Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) work demands precision, speed, and safety…and the tools they use must reflect those same standards. EOD technicians depend on reliable tools that allow them to efficiently perform inspection and identify threats — all while keeping a safe distance.
EOD X-rays need to do more than produce high-quality X-ray images, they also need to safeguard operators. Whether they are working border security, checkpoint security, or neutralizing an improvised explosive device (IED) in a conflict zone, there are serious risks with not being able to inspect safely.
Many portable X-ray systems can help identify explosive materials — but how do you know if you’re choosing the most effective one? Which technologies make identification not just possible, but accurate and efficient?
Today, we’ll be exploring the top features to look for in X-ray for EOD — and why our innovative triple-energy EOD X-ray, Reveal R 35C, could be the perfect fit.
New Must-Have Feature: SpectralDR for EOD
A feature that most X-ray systems lack — but is highly valuable for EOD operations — is portable multi-energy imaging: our SpectralDR technology.
While dual-energy has been part of the radiography industry for a long time, it has typically been limited to fixed systems, restricting its use in EOD environments where portability is essential.
Building on that foundation, Reveal R 35C goes beyond dual-energy, capturing three energy layers instead of two. The technology resides entirely in the detector, making it inherently portable and easy to deploy in the field. Because it’s true multi-energy imaging based on direct X-ray detection physics, not post-processing, Reveal delivers superior material differentiation and image clarity, helping operators identify threats with greater confidence and speed, without the limitations of competing systems.
How Will Triple-Energy EOD X-ray Support EOD Operations?
Introducing Reveal R 35C
Reveal R 35C is a triple-energy EOD X-ray designed to help operators easily differentiate between harmful and non-harmful materials. In EOD, triple-energy X-ray makes it significantly easier to tell when something is a genuine threat based on their atomic composition.
Standard single-energy X-ray systems show only shape and relative density. What we have developed does much more…
Reveal R 35C Streamlines Identification for EOD Operations
Triple-energy X-ray can analyze how materials absorb different X-ray energies. This allows materials to be characterized using three key indicators: density, effective atomic number (Zeff), and composition.
For EOD applications, Reveal R 35C can identify and classify materials like metal, plastic, and liquid, with just a single X-ray exposure. Explosive materials can be distinguished more quickly and accurately through triple-energy imaging, fully streamlining how EOD technicians work.
With the level of material differentiation offered by Reveal R 35C, EOD techs can make faster, safer decisions when every second counts.
Triple-energy represents a new class of X-ray imaging — and Reveal is the first and only detector of its kind available today.
For even more threat detection, Reveal R 35C also offers colourized imaging, assigning colours to materials based on composition to streamline the identification of organic, inorganic, and metallic components.
Ready to upgrade your EOD X-ray capabilities with triple-energy material identification? Contact our team today to learn how the Reveal R 35C triple-energy EOD X-ray can enhance your mission readiness and threat detection capabilities.
Now, get ready to learn more about other features that should be considered when choosing an X-ray detector for EOD applications.
Essential Feature: Portable and Lightweight
EOD missions can take place in just about any environment, from confined spaces to urban areas. It’s impossible to limit these missions to environments that offer ideal X-ray conditions, which is why portability and mobility is a must for EOD-friendly X-ray technology. Non-portable solutions simply aren’t fit for what EOD work demands.
EOD operators should look for an X-ray that is not just portable, but also:
- Lightweight and compact, able to be carried in a backpack or hard case.
- Modular, making its use more efficient and simple for operators in a rush.
- Easily-transported through rough terrains and confined environments.
Reveal R 35C’s: A Lightweight, Portable X-ray for EOD
Reveal R 35C stands out for combining a compact, lightweight design with advanced, in-demand X-ray capabilities. This portable EOD X-ray detector captures a wide imaging area of 18” x 21” while still maintaining an approximate weight of only 15 pounds. This makes the flat panel detector easy to store with lightweight mobility for EOD missions. With Reveal R 35C, there’s no need to sacrifice performance or durability for easy mobility.
Must-Have Feature: Durable & Ruggedized Design
Another important feature of an X-ray for EOD is durability — EOD operators need an X-ray system that can sustain the high-activity, often dangerous environments they work in. Whether operating in desert heat, arctic cold, wetland terrain, or low-visibility conditions, EOD-friendly X-ray systems need to be built for nearly any and every environment.
Not sure if an X-ray is durable enough for EOD? Look for the following:
- Certifications like MIL-STD-810 or IP-rated protection
- Resistance to water, dust, high vibrations, etc.
- Systems that can operate across a wide temperature range.
Reveal R 35C: IP-Rated Protection & Ruggedized Design for EOD
Reveal R 35C is the ruggedized version of our original Reveal 35C detector. It offers the industry-leading X-ray capabilities of Reveal 35C, but with a ruggedized enclosure that enables it to endure in harsh environments common to EOD operations. Reveal R 35C can withstand a distributed load of 300 lbs and a concentrated force of 220 lbs.
Additionally, Reveal R 35C is drop-tested and boasts some impressive industry certifications, including an IP55 rating. It provides reliable protection against dust and high-pressure water, which is a must-have for EOD operations.
It is also ASTM F792-17 compliant. The ASTM F792-17 standard mainly pertains to use by the TSA, and measures multiple features from image quality to system performance. ASTM F792-17 compliance underscores Reveal R 35C’s ability to deliver consistent image quality and threat detection performance, even in fast-moving, challenging environments.
Essential Feature: Image Quality and Resolution
Another non-negotiable feature for an X-ray for EOD is high image resolution and quality. For a safe render, X-rays for EOD need to detect tiny, low-density components like wires, detonators, and power sources.
To get the most value, EOD operators should seek X-ray technology that provides high-resolution imaging, real-time acquisition, and superior visual clarity.
Reveal R 35C’s Industry-Leading Image Resolution
While spatial resolution is typically limited in multi-energy X-ray technologies, Reveal R 35C innovates by not sacrificing resolution for triple-energy capabilities. While offering multi-energy imaging, the Reveal R 35C maintains high spatial resolution with a pixel pitch of just 140 µm. It also delivers excellent image contrast (MTF), efficiency (DQE), and material discrimination, allowing operators to differentiate between organic, inorganic, and metallic materials.
Essential Feature: Wireless Operation and Remote Access
Wireless capability is another must-have. It allows operators to deploy the imaging panel and generator near the suspect device and move to a safe distance before initiating the scan. This is essential for preventing detonation and ensuring the safety of the team during identification.
Look for key EOD-friendly X-ray features like:
- Remote access.
- Secure wireless triggering and image transfer.
- Encrypted communications to prevent interference.
Explore The Remote Capabilities of Reveal R 35C for EOD
Reveal R 35C was designed for flexible usage, providing high performance imaging in both wired and wireless environments. When connected via cable, the system uses high-speed Ethernet (1000BASE-T), capable of transferring large image files quickly and reliably.
While wireless, it has a remote trigger that allows EOD personnel to start image capture at a safe distance. The panel automatically detects when the X-ray source fires, even without a hardwired connection. This eliminates the need for physical sync cables between the generator and detector.
Nice-to-Have Feature: Hot-Swappable Batteries
EOD missions can be long, and sometimes are extended beyond their original timelines. When this happens, an X-ray with a reliable power source can be a game-changer. EOD teams, as much as possible, want to avoid having to swap batteries, especially in critical moments where a swap is inconvenient.
If a power swap is needed, it’s essential that batteries can be replaced without adding significant down-time to the mission. EOD personnel get the most value out of imaging technologies that enable efficient battery swapping and keep their charge for extended periods.
Reveal R 35C’s Dual-Power Modes & Hot-Swappable Batteries
Reveal R 35C excels in battery performance, making it well-suited for extended or time-sensitive EOD operations. The system is built with dual-power modes: Battery & AC.
- Battery power enables portable, untethered use, ideal for field operations.
- AC power is compatible with standard power supplies worldwide and makes the system significantly more accessible.
With hot-swappable batteries, the system can stay operational during long or unpredictable missions. Operators can quickly replace a depleted battery without powering down or rebooting, saving valuable time and reducing risk.