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SCRAM Device

Posted by: euser
August 08, 2006
Topic: DWI / DUI / Impaired Driving

North Carolina Courts, specifically those in Charlotte Mecklenburg County, have recently begun utilizing an ankle bracelet known as a SCRAM Device.  "SCRAM" actually stands for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor and is produced by a company known as Alcohol Monitoring Systems, Inc.® (AMS).
The SCRAM device relies on a scientific area of study known pharmacokinetics, which is a fancy way to describe how Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol gets processed through the human body.  Ethyl Alcohol is the type people drink.  Specifically, Transdermal Alcohol Monitoring is utilized to detect the existence of alcohol over a regulated period of time.

Interestingly enough, the science or technololgy behind the SCRAM device is nothing new.  In fact, it has been around for hundreds of years.  What on earth could that be?  The Electrochemical Fuel Cell.
The basics behind a fuel cell are Platinum Black Plates and a porous surface stacked like an Oreo Cookie.  In fact, a fuel cell does nothing more than convert a chemical substance into electricity through a predictable exchange of electrons across the Oreo surfaces.  Simply put, an Electrochemical Fuel Cell converts alcohol (Ethanol) into electricity.

The SCRAM device is somewhat unique in that it also relies on a few "fail safes" to prevent tampering or removal.  Without a doubt, the fuel cell (which is in some instances is identical to that used in portable alcohol screening devices) is not perfect. 

The primary difference between the AlcoSensor or other "breathalizer" device is that instead of sampling "BrAC" which stands for Breath Alchol Content, the fuel cell measures perspiration. . .sweat.  The tampering protections include:

1.  InfraRed "skin" detection
2.  Temperature Monitoring and
3. Electrical Current Transmission. 

For more information regarding the SCRAM Device, InfraRed Testing Techniques, The AlcoSensor, Breathalizer or Ignition Interlock Device, call Attorney Bill Powers at 704-342-4357.



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