HazMat Systems Inc (HMSI), provider of security products for the chemical and transportation industries, has launched CASS (Chemical Acoustic Signature System). This non-intrusive chemical identification system quickly identifies and measures the contents of sealed containers without having to open them. CASS is intended to advance current methods for screening and sorting hazardous chemicals to support site security guidelines.
CASS uses a series of ultrasonic pulses to measure the acoustic signature of a liquid. The technology was developed by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, operated by Battelle Memorial Institute on behalf of the United States Department of Energy. More than 100 units have been sold to agencies such as the United Nations and the US Army, Air Force, Navy, Department of Transportation, and Customs.
As outlined by the American Chemistry Council, under the Responsible Care Security Code, chemical companies are required to conduct comprehensive security vulnerability assessments of their facilities, implement security enhancements, and obtain independent verification that those enhancements have been made. Implementing the Security Code under a strict timeline is mandatory for members of the American Chemistry Council and Responsible Care Partner companies.
Benefits of CASS include: quick examination of typical chemical containers (drums, barrels, pipelines, and tanker trucks); the ability to determine content without opening containers; ability to distinguish similar from dissimilar container contents; and the detection of hidden compartments and submerged contraband.
Powered by rechargeable batteries, CASS is the size of a hair dryer and is attached to a pocket PC handheld computer that contains a database of chemicals. CASS can identify contents in containers ranging in size from eight to 96 inches in diameter and has been known to detect the difference between Coke and Pepsi.
For more details, contact HMSI, Alexandria VA.