Magnet Fragment Collector
Development responsibility:
UWA
Deminers spend much of their time locating and exposing scrap metal fragments.
Statistics from Afghanistan show that 1000 sqm are cleared for every mine
or UXO removed., where the average rate of metal fragments per unit area
is one metal fragment per 3 sqm. (The range of metal framgents per area
is 30 items per sqm to one fragment per 500 sqm - for approximately 500
minefields in soft ground conditions). [Modelling Minefield Clearance Performance,
technical report available on request]. A magnet could remove ferrous/magnetic
fragments before demining commences, reducing the time needed for manual
demining.
Magnetic Hoe (concept)
In response to a request from UNOCHA, we are designing a heavy duty electromagnet
(see sketch) for use with a back-hoe excavator. The machine will be used
to scrape the ground with the bucket teeth, to a depth of about 5cm. Experience
suggests that much of the fragmentation from exploding ammunition is retained
in the top 5cm of earth. The magnet will be attached to the underside of
the bucket behind the teeth, enclosed within a 6mm stainless steel sheath
to protect the magnets from blast mine explosions. Steel shielding should
protect the magnets from the worst effects of a major blast initiated by
the bucket teeth.
Depending on arrangements with UNOCHA, a prototype device could be in
use by 1998.
magnet/magnet-hoe-1-s.jpg
Status (December 1997)
 |
|
|
magnet/magnet-hoe-2a-s.jpg
magnet/magnet-hoe-2b-s.jpg
|
A permanent magnet veriant of the device has been manufactuered
and tested on a grenade range near Perth. The results of this trial were
extremely positive and support scope for further research and development
work to refine the method of fragment removal.
A detailed trial report has been
prepared.
There is considerable interest in this concept among demining experts,
especially in connection with mechanical demining machines, for collecting
metal fragments from the ground prior to manual demining activities.
|
|
magnet/magnet-hoe-2c-s.jpg |
magnet/magnet-hoe-2d-s.jpg |
We would welcome collaborators to work
on related devices.
We will supply you with reports and working drawings, papers etc., provided
you agree to joint publications arising from this.
Contact
us
| Demining Home Page | James Trevelyan's Home Page
| UWA Home page |
For
more information on any of these send us E-mail at demining@mech.uwa.edu.au
All graphics by Demining Research
Team. Aug 1998.
Webmaster: Edin Tabak
|