Year
1974
Abstract
Systems to detect metallic objects against various backgrounds in various industrial operations have been in use for many years. Early metal detection systems were simple magnetometers designed to detect ferromagnetic materials by measurement of the distortion to the local earth's magnetic field due to the presence of the object. Such devices have been used for land and sea mine detection, magnetic airborne detection systems for submarines or specific types of ore deposits, and other industrial applications. Modern metal detectors are active devices in which an electromagnetic field is generated by the system and disturbances in that field due to the presence of a metallic object measured by various techniques. This paper briefly describes the principles and characteristics of metal detection systems and the significant parameters related to personnel screening requirements. Technical details of the principles involved for general detection of both ferrous and non-ferrous metallic objects are presented along with specific considerations governing the design and application of the Metor. Detection capability and performance criteria are discussed in terms of specific security applications and system parameters as applicable to various applications (e.g. airports, prisons, industrial plants, etc.).