"This is the first time that such equipment has been installed at a Russian airport," airport spokesman Svetlana Fufayeva said. "The innovation is a new generation gas analyzer, the Sentinel II, capable of detecting microscopic particles of explosives on a person walking through the detection gate or in suitcases or carry-ons."
The object under inspection is exposed to airflow, which is then analyzed in a detecting unit. The results of the analysis are displayed on the monitor several seconds later.
The equipment installed in Sheremetyevo complies with international regulations, including those of the Transport Security Administration of the United States (TSA).
"Our clients can absolutely be sure that the equipment is not a health hazard," she said.
The new system is capable of identifying hexogen, ammonium nitrate, trinitrotoluol and dynamite.
New kinds of explosive and narcotic substances can be added to the database of the system.
