Inline Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) represent a fundamental change in the operational characteristics of checked baggage handling at airports. The relatively simple and well-understood process of traditional baggage handling has now been replaced with a new and fairly complex multi-stage baggage screening process that has produced many new challenges for airport managers. In addition to the requirement to integrate new minivan-size pieces of equipment into an airport''s existing footprint, there are other considerations including the time and cost to airline and airport operations, performance characteristics, and continuous changes in baggage screening policies.
While most major airports are in the planning and design process for an inline EDS system, to date, few have been built in the country because rigorous equipment performance assessments and operational impacts of the new system are required before an airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can make the significant financial investment.
With safety, passenger flow concerns, and significant capital outlays on the line, airport managers worldwide are turning to Leigh Fisher Associates to recommend EDS solutions. With a client base of more than 80% of the large- and medium-hub airports in the United States alone, Leigh Fisher is counting on AutoMod™ simulation by Brooks Automation to model and evaluate the:
- Equipment required for proposed inline Explosive Detection Systems;
- Components of baggage systems to ensure efficient use of EDS;
- Operational impact (time and cost) of EDS integration during normal airport operations and to test machine failure recovery strategies; and for
- Staff planning.
"Simulation is critical to ensuring success when integrating new systems in airport operations," says Cheech Ong, senior associate, Leigh Fisher Associates. "With the safety, security and the financial health of the aviation industry on the line, it provides engineers with peace of mind that the systems they recommend will perform."
Simulation is a technology that helps in the design and optimization of facilities. AutoMod combines high fidelity, true-to-scale, 3D animation capabilities with a powerful, flexible simulation language to create realistic simulation models that enable users to test operation rules, equipment layouts, and strategies to reduce production bottlenecks in a risk-free "virtual" environment.
The average time to build and validate a model of a typical system is four weeks. Leigh Fisher reports that AutoMod has provided its engineers with a cost-effective approach to test and evaluate all aspects and dynamics of proposed inline EDS designs, operation changes, or equipment integration scenarios. The software has also provided the flexibility for Leigh Fisher engineers to build code modules that can be integrated quickly and easily into a new EDS evaluation project.