COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 20, 2012)—Could the ban on carrying bottles of liquid through airport security become a thing of the past? Not yet, but a new liquid scanning technology could bring air travelers one step closer. At the very least, it adds an extra layer of safety and security by quickly scanning containers and determining the threat potential of the contents. View video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICjSJGVu14M

The innovative technology, called the LS10 Liquid Scanner, received one of the coveted R&D 100 Awards from R&D Magazine, which bestows the awards in recognition of the most significant scientific accomplishments for 2011. Known as the “Oscars of Innovation” in the world of science and technology, Battelle and the national labs where Battelle has a management role for the U.S. Department of Energy received a total of 21 awards bringing the historical tally to 281.

The LS10 is one of the most advanced bottle liquid scanners in the world. It employs dual sensing modalities to detect threat flammables, acids, and explosive liquids and gels within sealed or unopened glass, plastic, metal, paper, and ceramic containers whether clear or opaque. This leading edge scanning device integrates the use of Radio Frequency (RF) and ultrasonic technology to non-invasively interrogate liquids and gels in containers. The LS10 distinguishes threat liquids and gels from benign substances, and alerts security personnel of suspicious contents quickly and accurately. Ease of operation of the LS10 allows for its use in varied security venues. For security check points, this new technology enables more efficient processing of liquids with high detection success and low false alarm rates.

The liquid scanner is the second product from Battelle’s threat detection business to win an R&D 100 Award. A 2010 winner, the Resource Effective Biodentification System, or REBS, is a system that provides a rapid and flexible microbial detection, identification and enumeration capability.

The LS10 was developed in cooperation with Sellex International, which is responsible for marketing and distributing the LS10 globally in partnership with Battelle. LS10 production systems have already been manufactured by Battelle at its specialty manufacturing facility in Dublin, Ohio. Battelle and Sellex International are working with the Transportation Security organizations worldwide including the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) to seek certification so that the LS10 can become an integral part of the international response to an ever-evolving international security problem. The LS10 has surpassed the ECAC Type B Standard 1 requirements and is in the process of seeking endorsement. Positive feedback continues to be received from the numerous international tests and evaluations undertaken by major security users.

“We’re proud to be recognized for the innovative work we carry out every day at Battelle and across several key national laboratories,” said Jeff Wadsworth, President and CEO of Battelle. “The LS10 Liquid Scanner is a perfect example of our ability to use science and technology to tackle real-world problems that impact people across the world.”

Awards won by the DOE laboratories where Battelle has a management role include:

• Oak Ridge National Laboratory: See details on its nine awards including two joint submissions at www.ornl.gov.
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: See details on its two awards at www.pnnl.gov.
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: See details on its five awards at www.llnl.gov.
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory: See details on its two awards at www.nrel.gov.
• Brookhaven National Laboratory: See details on its one award at www.bnl.gov.
• Idaho National Laboratory: See details on its one award at www.inl.gov.

As the world’s largest independent research and development organization, Battelle provides innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management; National Security; Health and Life Sciences; and Energy, Environment and Material Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $6.5 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle is responsible for 22,000 staff at more than 130 locations worldwide, including eight national laboratories: Seven labs sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, one lab by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and a nuclear energy lab in the United Kingdom.

Battelle also is one of the nation’s leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and economic impact and actively supporting and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.