Imagine a high-tech electronic nose that can sniff out illegal drugs or explosives inside a shipping container without needing to open it. Instead of slow X-rays, it captures air samples and creates a unique chemical fingerprint to identify threats instantly. It's like a portable security scanner that tells customs officers exactly what's hidden inside in seconds.
Customs authorities can only inspect less than 5% of containers because current X-ray technology is too expensive and slow. This creates a massive security gap for illicit drugs and explosives trafficking.
A prototype portable vapour screener featuring a multi-detector differential mobility analyser (DMA) chip and a high-efficiency air sampling tool.
If you are a terminal operator dealing with slow cargo throughput due to manual inspections — this project developed a portable vapour screener that allows for rapid, non-intrusive checks. This reduces the time containers spend in the inspection zone.
If you are a customs agency dealing with the fact that less than 5% of containers are currently inspected — this project developed an affordable, portable detector that increases the volume of reliable on-site screenings.
If you are a hardware manufacturer dealing with the high cost and bulk of X-ray machines — this project developed a multi-detector differential mobility analyser (DMA) chip that can be integrated into portable screening devices.
Based on available project data, the specific unit price is not mentioned, but the objective is to create an 'affordable' alternative to expensive X-ray screening.
Yes, the project is designed to be validated in the operational environment of four customs administrations across the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Ireland.
Based on available project data, the project is developing a new concept of a multi-detector differential mobility analyser (DMA) and a new chip, but specific licensing terms are not provided.
It is designed as a portable, non-intrusive tool for on-site inspections, aiming to replace or supplement time-consuming X-ray processes.
The project period runs from 2023-10-01 to 2027-03-31, with the goal of reaching TRL7 by the end of the term.
The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, consisting of 12 partners across 5 countries. With a 25% industry ratio (3 industrial partners and 2 SMEs), the project blends academic research with commercial application. The inclusion of 4 customs administrations ensures that the product is developed according to real-world operational requirements and has a direct path to end-user validation.
Contact VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK N.V. in Belgium
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for the DMA chip technology.
