Next Generation Security screening
The Problem
Rapiscan Systems is a subsidiary of US$500m turnover OSI Systems Inc. OSI specialise in electronic, security and monitoring systems for the healthcare, security and optoelectronics market.
Rapiscan were developing a next generation airport security screening system. They were looking for a key development partner to help project manage and deliver a small number of full size prototypes within demanding timescales.
The Challenge
The initial challenge was delivering very high precision cleaning capability as the security screening equipment requires to be operated at high vacuum pressures.
Beyond this there was a need to put together a multi-disciplinary team of experts to enable the prototypes to be delivered within the tight timescales required by Rapiscan.
The Solution
The high precision cleaning capability exists through the SuperClean facility at Daresbury Laboratory. This is one of the few UK facilities that is legally compliant to use the high performance trichloroethane-based technology.
The Science & Technology Facilities Council that operates the laboratory at Daresbury as well as its sister laboratory at Harwell, was able to bring together the necessary team of experts. This covered the areas of advanced engineering & prototyping, instrumentation, control systems and fabrication which were specifically required to deliver this project.
In addition Rapiscan were able to both recruit skilled engineering graduates and access additional R&D expertise through another Campus stakeholder, the University of Manchester.
Finally some core software and electronics technologies required for the project were sourced through existing companies in the Daresbury Innovation Centre.
The Benefits
- Rapid delivery of project to required timescales
- Assembly of wide variety of R&D and advanced prototyping expertise through a single organisation
- Capability to bring in additional skills & technologies through other Campus stakeholders and partners
