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How Does a Density Meter Work?

How Does a Density Meter Work?


The Buster K910B Density Meter from Campbell/Harris Security Equipment Company (CSECO) is one of the best contraband detection tools around. It has been used by law enforcement and interdiction officers, anti-drug unit officers, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in their quest of keeping narcotics and other contraband off the streets for more than 30 years.

The Buster is CSECO’s flagship product, touted by its users as the “gold standard” of density meters and contraband detection equipment. It was in 1984 when CSECO founder Patrick J. Harris was approached by the federal government. They asked him to develop a device that would help them locate the presence of contraband. Campbell, who had previous experience creating other devices that utilized radioactive technology, was able to work with CBP agents to create the most reliable, accurate, and safest density meter and contraband detector on the market, the Buster K910B Density Meter.

Part of Buster’s success can be attributed to the best technology. It emits low-intensity gamma radiation and has a scintillation detector that enables interdiction agents to scan a wide variety of materials and identify the presence of concealed contraband. It means that the Buster can scan a variety of surfaces — cardboard, wood, metal, reinforced plastic, and rubber – and determine if something has been hidden.

How exactly does the Buster work and how does it get its readings?

The Buster works through a method called “backscatter radiation.” When the Buster’s trigger is pressed, the low-intensity gamma rays emit from the device. The Buster gets its readings when the gamma rays “bounce off” of objects and back to the device. When the Buster detects an unusually high density from the object that it scans, the higher the levels of gamma rays that will reflect back to the Buster.

When the Buster scans objects that have a natural void or with near-zero density (e.g., tires), the unit’s reading will remain normal and an alarm will not sound. However, when the Buster detects a drastic or abnormal change while scanning an object which is supposed to have a natural void, then it is a tell-tale sign that the contraband is inside that object. Typically, when the Buster receives at least twice the normal reading, then it should give a clear indication of the presence of contraband.

Unlike contraband detection tools that use microwave, millimeter wave, radio wave, and ultraviolet wave, you can scan a variety of objects with the Buster. The density meter leaves the object physically intact and without damage. It requires little searching time (generally around five minutes to search a car), is easy to use, and does not require the user to externally destroy the items being scanned. However, if hidden contraband is detected, the officers may damage the item attempting to recover the contraband.  This is truly amazing science that can’t get any one excited and amazed.

The Buster offers both audible and visual readouts. It has an audible alarm as well as an easy-to-read LCD screen. Both of these alerts provide a clear indication to the users whether the suspected search area has a hidden contraband or not.

Interdiction officers can also use the Buster-on-a-Stick, a telescoping stick that can be attached to the Buster. With this accessory, users can scan harder-to-reach areas such as the underside of a vehicle, or behind containers in a packed trailer.

CSECO’s Buster K910B Density Meter offers these amazing features that make scanning and inspecting contraband quicker, more accurate, and safer. No wonder this is the density meter that has been used, trusted, and recommended by law enforcement and CBP agents across the country.

Tony Harris, President and CEO, and Pat Campbell, founder, of CSECO explain about the Buster density meter and other contraband detectors.

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