Checking luggage at train stations and airports has become common and familiar to many people. The use of luggage scanners to inspect bags before boarding transportation or entering important areas helps security personnel quickly manage passengers’ belongings, preventing risks such as fires and explosions.
So, what is a luggage scanner? How does it work, and what are the common types? Let’s explore this product through the article below.
What is a Luggage Scanner?
A luggage scanner is an advanced technological device used today. Its purpose is to assist in detecting prohibited items. Thus, contraband items in suitcases such as (drugs, explosives, inorganic substances, etc.) cannot escape detection. It effectively prevents smuggling of goods and banned substances in a completely safe manner.
Luggage scanned at the airport.
How Airport Luggage Scanners Work
If you’ve ever wondered how airport luggage scanners work, airports use two different types of scanners. The first type is full-body scanners known as millimeter wave scanners, which create moving images similar to what we often see in movies.
Backscatter X-rays are designed to display hidden objects beneath clothing or luggage. They can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects, ranging from firearms to food and plastic items. Some airports no longer use backscatter scanners as they are considered invasive to privacy; however, they are still employed at major airports in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Types of Luggage Scanners
Airport Luggage Scanners
Airport luggage scanners operate using a small amount of X-ray radiation. This electromagnetic radiation helps to clearly see the items inside. They can scan the objects that need inspection and analyze the characteristics of the scanned items based on changes in the transmitted rays. Images are displayed on a computer to simulate and highlight dangerous items with color coding.
Handheld Luggage Scanners
Handheld luggage scanners are mostly similar to airport scanners but are primarily used to detect weapons or prohibited substances hidden in bags or vehicles.
The advantage of handheld luggage scanners is their compact size, making them convenient to carry and move around. Notably, these products are designed to be wireless and can be controlled remotely.
Checked Luggage Scanners
Like other luggage scanning products, it is essential to understand what checked luggage is and the considerations regarding the items within it.
Checked luggage refers to luggage that travels with you on the flight but is stored separately. This type of luggage typically consists of heavy and bulky items.
Checked luggage scanners will identify items that may pose a danger to the aircraft, such as fragile items, explosives, or prohibited weapons (e.g., guns, swords, ammunition, etc.).
Mini luggage scanners, also known as portable X-ray scanners, are designed to conduct security checks on various types of luggage and goods.
