Vape cartridges, which are small, self-contained units holding liquid and a heating element, are generally detectable by X-ray technology. The clarity and specific appearance of the cartridge on a scan depend heavily on the density of its components and the type of X-ray machine used. Understanding how X-rays interact with these materials explains why certain parts of the device are more visible than others.
Understanding X-ray Imaging and Density
X-ray imaging relies on the principle of differential absorption, where radiation passes through an object and is absorbed or attenuated to varying degrees by the materials inside. This variance in absorption creates the contrast visible in the final image. Materials that are dense and have a higher atomic number absorb more X-rays and are termed radiopaque.
Radiopaque materials, such as metal, prevent X-rays from reaching the detector, resulting in a bright white area on the screen. Conversely, less dense materials allow most X-rays to pass through, making them radiolucent. Radiolucent items, like air and soft tissues, appear as darker shades of gray or black. The degree of contrast is directly proportional to the density difference between the scanned object and its surroundings.
How Cartridge Components Appear on a Scan
A vape cartridge consists of distinct components, each appearing differently based on its physical density. The heating element, typically a coil made of metallic alloys like nichrome or stainless steel, is the most clearly visible part. These metals are highly dense and radiopaque, causing the element to appear as a distinct, bright white structure on the scan.
The outer casing or tank, which holds the liquid, is typically constructed from glass or polycarbonate plastic. These materials are far less dense than metal but denser than soft tissue, causing them to appear in various shades of gray. Glass is slightly denser than plastic and may offer a clearer outline, but both materials are relatively radiolucent.
The vaping liquid itself is usually composed of low-density organic compounds like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. These liquids are highly radiolucent and appear as a dark gray or black shadow, similar to soft tissue. The liquid’s presence is often discerned by the contrast it creates against the surrounding, slightly denser glass or plastic tank, making the reservoir’s shape visible.
Differences Between Security and Medical Scans
The context in which a vape cartridge is scanned significantly affects its visibility and image interpretation. Security scanners, such as those used for luggage, focus on detecting materials based on density and shape anomaly. These systems are designed to highlight metallic components, wiring, and power sources, making the dense, bright white heating element and any associated battery connections extremely noticeable.
Many security X-ray machines use a dual-energy system that assigns colors to items based on their density, which makes threat detection more efficient. Organic materials, like the vaping liquid, may be color-coded differently from the inorganic metals and plastics, effectively separating the cartridge’s components for the operator. The goal is rapid identification of potential contraband or dangerous items.
In contrast, a medical X-ray focuses on diagnostic imaging, requiring high contrast between internal bodily structures like soft tissue and bone. While the metal components of an ingested cartridge still appear bright white, the X-ray is calibrated for higher resolution of anatomy. The plastic and liquid components may be harder to distinguish from surrounding soft tissues compared to the clear contrast seen in a luggage scan.