SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING PARTICLES

Abstract

A method of detecting particles during inspection is provided. The method includes establishing a security checkpoint including a detection system, wherein the detection system includes a chamber defining a passage and includes a plurality of jets. The method also includes passing an individual through the passage, enhancing a convection plume including particles from the individual by blowing air through at least one of the plurality of jets, and absorbing the particles in a preconcentrator including a filter encased in a frame having a high thermal conductivity. Moreover, the method includes evaporating the particles absorbed in the preconcentrator and using a detector to determine whether the particles are from at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a detection system.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a preconcentrator of the detection system.

FIG. 3 is another isometric view of the preconcentrator.

FIG. 4 is yet another isometric view of the preconcentrator.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the preconcentrator.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the preconcentrator.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of a screen of the preconcentrator.

FIG. 8 is shows a top view of an embodiment of preconcentrator.

Claims

1. A method of detecting particles during inspection, said method comprising: establishing a security checkpoint including a detection system, the detection system comprising a chamber defining a passage and including a plurality of jets;passing an individual through the passage and enhancing a convection plume including particles from the individual by blowing air through at least one of the plurality of jets;absorbing the particles in a preconcentrator comprising a filter encased in a frame having a high thermal conductivity; andevaporating the particles absorbed in the preconcentrator; andusing a detector to determine whether the particles are from at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the frame has at least four sides that define an opening.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2, wherein the filter is one of a plurality of conducting mediums and a metal weave and wherein the filter is positioned in the opening of the frame and secured to the frame.

4. A method in accordance with claim 3, wherein at least one of each of the at least four sides of the frame is bent about a corresponding side of the filter.

5. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of evaporating the particles from the preconcentrator comprises: inserting the preconcentrator in a desorber; andapplying heat to the preconcentrator.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the frame facilitates the step of evaporating the particles and increases at least one of the detection system's sensitivity and throughput.

7. A method of manufacturing a preconcentrator configured to decrease desorption time, the method comprising: forming a frame having four sides that define an opening;positioning a filter over the opening in the frame; andbending each of the four sides of the frame about a corresponding side of the filter, wherein the frame has a high thermal conductivity.

8. A method in accordance with claim 7 wherein the filter is one of a plurality of conducting mediums and a metal weave.

9. A method in accordance with claim 7 wherein the preconcentrator receives a convection plume.

10. A system for detecting particles, said system comprising: a chamber, a plurality of jets, a preconcentrator, a detector, and a controller;wherein said chamber includes a passage;wherein said controller is configured to determine whether an individual is positioned within the passage; andwherein said plurality of jets is positioned within said chamber and configured such that at least one of said plurality of jets blows air on an individual within the passage to enhance a convection plume including particles from the individual, wherein the preconcentrator includes a filter encased within a thermally conductive plate, wherein the filter is configured to absorb the particles and wherein the detector is configured to determine whether the particles are at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance.

11. A system in accordance with claim 10 wherein the filter is at least one of a plurality of conducting mediums and a metal weave.

12. A system in accordance with claim 10 further comprising: a desorber configured to heat the preconcentrator and evaporate the particles to the detector.

13. A system in accordance with claim 10 wherein the preconcentrator is configured to receive the convection plume.

14. An apparatus for detecting particles during inspection, said apparatus comprising: a preconcentrator configured to decrease desorption time, wherein the preconcentrator comprises a filter encased by a thermally conductive frame.

15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein the filter is configured to collect particles from a convection plume associated with an individual.

16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 15, wherein the particles are from at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance.

17. An apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein the preconcentrator is configured to operably couple to a desorber.

18. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein the conducting frame has at least four sides that define an opening.

19. A method in accordance with claim 18, wherein the filter is one of a plurality of conducting mediums and a metal weave and wherein the filter is positioned in the opening of the frame and secured to the frame.

20. A method in accordance with claim 19, wherein at least one of each of the at least four sides of the conducting frame is bent about a corresponding side of the filter.