the staff members to identify the dangerous items or hidden deeper items easily. Since this identification ability of the security check apparatus is combined with the database, it is possible to screen and identify the objects automatically. The attached automatic alarm to detect the prohibited items, if any, can greatly improve the efficiency of examination.

The security design of the X-ray baggage scanner produces X-rays when the instrument is switched on. During this time, the risk of exposure to X-rays can be kept under control due to shielding. Hence, these rays will not harm health as people worry. Both sides of the security equipment have a thick lead-based curtain to shield the X-ray and not to block the dust. Every product will be assessed for the radiation dose before the production stage.

The quantity of X-ray levels in a security machine while working in a station, airport, subway, or dock is minimal, like that of the quantity in a mobile phone while passing through or standing next to a security machine. But in some cases, passengers who are in a hurry will take their bags out before they complete their security check. In that case, the level of radiation is equivalent to visiting the hospital for an X-ray examination. If the X-rays directly hit the human body only for a few seconds occasionally, there will be no harm to the human body. But if the exposure is more or repeated regularly, the radiation dose will cause harm to our body.

Some people worry whether the food inside the bag may get contaminated due to radiation exposure. X-ray dose used for screening the baggage is of low power (less than 1 ΜSV), which is usually tested only once. This quantity is far less than the level used to irradiate food for preservation and sterilization purposes. Most of the time, the food we eat is more irradiated.

A well-designed X-ray detection system must abide by the local rules and regulations with respect to the use of ionizing radiation. In the United Kingdom, it is governed by the 1999 radiation regulations. In the United States, this X-ray detection system is governed by the American standard 1020.40 CFR. These provisions ensure the secure use of the machine as well as the health and safety of the system operator, even if he or she is standing next to the machine all the time.

Yes. The X-ray based nondestructive testing (NDT) method does not leave any residual radiation on the test product. The reason for the X-ray is an electromagnetic wave. X-rays are produced in the form of energy, and not as matter. Hence when there is any power shut down, the electromagnetic wave of X-rays disappears and does not leave any residue on the target area, similar to an ordinary light bulb.

Research evidence reveals that X-rays do not cause any damage to the food items. A 1997 scientific study performed by the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the X-rays exposure up to 1,000 SV does not affect the nutritional value or safety of food. This study intends that the food can be exposed to about ten million times of radiation, and the food will be safe to eat without affecting its nutritional value.

Anyway, the quantity of radiation used in X-ray testing is less than one-tenth of one-millionth of the quantity used in the WHO study. The food which passes through the X-ray detection system remains under the X-ray beam for about 250 milliseconds. In this short duration, the food receives a radiation dose of around 200 ΜSV (0.2 MSV), which is anyway low. Hence, organic food does not lose its organic state after getting examined under X-rays, and it is safe to eat.

Before the shipment, repeat the reverse step of installation while removing the security check equipment.

The security check system should be stored in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area. Remember that the overheating and moisture entry will damage the system components. If the machine is not used for an extended duration, it should be placed in the original packing box.

The storage conditions of the instrument are:

• During transport, packaging, or storage, the machine can be stored for 15 weeks under the following conditions:
• Humidity: 20% ~ 95%; The relative humidity should not be more than 80%.
• Storage temperature: -20°C ~ + 60°C with no condensation.

Hence, it is recommended to use long-term storage equipment with good storage conditions.

There are five methods of image recognition methods for security check equipment:

1. Image Monitoring Method: Here, the X-ray perspective image configuration is used to identify objects. Depending upon the image on the screen or visual display, the suspicious objects can be identified as unusual or unsafe. Hence, they will be carefully investigated, as per the requirement to trace the image analysis.

2. Restitution Judgment: Luggage items may be segregated based upon the view in different shapes by looking at the X-ray images of the objects.

3. Analytic Hierarchy: While inspecting the overlapping images of objects, their original shape can be determined by analyzing the shapes and colors of different layers.

4. Structure Judgment: Usually, every object has its own structure. According to the X-ray’s perspective, some don’t have a structure. Hence products such as radio without speaker or batteries, or the absence of a magnetic rod must lead to high alert.

5. Character Recognition: Since every object has a specific external shape, the security personnel should remember the shape of each object on the screen. Only then, he can determine the type of object, whether it is a hair gel or facial cleanser even if they display the same color. However, the hair spray has a start button.

No. Although it’s worth taking safety precautions, most batteries as well as data storage devices should be resistant to a high dose of X-rays since they don’t have any living tissues or DNA to worry about. Only in living cells, a high dose of ionizing radiation like X-rays damages the DNA so much that it cannot be repaired.

However, there are exceptions to this condition but not to worry. Electronic items like laptops, power banks, and cameras are more likely to get unaffected by an airport baggage x-ray machine or 3D airport security scanners. But dropping these items or exposing them to extreme cold and heat can surely affect them. Hence, it is mandatory not to do these actions.

X-ray baggage machines can efficiently pick up the detailed images of your luggage items. They can easily detect metallic and non-metallic products, including organic materials. Hence, it is impossible to get away with smuggling banned foods in your baggage.

Luggage scanner equipment depends upon the X-rays to see through the luggage to accomplish the complete images of the items inside it. It is also possible to calculate the density of each object which helps the security officers to spot contraband. These officers might not be able to track every item in the luggage. In case of finding any suspicious items, the luggage will undergo a complete search. Hence, it’s always advised to keep the rules in mind regarding the transport of banned items in the luggage.

After undergoing an X-ray examination, things inside the luggage will be displayed on the screen as green, yellow, black, and so on.

• Yellow color indicates organic foods, plastic, and so on, and they are safe.
• Green or black color indicates that the product requires attention. If green or black colors are shown more, there might be a dagger or knife. In that case, the passengers must open their luggage for detailed inspection.
• Red color indicates inflammable goods, explosives, corrosive, toxic or radioactive substances, pathogens, ammunition, guns, and so on. They are prohibited from transporting via the train and will be confiscated if found during a security check.

Hence, it is recommended not to carry knives, axes, hammers, scissors, steel (iron) files, and other sharp objects, and should be placed inside the luggage checked.