ACCIS

Automatic Cargo Container Inspection System

The ability to detect dangerous materials in cargo, such as explosives or nuclear material, is becoming increasingly important. The aim of the ACCIS collaborative project is to assemble a demonstration system for the automatic detection of explosives and radioactive material for medium-sized cargo (e.g. air cargo containers). Within the framework of this project, the basic components for an innovative inspection system will be investigated and tested on a laboratory scale.

To this end, an innovative screening method will be investigated and tested. The method is based on a combination of high-resolution neutron resonance and gamma radiography. This process combination offers two basic advantages: the evaluation can be carried out automatically, and a wide variety of substances can be safely and reliably detected, including plastic explosives, for example. The appllicability of such a technology at airports or border crossings is assessed, considering the legal framework as well as the acceptability and acceptance of the procedure.

HFC as a subcontractor takes care of the accompanying human factors research as well as the verification of task adequacy and acceptance.

The project is supported for 3 years by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of the high-tech strategy. It is a civil safety-research project and collaboration between Germany and Israel.

Project partners

• The Federal Institute of Physics and Metrology (PTB), Braunschweig (Project-Coordinator)
• Federal Institute for Materials Research, Berlin
• University of Technology, Berlin
• RoentDek GmbH, Kelkheim
• RI Research Instruments, Bergisch-Gladbach

Cooperation partners

• Soreq NRC, Yavne (IL)
• Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot (IL)
• Israel Police Bomb Disposal Division, Jerusalem (IL) (associated)

(Image source: PTB Braunschweig)