A British technology innovation firm, which is led by Indian engineer Arnab Basu, has got the European Union clearance for its new colour X-ray technology that detects dangerous liquids.
The scanner has been developed by Sedgefield-based firm Kromek, which has received certification from the European Civil Aviation Conference for its Kromek Bottle Scanner. The scanner, which classifies liquids in under 30 seconds, uses an X-ray beam through a liquid to detect its unique “spectral signature” to distinguish between harmless liquids and potential explosives like hydrogen peroxide.
This will now pave way for the ban on liquids at British and European airports to be lifted soon. The ban is expected to be lifted partially by April 2011 on liquid items bought in transit, and by April 2013 the ban is expected to be lifted completely, allowing the carriage of liquids on flights across Europe.
Airports in the UK and Europe have stringent rules on taking liquids on planes. Passengers in Britain are not allowed to carry liquids in containers with a capacity no greater than 100ml. The ban was imposed in 2006 on carrying liquids in hand baggage.
“It’s a significant milestone for Kromek as the approved listing is vindication that colour x-ray detection has been proven,” said Dr Basu, Kromek’s chief operating officer, who has a doctorate in physics from Durham University. Kromek was formed in April 2003 to commercialise technology which had been developed in the physics department of Durham University over a period of some 20 years.
“The next generation of X-ray technology has arrived, with a market ready machine that can detect liquid threats,” Dr Basu, who has specialised in semiconducting sensor materials, added.
The technology has been likened to the advent of colour TV, from black and white, in terms of significance and market potential.
“To be named by EU regulators as an authorised provider of a revolutionary solution to one of the greatest threats to civil aviation currently is a major moment in Kromek’s history,” Dr Basu added.