PASSPASS - Frequently Asked Questions1. What materials can PASS identify? PASS can be used to identify most contained liquids. Examples include: water based products (beverages, cleaning materials), petroleum based products (oils, fuels), and certain liquefied gasses (propane). Additionally, PASS can identify certain bulk solids, such as various metals. 2. How does PASS work? When placed against the side of a liquid filled container, PASS transmits an ultrasonic pulse. This pulse passes through the container wall, through the material inside, echoes off the far wall, and then returns. Using the return echo, PASS calculates the velocity of the ultrasonic pulse. |
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3. What is the PASS database?
PASS software contains a database of materials. When a container is inspected, the software compares the measured velocity with the velocity values in the database. If there is a match, the name of the material is displayed. If there is not a match, a numerical value is displayed along with materials having similar values.
4. What types of containers can PASS inspect?
PASS can inspect containers of various sizes and materials, including metal, plastic, and glass. Size limitations are based on both the container and the liquid inside but the general guideline is 6 to 96 inches. For information on containers outside this range, please contact Spearhead Innovations with more information on the container and material being inspected.
5. How sensitive is PASS in distinguishing materials? How close can they be and still be identified as different?
PASS technology is capable of being extremely accurate. It is very rare that two materials have the exact same database values. However, in the field, there are factors that induce error. For example, if a user is 10% off in their measurement of the container, this error will affect the accuracy of the inspection results. Here are 2 examples of similar materials we are able to distinguish in the field: coke/diet coke & gasoline/diesel. If there are specific materials you wish to differentiate, we would be happy to provide more information.
6. Is PASS safe? Will it damage materials that are inspected?
PASS outputs a very low amount of energy and should not cause any physical damage to objects. A hazard analysis of PASS was performed by Edgewood Research, Development and Engineering Center (ERDEC) of the US Army Chemical and Biological Defense Command. This analysis determined that PASS does not pose a threat to operator safety. As with all electronic devices, PASS has its intended use. Spearhead Innovations cannot make statements about the safety of PASS when used outside of its intended use.
7. Is there a commercially available list of materials that PASS can identify?
Yes - A list of the materials in the current commercial PASS database is available upon request. This database is under constant review based on our research and customer input. Additionally, Spearhead Innovations can create customized databases in response to specific needs. If PASS is used to inspect a material that is not in the database, it will still display a valid reading. The difference is that it will not identify the material by name.
8. Is there a non-portable version of PASS available - a sentry type system for checking hand carried liquids at large public events and/or public facilities such as airports, train stations, and sporting events?
Yes, our HILDA product provides this capability. Information on HILDA is available here.
9. Is Spearhead Innovations the only known vendor for this type of technology?
Yes - PASS is the only hand-held portable device that uses ultrasonic waves to identify liquids in sealed containers. There are other devices that use ultrasound (i.e. sonar, sonograms) but none with all the same capabilities as PASS. Sole source investigations have been conducted by both the US and Canadian governments and PASS has been found to be unique.