An automated detection system for large vehicle-bombs

The Large Vehicle-Bomb Detection System (LVBDS), an automated drive-through system capable of detecting and identifying several explosive and taggant materials, is described. LVBDS is a fully automatic system, integrating trace chemical explosives detection with access control and video monitoring components to assist in the identification of a vehicle and driver. Although it is readily adaptable to vehicles of any size, the system presented is capable of handling vehicle sizes ranging from small compacts to full-sized vans. The sampling arch automatically self adjusts to accommodate each specific subject vehicle. An integration processor controls system operation via a touch-screen user interface showing animated progress of the full sampling cycle. An active sampling method that combines vacuum sample collection with a unique application of ionizing air knives is employed. This combination lifts and directs traces of entrained solid explosives and vapors to the detector collection manifolds. The sample collection and detector sampling airflow rates and the air knife ionized airflow have been optimized to ensure maximum sensitivity. The overall vehicle processing time is less than one minute, including sample acquisition and analysis. The trace chemical detectors that are used incorporate IDS's proprietary Gas Chromatography: Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS/sup TM/) technology as well as an automated sample pre-concentration system. This allows the system to be used in enhanced detection modes where multiple sampling passes, passive and active, can be made with concurrent sample collection and analysis.