Smiths Detection (Watford, UK) has been awarded a €19m contract with the Italian customs agency to supply high-energy x-ray cargo scanners for deployment at six major ports including Naples, Genoa and Bari.

The HCVG inspection systems, which can detect contraband, narcotics and weapons, will also be used for confirming cargo details to ensure customs and excise duty and trade taxes are in order.

Able to inspect up to 20 containers, trucks or vans an hour, the gantry-mounted scanners can penetrate steel 330mm thick. Once a detailed X-ray image of a load has been acquired in a single scan, it can be analyzed by the company's viZual imaging software to discriminate between organic and inorganic material.

Smiths Detection offers security systems for both civil and military markets. It is part of Smiths Group which employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.

Related articles from Vision Systems Design.

1. Imager improves security screening

Scientists at Manchester University (Manchester, UK) have developed a hyperspectral x-ray camera based on an 80 x 80 pixel cadmium zinc telluride imager that could improve security screening at airports.

2. Baggage screening collaboration

Engineers at 3DX-RAY (Barrow-upon-Soar, UK) have collaborated with researchers at University College London (UCL; London, UK) to deliver a proof of principle system that could be used as the first line of defense in checked baggage screening.

-- Dave Wilson, Senior Editor, Vision Systems Design