Battelle, Sellex Liquid Bottle Scanning Technology to Be Deployed at London's Heathrow Airport

COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwired - Oct 15, 2013) - Air travelers in Great Britain will soon notice a new technology used in security screening lines that will allow them to bring liquids on airplanes.

The LS10 liquid bottle scanner, developed, produced and marketed by Battelle and Sellex, is a powerful screening technology that scans liquids, aerosols and gels in almost any container for threats such as explosives.

Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) recently purchased the LS10 for use in its terminals at London Heathrow Airport in addition to Aberdeen, Glasgow International and Southhampton Airports. HAL selected the LS10 after an extensive trial evaluation period conducted in early 2013.

A number of Airports in Scandinavia have also purchased the LS10 for screening LAGS (liquids, aerosols and gels) at security checkpoints. Click here to view a video of the technology in action.

In January, the European Union will begin permitting a limited category of liquids, aerosols and gels under a phased implementation to be carried onto airplanes, making the safe, quick scanning of such materials crucial to airline security and passenger-flow through checkpoints.

The innovative technology received one of the coveted R&D 100 Awards from R&D Magazine, which bestows the awards in recognition of the most significant scientific accomplishments for 2011. The LS10 is one of the most advanced bottle liquid scanners in the world, employing dual sensing modalities to detect threat flammables, acids, and explosive liquids, aerosols and gels within sealed or unopened glass, plastic, metal, paper, and ceramic containers whether clear or opaque.

"The ability to scan such a wide array of containers -- and to do so in a very small, compact size -- is what sets us apart," said Mike Janus, Critical Infrastructure general manager for Battelle National Security. "We've been able to successfully scan everything from toothpaste tubes to a treasured set of porcelain cows filled with liquor purchased in a duty-free shop."

This leading edge scanning device integrates the use of Radio Frequency (RF) and ultrasonic technology to non-invasively interrogate liquids, aerosols and gels in containers. The LS10 distinguishes threat liquids, aerosols and gels from benign substances, and alerts security personnel of suspicious contents quickly and accurately. Ease of operation of the LS10 allows for its use in varied security venues. For security checkpoints, this new technology enables more efficient processing of containers with high detection success and low false alarm rates.

The instruments are manufactured at Battelle's advanced manufacturing facility in Dublin, Ohio with European service and distribution support provided by Advanced Fiber Products, Ltd.

About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org. 

About Sellex International
Sellex International, a recognized small business, is a market and product development company primarily focused on developing, marketing and distributing products into niche international markets. When an international ban on carrying liquids was implemented in 2005, Sellex began the process of developing a product to address the need for threat liquid detection. This eventually led to the business relationship between Sellex and Battelle.

About Advanced Fiber Products Ltd (AFP Ltd)
AFP Ltd is the primary distribution partner of the LS10 in Europe, providing local Sales, Account Management, Project Management, Installation and Maintenance & Support services to users of the LS10 throughout Europe. Based just outside Cambridge UK and with a 25 year pedigree of supplying into Regulated Markets. AFP Ltd brings real, tangible value to the LS10 supply chain and LS10 users throughout Europe.