Magnetic Clutter Reduction Efficiency in Humanitarian Demining
Abstract
The aim of the project was to quantify the efficiency increase obtained by using hand-held permanent magnets(- tools) to remove metallic clutter from the top layer of the ground in the `close-in' detection phase of humanitarian demining operations. Therefore, three successive trials were executed in live demining operations in Cambodia and Angola. Four magnet(-tools) were chosen for the trials: a ring magnets and a block magnet and two rakes with magnets, one with rigid and one with flexible tines. The local deminers acted as operators of the magnet(-tools). The cleared area per day per deminer was compared for deminers working with and without magnet(-tools). The ring magnet is the most popular tool among the deminers due to its strength and is believed to increase the efficiency of humanitarian demining and make demining easier. However, the data did not show an efficiency increase. The deminers in the reference group cleared a larger area than the deminers using the magnet(-tool) but also found less metallic clutter. This effect may either be caused by inhomogeneous metal distributions in the demining lanes. It is also possible the deminers in the reference group did not find and clear all metallic clutter from their demining lanes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA480659
Entities
People
- E. M. Ubink
- R. F. Aldershoff
- W. A. Lotens