X-ray inspection system SENTINEL® CT

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Overview
The SENTINEL® CT checkpoint baggage inspection system by ScanTech is a 4th-generation platform that uses an automatic material discrimination process to generate multiple material-discrimination signatures for identifying substances and items of interest. Scanned baggage and articles are segmented into discrete areas of interest and analyzed with a CT-based 3D Ray-Trace Biopsy™ algorithm suite that produces color-coded, annunciated identifications and visible boundaries for detected threats. Operators can manipulate and enhance images on an Ultra-High Definition monitor to precisely locate threats for intervention.

Key Differentiation — Fixed-Gantry vs. Rotating-Gantry CT
Fixed-Gantry — Faster, More Durable, Lower TCO

• Fixed-Gantry CT scanners remain static while objects are processed on a conveyor belt
• Throughput is primarily limited by computing performance
• Operates on 120 VAC single-phase electrical service for wide compatibility
• Fixed-Gantry CT four-plane architecture provides high-definition 3D images
• Absence of rotational mechanics and fewer moving parts increases reliability and reduces maintenance

Rotating-Gantry — Slower, Higher Maintenance, Higher TCO

• Derived from medical systems developed in 1972
• Throughput is constrained; higher throughput requires increased rotational speeds
• High rotation may require floor reinforcement and can introduce data loss or safety risks
• Moving parts demand more downtime and higher maintenance costs

Sentinel Artificial Intelligence: How it Works
Virtual Sentinel, ScanTech’s proprietary AI application, generates synthetic data indistinguishable from real scans. Machine learning trains on both real and synthetic data to improve detection performance. Virtual Sentinel models replicate system architecture, parameters, and performance to support algorithm development and upgrades. Physics-based models and synthetic data produce representations of explosives, threats, opioids, concealment items, and other items of interest. Content segmentation and target-area selection are enhanced by AI-derived predictions.

Imaging & Operator Interface
Threatening and non-threatening items and materials are identified, color-coded, and annunciated on an Ultra-High Definition monitor. When a 3D biopsy indicates a potential threat, further biopsies validate signatures and create a visible colored boundary and alarm indicating threat type and location. Operators can manipulate and enhance images to pinpoint the location of threats or contraband.

Scanned Images
A carousel of SENTINEL® CT scanned images demonstrates material-discrimination views with multiple color and rendering modes, including inorganic, inverse, helium, and color-coded material-discrimination renderings.

Physical Specifications
TUNNEL DIMENSIONS
25.5 (W) x 16.75 (H) inches or 647.7 (W) x 425.45 (H) mm

OVERALL DIMENSIONS
131 (L) x 59 (W) x 65.3 (H) inches or 3327.4 (L) x 1498.6 (W) x 1658.62 (H) mm (max weight 4500 lbs or 2041 kg)

POWER REQUIREMENTS
120 or 240 VAC +10%/-15%; 50/60Hz; 3 kVA max (USA). Other international electrical requirements available.

CT Performance Specifications

• SCANNING VIEWS: Fixed-Gantry CT with four independent scanning planes yielding three dissection axes: Axis #1 – perpendicular to the belt; Axis #2 – off-angle down the belt viewed from entrance; Axis #3 – off-angle down the belt viewed from exit
• MATERIAL DISCRIMINATION: Automated material discrimination (color-coded and annunciated)
• PENETRATION: 35 mm of steel
• THROUGHPUT: 800+ bags/parcels per hour
• X-RAY GENERATORS: Four 80 to 170 kV X-ray monoblocks (hermetically sealed)

Applications
SENTINEL® CT systems are engineered for checkpoints in airports and other security environments that require automatic location, discrimination and identification of threat materials and items of interest. The platform is scalable for screening from small parcels and baggage to large cargo applications (the ALL SECURE® product line addresses heavy cargo using quad-energy 3–10 MeV generators).

Technical specifications

• Model / Denomination: SENTINEL® CT
• Manufacturer / Brand: ScanTech
• Tunnel dimensions: 25.5 in (W) x 16.75 in (H) (647.7 x 425.45 mm)
• Overall dimensions: 131 in (L) x 59 in (W) x 65.3 in (H) (3327.4 x 1498.6 x 1658.62 mm)
• Maximum payload weight: 4500 lbs (2041 kg)
• Power: 120 or 240 VAC ± tolerance; 50/60 Hz; up to 3 kVA (USA)
• Scanning architecture: Fixed-Gantry CT, four independent scanning planes, three dissection axes
• Material discrimination: Automated, color-coded, annunciated
• Penetration capability: 35 mm steel
• Throughput: 800+ bags/parcels per hour
• X-ray generators: Four 80–170 kV hermetically sealed monoblocks
• AI features: Virtual Sentinel synthetic data + physics-based models, CT-based 3D Ray-Trace Biopsy™ algorithms