Virginia-based HazMat Systems, Inc. (HMSI) introduced a new hazmat security system called CASS--Chemical Acoustic Signature System. CASS is a non-intrusive chemical ID system that quickly identifies and measures the contents of sealed containers without having to open them.
HMSI said CASS uses a series of ultrasonic pulses to measure the acoustic signature of a liquid to allow for the quick examination of chemical containers (drums, barrels, pipelines and tanker trucks) to determine their content without opening them.
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. and can identify contents in containers ranging in size from eight to 96 inches in diameter.
The technology was developed by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which is operated by Battelle Memorial Institute on behalf of the Dept. of Energy. It is being used by the United Nations, the U.S. armed forces and the Dept. of Transportation.
