T.F. Green Airport Tests Explosive Trace Detection Technology

This week, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will introduce air travelers at Rhode Island's T.F. Green State Airport to an Explosive Trace Detection Portal at the passenger security checkpoint, representing the first time TSA has deployed this state-of-the-art explosive trace detection technology in an airport environment.

The Explosive Trace Detection Portal is designed to analyze air for traces of explosive material. Over the next 45 days, after proceeding through the walk-through metal detector as usual, some travelers at T.F. Green will then be asked to step into the trace portal and remain still for a few seconds while several quick "puffs" of air are released. A computerized voice will tell travelers when to exit the portal. This pilot program will yield important data on the efficacy of this equipment in an active airport environment with varying climates and how it impacts customer service and wait times.

T.F. Green State Airport will be the first of four airports to participate in the pilot program and serve as a test site for this emerging technology. The equipment will soon be introduced to travelers at San Diego International Airport, Tampa International Airport
and Greater Rochester International Airport. GE IonTrack is providing TSA with four trace portal machines -- one for each airport -- for a 45-day testing period.