A Guide to TSA Screening Methods,Cost Comparisions & Product Offerings

AIR CARGOSIMPLIFIED

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Section 1: Background

Since September 11, 2001, aviation security has become a headline topic around the world. We have all witnessed long security lines, stringent carry-on regulations, and notorious pat-down searches. Further, as part of the implementation of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has mandated new security measures on air cargo. The final August 2010 mandate requires 100% screening of airfreight at piece level on domestic and commercial aircrafts.

As the responsibility for screening air cargo ultimately fell to the airlines, the concern from the industry was that increased screening would create bottlenecks in the supply chain and impact commerce. In reponse to this concern, TSA has allowed airlines, as well as freight forwarders and third parties, to become Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSFs) to physically screen cargo using approved screening methods and technologies, essentially pushing the screening requirement further up in the supply chain. Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSF) must carry out a TSA approved security program and adhere to a strict chain of custody requirements. Cargo must be secured from the time it is screened until it is placed on passenger aircrafts for shipment.

X-ray, physical search, and Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) qualify as successfulscreening methods to meet the TSA requirements, however, experience and analysishas demonstrated that X-ray screening provides the most thorough primary screeningmethod over the long term.

Section 2: Methods of Screening Air Cargo

Physical Search – As the primary detection method, physical search requires each piece of cargo be opened and physically inspected for contraband. This process is labor intensive and requires a considerable amount of time to complete. Additionally, by having to open the cargo container, there is an added risk of damaging the contents. As a result of these limitations, physical search is the least efficient and least used method of screening cargo.

Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) – With this method, screening personnel swab the outside of the cargo and insert the swab into an ETD unit which tests the swab for potential explosive residue. ETD has a sizeable upfront cost, in addition to the ongoing purchase of consumables. Further, as the volume of cargo increases, so does the cost of consumables and the additional manpower required. The ETD method of swabbing is also impractical. Selecting the location to swab and the process itself does not guarantee accuracy. Additionally, certain organic materials release a vapor that causes an ETD to false alarm which renders the screening ineffective. Consequently, ETD screening is expensive and is labor-intensive adding costs to the cargo operation.

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X-Ray Inspection – This method requires a one-time purchase of an X-ray system thatgenerally requires two operators to screen parcels. X-ray imaging has the highestthroughput of any of the approved methods of screening, as one system can screen upto 480 pallets or 4800 small and medium size boxes a day. X-ray inspection representsthe best overall value for facilities looking to get maximum efficiency from theirequipment.

Cost Comparison – The following graphs show a detailed cost estimate comparing the 3 main methods of detection. The first two graphs depict TSA Capacity B machines and the second two depict TSA Capacity C:

Cost Comparison – TSA Capacity B

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Cost Comparison – TSA Capacity C

The graphs above show that physical search is the least feasible method for screening cargo. Likewise, ETD is not an effective long-term solution. In comparison, X-ray systems only require two operators to run, no matter the amount of cargo, and require no consumables. Ultimately, as pallet screening increases for both TSA Capacity B and C, X-ray inspection consistently remains the least expensive screening method. While the X-ray start-up cost may be slightly more than the start-up cost of an ETD, the long- term cost of an X-ray system is far less and the benefits are far more.

Section 3: Three Key Factors in Selecting your Cargo System

At Astrophysics, it is our mission to simplify air cargo screening. With this in mind, we have highlighted three key factors you should consider when selecting your cargo system: tunnel size, dual view vs. single view, and X-ray energy level .

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Tunnel Size – When selecting the system tunnel size best suited for your facility, it is important to consider the size of the objects and cargo most often screened. The Astrophysics product range covers all three TSA capacities, ranging from small to medium-sized boxes, crates, shipping containers and large pallets. Tunnel sizes range from 58.4 cm x 78.3 cm to 180.3 cm x 190 cm.

Dual View (DV) – It is a growing practice in the cargo industry to utilize dual view X-ray systems over single view. Dual view systems give operators simultaneous, side-by-side views of the cargo being screened from two different angles (downward and sideways) to eliminate the need to screen cargo twice in order to get a complete view of the screened object. This eliminates the extra time spent screening a pallet, rotating it 90 degrees, then screening it again, as is common with single view systems.

X-ray Energy Level – Depending on the objects screened and their respectivedensities, increased X-ray energy may be necessary to ensure object penetration. If thedensity of the cargo is impenetrable, it will be opaque on the image screen and requireadditional screening measures taking up time and resources. Astrophysics offers X-rayenergy at the 180kV, 200kV or 320kV levels. The penetration chart below shows acomparison of 180kV, 200kV and 320kV energy levels and how effective they are onsteel, water, watermelon and ice:

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Section 4: Product Offerings

To support the need for quick and effective cargo screening, Astrophysics has 19 XIS systems that are fully qualified by TSA and are on its Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL).

Astrophysics provides a diverse, flexible and easily customizeable product line to fit the needs of every cargo facility and individual customer. Our engineers and scientists work hard to provide economical X-ray screening solutions and can design features tailored to suit the special needs of various applications.

Below are charts that feature some of our most popular systems in each TSA Capacity range (A, B, C):

Small Baggage / Parcel (TSA capacity: A)

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Large Baggage / Parcel (TSA capacity: B)

Pallet & Cargo (TSA capacity: C)

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Section 5: The Future of Air Cargo

On February 11, 2011, Astrophysics Inc. was awarded a multi-million dollar contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate for the projected 24-month development of a Multi-View and Computed Tomography Capable (MVCTC) air cargo pallet inspection system.

Astrophysics will be the first to introduce this revolutionary product, featuring high resolution multi-view linescan imaging as well as 3D computed tomography (CT), in other words, computer-aided reconstruction of an entire pallet or any given threat region. The system will provide a full range of multi-view and CT image tools along with advanced, automated technology to discriminate against potential threats.

The creation of the MVCTC system will enhance precise penetration when screening high density materials and provide a highly effective next generation solution.

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Section 6: Conclusions and Contacts

Ultimately, while there are a number of detection methods on the market, more and more airports, airlines and CCSFs are choosing to utilize X-ray inspection as their first line of defense against illegal and dangerous materials for their ease of use, speed, efficiency and long-term cost effectiveness.

If you need any additional information about TSA regulations, which X-ray system is best for you and your facility, or have a product inquiry, please visit our website at

www.astrophysicsinc.com, email our Astrophysics Sales Team at sales@astrophysicsinc.com or call (909) 598-5488. Thank you.