Density is a significant aspect of matter and can be measured with a density meter. Every object has density which can increase or decrease as the outcome of actions being taken upon an object. When using a density meter, if an object’s density changes as it is scanned, it is a good indication that there is hidden contraband present.
Density’s components consist of mass and volume. This can be expressed mathematically as density (whose symbol is the Greek alphabet rho) is equal to mass (m) divided by volume (v).
Consider what happens when comparing two balls of the same size, the same volume and the same mass. Imagine one of the balls is compressed into a smaller size; the compressed ball will have a higher density than the ball that is not compressed. Or when you compare a kilogram of feathers to a kilogram of bricks, you may probably say that a kilogram of bricks is heavier when in fact both of them weigh the same. However, a kilogram of feathers has a lower density — or is less “dense” — because it takes up more space than a kilogram of bricks.
Another simple demonstration of high and low density is seen by comparing two different kinds of balls, one bowling ball and one volleyball. Both balls have the same size and the same volume. But the bowling ball is definitely heavier than the volleyball because the former has a higher mass, thus it has a higher density.
The Buster K910B Density Meter from Campbell/Harris Security Equipment Company (CSECO) will be able to indicate to the users the presence of contraband by detecting remarkable differences in the density of an object. The Buster does it quickly and provides results in just a matter of seconds, depending on the size of the object or the space being scanned.
For example, an interdiction officer uses the Buster to scan the backseat of a car, a common place where contraband is hidden. Like all other things, the car seat has a specific density so when it’s being scanned by the Buster, the reading will go only so far. But once the Buster detects a dramatic change in density, it could mean that there is something hidden behind or within the car seat. This could also be true for other parts of the car such as tires, speakers, and fuel tanks.
Of course, there are various parts of the car that will cause only some smaller changes in the reading of the Buster density meter, such as the collision bar or locking mechanism in the door. However, hidden contraband would normally be close to double of the Buster’s normal reading. This event means the higher likelihood that contraband is indeed present.
The Buster is considered the “gold standard” by numerous law enforcement agencies across the country, including the US Customs and Border Protection. The Buster reads the backscatter from gamma rays it emits. This enables the users to quickly scan surfaces and spaces without externally dismantling them, and also scans a variety of surfaces including wood, metal, and reinforced plastic.