Electromagnetic scanner detects threat liquids without taking the lid off

Without going through the hassle of removing bottle-tops, staff at security checkpoints are unable to see the difference between a bottle of drinking water and a potential molotov cocktail - the solution has commonly been to prevent people from passing through checkpoints with bottles. Now there's a device that can instantly detect whether a bottle contains a potential threat liquid without taking the top off. The Senicon is already in use in Japan's Kansai International Airport - and it's currently under review by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for use in airports and other areas under threat of terrorist attacks.

Sellex International recently announced the availability of the Sencion threat liquids detector, which uses electro-magnetic wavelengths to instantaneously detect threat liquids (flammable or explosive liquids) contained in glass or plastic bottles. As airports deal with large numbers of people every day, the need for technology that screens every passenger, has no additional impact on security line wait time and also allows passengers comfort and peace of mind becomes more apparent.

"Flying today has become a hassle -- luggage checks, carry-on exclusions and invasive personal searches. Though necessary, the process certainly is not comfortable or convenient for travelers," said Jerry Sellman, president and CEO of Sellex International, the company behind the development of the Sencion device. "The Sencion gives travelers back some comfort and control. The ability to carry the drink of your choice through a security checkpoint instead of having to spend extra money on a limited selection of beverages available in the secured areas is a convenience that makes for one less hassle. And most importantly, we can provide this convenience without sacrificing security."

The Sencion permits people to safely and conveniently carry drinks and other approved liquids through security checkpoints. Such liquids include water, sodas, juices, baby formulas, protein drinks and the like; certain hygiene products, such as shampoo; most liquid medicines; and alcoholic beverages generally purchased in Duty-free shops. The Sencion's instantaneous detection capability can screen all passengers' permitted drink bottles and accommodate even the busiest flow of traffic in any of the nation's airports without increasing wait times.

The Sencion threat liquids detector has been successfully incorporated in the passenger screening process in parts of Asia since August 2004, and is currently helping to protect the more than 15 million passengers that pass through the Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan each year.

The Department of Homeland Security is currently reviewing the Sencion as an immediate solution for American airports. After the discovery of a plot to blow up American airliners traveling from the United Kingdom to the U.S. in August 2006, the Department of Homeland Security made a worldwide request for technology that could meet the immediate need for threat liquid detection capabilities at airports and other mass transit facilities. Sellex International responded to the request by the Department of Homeland Security, submitting the Sencion threat liquids detector as a proven and viable solution.

"The Department of Homeland Security and the TSA [Transportation Security Administration] have been instrumental in ensuring the highest security measures are available for airline passengers," Sellman said. "We believe the Sencion is the only threat liquid detection device that addresses all of the department's security concerns and is ready for immediate deployment in airports nationwide."