X-ray scan names sealed materials

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X-ray scan names sealed materials

February 8th, 2010

X-ray diffraction can now detect contraband and terror materials, vastly extending the materials and substances detection capability of conventional X-ray density screening.

North African and Middle Eastern health, safety, security and customs officers met in Dubai in January to discuss a new XStream Systems technique that analyses ingredients of sealed packages, including pharmaceutical packaging, to identify dangerous items without breaking any seals.

Some 2000 African children die every day due to counterfeit drugs. First world countries are increasing scanning efforts mainly to identify explosive materials in baggage and clothing.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 10% of drugs dumped in the market in developing countries are contaminated, adulterated or counterfeit. In the USA, the estimated bogus product is just 1%.

Brian Mayo, president of XStream, told the African health officers that counterfeit drugs is a $75-billion industry, and growing by 14% per year.

Health, safety, security and customs officials from Egypt, Libya, and ten Middle East countries were hosted by the UAE and drugs manufacturer Pfizer. They reviewed a molecular screening unit named XT250 Material Identification System, using refracted X-ray technology to ‘read’ substance component identities through packaging like paper, plastic, wood and metals.

The system compares reflections with a database of ingredients, and alerts operators to banned, undesirable, and counterfeit substances, including explosives and ‘grey’ drugs.

Most current X-ray technologies rely on image density screening and could not differentiate between common items and hazards.

Many airports use magnetometer scanners, but X-ray diffraction technology is new.