SA develops mine-burning device
16 May 2005
An invention developed with funding from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Trade and Industry promises to slash the costs of demining operations and dramatically reduce the numbers of deaths around the world caused by landmines every year.
It is estimated that 15 to 20 000 people are killed by the devices each year, with many more maimed or injured.
Retired airline pilot Paul Richards - a British national who has been living in South Africa for the last eight years - demonstrated his invention, the MineBurner, to journalists at the CSIR testing grounds outside Pretoria last week.
As the name suggests, the MineBurner burns up the explosive compound in the mine, rather than exploding it. This makes the MineBurner safe to use in built-up areas, and even inside buildings.
A 2 500°C flame is created by igniting oxygen and LPG (cooking gas) under pressure. This flame is able to cut through the
metal casing of the mine. The explosive compound inside is then ignited and burns off.
The unit is operated by remote control, safely keeping the operator away from the mine. A long siren is sounded before the flame is ignited.
The United Nations has estimated the cost of removal of each landmine using traditional methods to be between US$300 and $1 000. The cost of neutralising a landmine with the Mine Burner has been estimated at only 20c.
Richards put the cost of the MineBurner unit at R2 500, and said that each one would last for 100 000 burns.
A field kit, consisting of several field units, air pumps, firebox and remote control, will cost about R70 000. Richards claimed that such a set would last for seven years, even if used day and night.
Because the MineBurner itself doesn't contain any combustible or pyrotechnical materials, it can be safely transported by air - another major advantage over other methods of mine clearing.
Development and
testing of the MineBurner are complete, and production is due to start in South Africa soon. The device will be constructed by South African company Isando Pneumatics.
"MineBurner will now use air to breathe new life into conflict-ravaged communities by ridding them of the debris of war", company MD Ian Parker told Engineering News.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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