The challenge
With impending regulation change and existing LEDS equipment approaching end of life, Heathrow asked o&i consulting to provide expert support in the procurement process for new systems.
The airport operator wished to replace the three liquids screening machine types currently in use with a single Type B LEDS which can screen LAGs of any (reasonable) size, including those less than 100ml, in containers made of any material. o&i consulting was commissioned to evaluate the operational performance of the three ECAC-certified and DfT-approved systems and therefore assist with the final selection process for appropriate replacement equipment for Heathrow.
Our role
To help Heathrow fully understand the operational performance of each LEDS equipment type, o&i consulting completed a series of offline tests and a live trial over a number of weeks on a passenger search lane equipped with a CT scanner (which was used for primary LAGs screening). The purpose of the tests and trials was to assess the False Alarm Rate (FAR) of each piece of equipment, usability from the perspective of security officers, and reliability and maintainability of the machines from an engineering viewpoint. This information also enabled us to assist the client in developing an understanding of the full life cost of ownership of each product.
In addition to offline testing, a live operational pilot was also necessary to provide a ‘real life’ view of the performance of each of the three machines. This pilot enabled data to be gathered on performance using a real world flow of LAGs, accounting for the impact of item types which typically fail screening on the primary CT machine, varying container fill levels and the different proportions of LAG types carried by passengers.
To ensure comprehensive feedback to the client, our methodology included an impact assessment on aTiX lanes and a staff search area, a feedback survey from security officers and managers, fault recording and engineering ‘teardown’ sessions. Over 1,100 individual LAGs were tested during the offline tests and the live operational pilot, providing o&i consulting with sufficient data to fully evaluate the three Type B LEDS systems.
The outcome
Based on the comprehensive operational analysis, combined with other criteria such as engineering and security team feedback, the assessment identified a clear best performing LEDS. Heathrow subsequently replaced existing equipment with the new system airport-wide.
This project is just one example of o&i consulting supporting Heathrow with passenger security equipment and process testing, trials, procurement and implementation. We have also led projects pertaining to Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs). Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) and Explosive Dog Detection (EDD) technology and process change.
Testimonial
“Over the past decade, Heathrow has worked closely with o&i consulting on a number of projects involving the trial and selection of appropriate screening technologies for our security checkpoints to enhance detection capabilities whilst improving the process for our passengers and colleagues. With existing LEDS equipment approaching end of life, o&i conducted a series of trials to identify a suitable replacement. Their team was detailed and well organised in its approach, following a comprehensive live trial schedule that ensured each Type B LEDS product was thoroughly tested. As a result, Heathrow was able to confidently select a replacement system.”
Paul Evans, Security Technology Manager, Heathrow
