Vehicle Scanning System SOWA
SOWA Was developed by the team of scientists, engineers, and designers working for NCBJ’s Particle Acceleration Physics & Technology Division. Its operation part is housed completely in a standardized shipping container that can be transported anywhere. Röntgen radiation is produced by the X-ray tube located on the roof of the container. In the floor and back walls of the container, a set of detectors is located. The system allows producing clear and readable picture showing the details of the scanned object up to a submillimetre scale. The scanned vehicle is moved automatically inside the container, so there is no radiation risk for the driver. The walls of the container act as protective shielding which makes the system safe for the personnel, driver, and any bystanders. The scanning takes about 2 minutes, the picture obtained may be analyzed on-line and immediately after the scanning. The important feature of the system is very good imaging of the chassis and sidewalls of the x-rayed vehicle.
The system may be used not only for the customs and excise controls but also for security checks and technical inspections. Thanks to high scanning precision even small, hidden objects, technical modifications, or damage may be easily found out. The system can be easily transported to a new border crossing, highway parking place, or entrance to the protected area.
SOWA sightseeing tour lasts about 45 minutes.