'Electronic inspectors' to scan Bay Bridge containers

Non-intrusive radiation imaging was installed on Jan 22 to ensure rapid transit of cargo containers and vehicles through the Zhuhai border port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

The modern equipment will increase the efficiency and efficacy of customs clearance at the only passenger-cargo port directly connecting the Chinese mainland to both Hong Kong and Macao by highway, according to a customs officer.

The Zhuhai Border Checkpoint will open within a few months. The first round of scanner units, including high-energy X-ray machines, will be used to inspect both vehicles and goods crossing the border between Zhuhai and Macao or Hong Kong.

H986, a new container scanning system, was the first to be installed at the checkpoint. The system makes use of X-ray imaging along with electronic, computer, information processing, control, and precision machinery technologies to ensure a smooth and accurate transfer of information.

H986 inspection equipment [Photo by Zhao Zi/Zhuhai Daily]

The scanner's linear accelerator emits a swath of radiation through a collimator which is then detected by a bank of sensors. The sensors emit a digital signal that is processed by a series of electronics and image formation sub-system. The image determines if the goods inside match what is declared, and detects smuggled items difficult to see with the naked eye.

Gongbei Customs contributed four sets of H986 systems. They will be used to inspect inbound and outbound freight containers and passenger vehicles.

Next to be installed is a CS1000T automatic container/vehicle fast-scan system, according to an officer at Gongbei Customs. He said the technology will greatly improve the inspection process.