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What is the metal detector at the airport called?
Walkthrough metal detectors operate based on the principles of electromagnetic induction. As a person walks through the archway, the detector emits a low-frequency electromagnetic field. When the field encounters a metallic object, it generates disturbances, altering the electromagnetic pattern. The detector’s sensors detect these disruptions and trigger an alarm, alerting security personnel to the presence of a potential threat.
Not All Walkthrough Metal Detectors Are Equal
Colloquially, they are referred to as airport metal detectors but this actually can refer to two different devices, each with their own names.
The first is the smaller handheld airport metal scanner which is used to do more targeted sweeps along a target’s body. These are also called search wands, security wands, metal detector wands as well as other names.
The second is the larger, walkthrough metal detector which is shaped like a gate and requires the target to pass through in order for any masses of metal to be detected. These devices have many names including knife arch, walkthrough metal detector, metal detector gate and more.
How do metal detectors work in an airport?
Airport metal detectors work by leveraging the principles of electromagnetism to identify the presence of metal objects on individuals passing through them. These detectors typically consist of a large, gate-like frame equipped with coils of wire. When an electric current passes through these coils, it generates an electromagnetic field that permeates the passage area. This field remains stable until a conductive object, such as metal, disrupts it.
As passengers walk through the metal detector, any metal items they carry alter the electromagnetic field. This disturbance occurs because metal objects generate their own secondary electromagnetic fields when exposed to the primary field of the detector. The detector’s control unit monitors these changes, analyzing the shifts in the electromagnetic field.
If the disruption exceeds a certain threshold, it indicates the presence of a significant metal object, triggering an alarm. This alarm can be either an audible sound or a visual signal, alerting security personnel to the potential threat.
To enhance accuracy, the sensitivity of the metal detector can be adjusted. This adjustment allows the system to differentiate between various sizes and types of metal objects. For instance, higher sensitivity settings enable the detection of smaller metal items, such as coins or keys, while lower settings help avoid false alarms from such harmless objects.
When a walk-through detector signals an alert, security staff may use hand-held metal detectors for a more detailed inspection. These portable devices allow officers to manually scan specific areas of a person’s body or their belongings, pinpointing the exact location of the metal. This additional layer of screening ensures thoroughness and accuracy, helping maintain airport security by preventing the transportation of dangerous items onto aircraft.
Are airport metal detectors safe?
Yes, airport metal detectors are considered safe for all passengers, including those with medical devices, pregnant individuals, and frequent flyers. These devices operate using low-frequency electromagnetic fields, which are non-ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms or molecules, meaning it does not cause ionization in human tissue. This type of electromagnetic field is generally considered harmless to human health, making metal detectors safe for routine use.
For individuals with medical devices such as pacemakers, it is safe to pass through airport metal detectors. The low-frequency electromagnetic fields used by these devices are designed to not interfere with medical implants. However, it is recommended that individuals inform security personnel about their implants before undergoing screening.
This allows security staff to take appropriate measures, such as using a handheld metal detector or conducting a manual pat-down, to ensure the process is smooth and without interference with medical devices.
Pregnant passengers can also safely pass through airport metal detectors. The electromagnetic fields produced by these detectors do not pose any risk to either the mother or the developing fetus. Nevertheless, if there are any concerns, pregnant individuals can request an alternative screening method, such as a physical pat-down by a security officer. This alternative method is readily available and ensures the safety and comfort of the passenger.
Are body scanners different from airport metal detectors?
Yes, body scanners and metal detectors are different devices used for security screening. Metal detectors use electromagnetic fields to detect metal objects, while body scanners use millimeter-wave imaging to create a 3D image of the passenger’s body. This allows body scanners to detect both metallic and non-metallic objects hidden under clothing. Body scanners provide a more comprehensive security check but also raise more privacy concerns compared to metal detectors.
Are there differences between airport metal detectors and normal knife arches?
At a general level, they are the same machines. The difference between airport metal detectors and normal knife arches will come in their certification. While they may not function much differently, in order to be used as an airport you must have the relevant certification for the country in which the airport lies.
The most common is the US TSA certification along with Standard 2 ECAC. Other common airport metal detector certifications include STAC (France), AENA(Spain) and CJIAC(Japan).
Some airports may also have the requirement for non-aviation focused testing such as the NIJ standard.
Do airport metal detectors detect gold?
Yes, airport metal detectors can detect gold. Metal detectors work by creating an electromagnetic field and detecting disruptions caused by metallic objects. Since gold is a conductive metal, it can disrupt the electromagnetic field, causing the detector to signal an alert.
Gold, being a metal, is conductive and thus can be detected by metal detectors. The size and shape of the gold item affect its detectability. Larger gold objects, like jewelry or coins, are more likely to be detected than tiny particles or very thin sheets. Generally speaking, ferrous metals require a lower sensitivity to detect than non-ferrous metals.
Do airport metal detectors detect Aluminium?
Yes, airport metal detectors can detect aluminum. These detectors work by generating an electromagnetic field and identifying disruptions caused by metallic objects passing through. Aluminum, being a conductive metal, can disturb this field, thus triggering the detector.
Airport metal detectors, including both walk-through and handheld types, operate by producing a primary electromagnetic field. When a conductive object like aluminum enters this field, it generates a secondary electromagnetic field. The detector senses this disruption and, if the signal is strong enough, an alarm will sound, indicating the presence of metal.
Aluminum’s conductive properties make it detectable by metal detectors. Common items that contain aluminum, such as foil wrappers, cans, and certain electronic devices, can set off these detectors. Even small quantities of aluminum foil can be detected because thin sheets of aluminum are conductive enough to interfere with the electromagnetic field.
Do airport metal detectors detect Titanium?
Yes, airport metal detectors can detect titanium. As mentioned above, it is the conductivity of the metal that causes the disruptions that are detected by the device. Titanium is a good conductor which would cause sufficient distortions.
What are some well know airport metal scanner brands?
The most common brands for airport metal detectors globally are:
Garrett Metal Detectors – manufacturer of metal detection equipment, known for producing the Super Scanner V and PD6500i, they are the most widely used airport metal detectors in the world. Founded in 1964 by Charles and Eleanor Garrett, the company is headquartered in Garland, Texas, USA.
CEIA – manufacturer of the popular PD series of Handehlds and SMD series of walkthrough airport metal detectors. Founded in Italy in 1962, CEIA (Costruzioni Elettroniche Industriali Automatismi) they moved in to security metal detectors in the 1980s and have become second most widely used brand of airport metal detectors.
Rapiscan Systems – while not as widely adopted as the other to, Rapiscan do have a prescence within the airport metal scanner market. Founded in 1993, Rapiscan Systems is a subsidiary of OSI Systems, Inc., a diversified global developer, manufacturer, and seller of security and inspection systems, medical monitoring and diagnostics systems, and optoelectronic devices.
Other walkthrough metal detector brands that might not have the same level of specific certification for airports are:
RISK Metal Detectors – a UK-based brand specializing in portable walkthrough metal detectors like the RISK P1 and fixed position knife arches like the RISK W2.
L3 Security & Detection Systems – is a division of L3Harris Technologies, a global aerospace and defense company. L3 SDS specializes in producing a range of security equipment.
HIK Vision – a global provider of security cameras who have a range of metal detectors as well. The company is headquartered in Hangzhou, China.
