The project commenced in Summer 2011 when 3DX-Ray Ltd requested assistance updating and manufacturing their vehicle scanning system. CPS was selected on the basis of the many years of knowledge and experience in this arena that Barry Hill could bring to bear.
After conducting a thorough examination of the customer’s requirements and matching to the known and ‘under development’ capabilities of the SVXi, plans were laid to redesign the system and integrate new features. Manufacturers were found for the key components, designs were agreed and the performance characteristics established.
Manufacturing involved the overcoming the almost inevitable round of supply chain delays, interfacing issues and equipment malfunction and tested the whole team’s engineering talents for many months. Pulling the whole system together involved a lengthy suite of integration tests, during which time the SVXi was subjected to safety, EMC, environmental, operational and software testing – a process that required all of Barry’s skills to manage and motivate the team.
Additional SVXi system orders won by 3DX-Ray in the Spring of 2012 allowed the manufacturing and development process to continue apace and new customer requirements introduced further elements for wireless remote control. An interesting challenge in the safety-critical environment of x-ray scanning, but one that was overcome by the use of modern network linking technology and digital I/O control. Controlling the system from over 200m away was quite a novel experience!
The delivered SVXi small vehicle x-ray inspection system is a rapid deployment, mobile x-ray system that can be set up and operational in under fifteen minutes. With a self-propelled scan time of just 45 seconds for a car or van, high throughput can be achieved in a wide range of security applications such as Border Control, public events and conferences. The system can produce a detailed x-ray image of an entire vehicle (up to the size of a transit van) with resolutions below 1mm, increasing the probability of detection and reducing false alarms. Remote control scanning also makes it ideal for use when investigating suspect vehicles and EOD incidents.
Designed for maximum flexibility, the SVXi can be mounted on a wide range of transportation from sophisticated multi-terrain vehicles to low cost motorised trailers. 3DX-RAY's innovative system can be quickly deployed, operated and then moved on - producing the image without ever having to touch or move the suspect vehicle - crucial for a safe threat detection operation.
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For further information, please visit www.cambourneprojects.co.uk or www.3dx-ray.com
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