Scanner discriminates between dangerous, safe liquids.

• Position: Defense Technology Newswire

For those who have had their toothpaste or shampoo confiscated by agents at an airport security checkpoint, help may be on the way.

Columbus, Ohio-based Battelle has developed liquid scanning technology that can determine the potential threat posed by contents in containers.

The LS10 Liquid Scanner has dual sensing modalities that detect flammables, acids and explosive liquids and gels inside sealed or unopened glass, plastic, metal, paper and ceramic containers.

The device has its detection technology located under a tray and on two arms controlled by a lever. Operators press a screen to cue the system for the kind of container being scanned, be it a glass, plastic or a tube. Any item can be scanned within 10 seconds.

The machine lets...