The increase of terrorism and its global impact has made the determination of the contents of cargo containers a
necessity. Existing technology allows non-intrusive inspections to determine the contents of a container rapidly and
accurately. However, some cargo shipments are exempt from such inspections. Hence, there is a need for a technology
that enables rapid and accurate means of detecting whether such containers were non-intrusively inspected. Non-intrusive
inspections are most commonly performed utilizing high powered X-ray equipment. The challenge is creating a
device that can detect short duration X-ray scans while maintaining a portable, battery powered, low cost, and easy to
use platform. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a methodology and prototype device
focused on this challenge.
The prototype, developed by PNNL, is a battery powered electronic device that continuously measures its X-ray and
Gamma exposure, calculates the dose equivalent rate, and makes a determination of whether the device has been
exposed to the amount of radiation experienced during an X-ray inspection. Once an inspection is detected, the device
will record a timestamp of the event and relay the information to authorized personnel via a visual alert, USB
connection, and/or wireless communication.
The results of this research demonstrate that PNNL's prototype device can be effective at determining whether a
container was scanned by X-ray equipment typically used for cargo container inspections. This paper focuses on
laboratory measurements and test results acquired with the PNNL prototype device using several X-ray radiation levels.
KEYWORDS: Liquids, Acoustics, Signal attenuation, Ultrasonics, Temperature metrology, Transducers, Distance measurement, Signal to noise ratio, Inspection, Explosives
Work at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has demonstrated that ultrasonic property measurements
can be effectively employed for the rapid and accurate classification/discrimination of liquids in small, carry-on,
standard "stream-of-commerce" containers. This paper focuses on a set of laboratory measurements
acquired with the PNNL prototype device as applied to several types of liquids (including threat liquids and
precursor chemicals) to the manufacture of LEs in small commercially available plastic containers.
The increase of terrorism and its global impact has made the screening of the contents of liquid-filled containers a
necessity. The ability to evaluate the contents of a container rapidly and accurately is a critical tool in maintaining global
safety and security. Due to the immense quantities and large variety of containers shipped worldwide, there is a need for
a technology that enables rapid and effective ways of conducting non-intrusive container inspections. Such inspections
can be performed utilizing "through-transmission" or "pulse-echo" acoustic techniques, in combination with multiple
frequency excitation pulses or waveforms. The challenge is combining and switching between the different acoustic
techniques without distorting the excitation pulse or waveform, degrading or adding noise to the receive signal; while
maintaining a portable, low-power, low-cost, and easy to use system.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a methodology and prototype device focused on this
challenge. The prototype relies on an advanced diplexer circuit capable of rapidly switching between both "through-transmission"
and "pulse-echo" detection modes. This type of detection requires the prototype to isolate the pulsing circuitry from the receiving circuitry to prevent damage and reduce noise.
The results of this work demonstrate that an advanced diplexer circuit can be effective; however, some bandwidth issues
exist. This paper focuses on laboratory measurements and test results acquired with the PNNL prototype device as
applied to several types of liquid-filled containers. Results of work conducted in the laboratory will be presented and
future measurement platform enhancements will be discussed.
KEYWORDS: Databases, Human-machine interfaces, Local area networks, Visualization, Sensors, Digital video discs, Microcontrollers, RF communications, Homeland security, Control systems
Recent security lapses within the Department of Energy laboratories prompted the establishment and implementation of additional procedures and training for operations involving classified removable electronic media (CREM) storage. In addition, the definition of CREM has been expanded and the number of CREM has increased significantly. Procedures now require that all CREM be inventoried and accounted for on a weekly basis. Weekly inventories consist of a physical comparison of each item against the reportable inventory listing. Securing and accounting for CREM is a continuous challenge for existing security systems. To address this challenge, an innovative framework, encompassing a suite of technologies, has been developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to monitor, track, and locate CREM in safes, vaults, and storage areas. This Automated Removable Media Observation and Reporting (ARMOR)framework, described in this paper, is an extension of an existing PNNL program, SecureSafe. The key attributes of systems built around the ARMOR framework include improved accountability, reduced risk of human error, improved accuracy and timeliness of inventory data, and reduced costs. ARMOR solutions require each CREM to be tagged with a unique electronically readable ID code. Inventory data is collected from tagged CREM at regular intervals and upon detection of an access event. Automated inventory collection and report generation eliminates the need for hand-written inventory sheets and allows electronic transfer of the collected inventory data to a modern electronic reporting system. An electronic log of CREM access events is maintained, providing enhanced accountability for daily/weekly checks, routine audits, and follow-up investigations.
The inspection of sealed containers is a critical task for personnel charged with enforcing government policies, maintaining public safety, and ensuring national security. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a portable, handheld acoustic inspection device (AID) that provides non-invasive container interrogation and material identification capabilities. The AID technology has been deployed worldwide and user’s are providing feedback and requesting additional capabilities and functionality. Recently, PNNL has developed a laboratory-based system for automated, ultrasonic characterization of fluids to support database development for the AID. Using pulse-echo ultrasound, ultrasonic pulses are launched into a container or bulk-solid commodity. The return echoes from these pulses are analyzed in terms of time-of-flight and frequency content (as a function of temperature) to extract physical property measurements (acoustic velocity and attenuation) of the material under test. These measured values are then compared to a tailored database of materials and fluids property data acquired using the Velocity-Attenuation Measurement System (VAMS). This bench-top platform acquires key ultrasonic property measurements as a function of temperature and frequency. This paper describes the technical basis for operation of the VAMS, recent enhancements to the measurement algorithms for both the VAMS and AID technologies, and new measurement data from laboratory testing and performance demonstration activities. Applications for homeland security and counterterrorism, law enforcement, drug-interdiction and fuel transportation compliance activities will be discussed.
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