TranSec 2009 saw the successful launch of Kromek’s 311+ Scanner, a revolutionary desktop inspection unit that is set to transform airport security screening.

The 311+ device uses multi-spectral digital detectors to provide fast, accurate identification of materials; it is named after the 3-1-1 restriction imposed by the US Transport Security Association (TSA) in response to the threat of terrorism involving liquid explosives. The rule currently applies at all major European and US airport terminals, restricting the carriage of liquids in hand luggage.

Kromek’s 311+ scanner offers a solution to the restrictions on liquid carriage, by screening and clearing liquids in passenger hand luggage, allowing for easier, safer travel and the sale of liquid duty free items at airport terminals.

The 311+ is the latest technological innovation from Kromek, which specialises in materials identification and 3D x-ray imaging. Kromek is currently trialling its original, first-generation bottle scanner product in airports world-wide.

Demand for ultra-reliable scanning technology at airports is growing due to increased effort from regulators and the airport industry to relax the restrictions on passengers carrying liquid on board airplanes. With the help of the 311+ Scanner, airports and airport operators will have an enhanced technical capability which may enable them to allow passengers to freely carry liquid items, such as alcohol, on board flights, boosting duty-free revenues and making for a more sophisticated passenger security process.

The Kromek 311+ scanner uses a non-invasive x-ray technique that analyses the entire contents of the TSA specified 3-1-1 plastic bags and small packages by using multi-spectral x-ray detectors, to determine if they contain any threat liquid. The system provides a simple pass/fail answer for all items to be tested without the need for any sample preparation or opening of the bag or bottles.

“We are extremely proud of our 311+ scanner and excited about its market potential,” said Arnab Basu, chief executive of Kromek. “Having witnessed the appeal of our bottle scanning technology, which is currently undergoing global trials, we’re confident the 311+ will be a commercial success. Kromek is constantly developing and fine-tuning its technology roadmap in-line with commercial opportunities” Through industry partnerships, and with the ongoing support of our investors, we will help to provide an additional capability to the transport security industry in line with the needs of our global society.”