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Mines Action Canada
CATIMAC
1 Nicholas Street - Suite 1502
Ottawa ON
K1N 7B7
Telephone: (613) 241 3777
Email: catimac@ewb.ca
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Many of our documents are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
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- Version 1.0
New Problem Statements
- Portable Water Purifier with No Consumable Cartridges or Chemicals
Problem Source: MgM-HEC demining engineers
The Problem:
Regardless of the environment, humanitarian mine clearance teams need access to safe and reliable drinking water. In some operations, water must be trucked or packed in to the clearance site from the nearest hub of safe drinking water. Portable water filters, often mounted on the back of a vehicle, reduce the demand for water transport significantly, but most portable water filters have consumable cartridges or chemical treatments that need to be replaced. Demining teams have expressed a need for a portable water purifier that uses no consumable cartridges or chemicals.
The Challenge:
Design a portable water filtration device that uses no consumable cartridges or chemical treatments. Design improvements to existing commercially available systems may be the most feasible approach to this large problem. Water sources could be a pond, river, water trailer or drums of un-purified water. The unit will remain at a site until the filtered water task is done, then travel on to the next location.
Your design should conform to the following specifications:
- A 200 liter per hour fill rate.
- Ideally a 200-500 liter bladder tank.
- Power source must be either solar or from the vehicle battery (cigarette outlet or jumper cables).
- The system should have an auto-purge feature to clean itself using the last bit of clean water.
- The system must be modular to allow for multiple system connections to increase to the capacity/rate needed for larger operations.
- UV filtering stage is required.
- Pump system can provide required filter pressure & provide water from 20 meters away and up-to 10m below pump level.
- Pump must survive very fine and abrasive sediment.
- System must remove this sediment before filtering.
Relevant Links:
- Wireless Data Replication System for PDAs
Problem Source: MgM-HEC demining engineers
The Problem:
PDA devices are currently in development to be used extensively in Mine Action. Most software applications concentrate on the functional uses of the device - log daily operations, track needs/logistics, provide GIS info, and deliver command instructions. Very little work has been done on developing software that supports the necessary linkup from the humanitarian deminer in the field all the way up the chain to the national HQ or ISP. The HEC HOPnet system is a practical system guideline for how a demining information system would work - the challenge is to make the engineering decisions of what links to use and develop or identify software to drives those links.
The Challenge:
Design an algorithm and software solution to any part (or parts) of the HOPnet system problem of linking the portable PDAs to central command given the following capabilities:
- Access to in country Internet connections at regional HQ and national HQ bases.
- CD burners are available at each level except for the PDA field devices.
- 12V DC power solutions available throughout the network.
Given these capacities, there are several design problems you can focus your solution on:
- Wi-Fi wireless in management vehicles and Wi-Fi wireless at PDA hotsync locations.
- PDA hotsync server to manage upload/download functions between PDA and said server. Must be 100% solid state and rated for high temperatures.
- Solution for camp PDA server to sync with mobile management vehicles.
- PC for management vehicles for this and normal management tasks.
- WinCE3 (devices currently in use) Software for PDA and PC to manage barcode based MA logistics/administration.
Consider the following HOPnet system design when developing your particular solution.
"The intended means to communicate the data between groups A through E are as follows:
- A to/from B would be accomplished via existing telecom services (ISP), Vsat, or courier (CD/DVD).
- B to/from C would be accomplished via Vsat, CD/DVD, wireless Mobile Management Node replication, or M4.
- C to/from D would be accomplished via wireless Mobile Management Node replication, CD/DVD, M4/mini-M satphone.
- D to/from E would be accomplished via wireless LAN replication between Mobile and Fixed Management Nodes.
- E to/from F would be accomplished via cradle Hotsync while charging to Fixed Management Node in Camp."
- HEC Technical Specifications
Mine Marking
Background:
"Mine marking, a major function of Mine Survey teams, provides an immediate warning for people moving in or near hazardous areas. The mine marking methods, including those of local design and manufacture, must be flexible and adaptable for implementation in the affected country and be part of a national marking system. The selected methods must be stated in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of all participating demining organisations and will vary from country to country due to language, environmental, political and cultural variances." IMAS, 1997.
Mine marking systems take three different forms: improvised systems, temporary systems, and emergency systems. Mine marking tape, which currently lasts about 2-3 weeks in the field, is often used as a temporary system before a more permanent fence can be put in place.
- Lane and Perimeter Marking Tape
Problem Source: CAMEO mine clearance expert.
The Problem:
 From experience in Kosovo, the present tape freezes and snaps in cold environments and in other experiences it was found that it snapped during high winds in warm climates. The tape needs to be strengthened (for example, it could be reinforced with a couple or three nylon threads running the entire length or some other mechanism). Also, the present colour 'red' fades to 'yellow' in sunlight. The tape needs a more permanent 'red'. As a final note, the alternating red/white segments should be increased from the present (20 cm) to one metre.
The Challenge:
Design a durable marking tape of alternating red and white segments that will survive the harsh conditions of wind and sun for a period of about 6 months. The tape should be inexpensive, not more than two to three times the cost of the current tape.
All mine marking systems must comply to the International Mine Action Standards (http://www.mineactionstandards.org/imas.htm). Students should determine whether their design is for a marking tape to be used prior to demining operations (thus referring to IMAS 08.40), or during demining operations which are addressed in IMAS 08.20 (Technical survey), IMAS 09.40 (Mine detection dogs), IMAS 09.50 (Mechanically-assisted clearance) and IMAS 10.20 (Demining worksite safety).
IMAS clearly states that "temporary marking systems shall conform to the standards determined by the national mine action authority." Thus, projects should concentrate on a particular region in which the mine clearance tape will be used and students should research the relevant national mine action standards used within the region of focus.
Relevant Links:
- Permanent Minefield Perimeter Marking System
Problem Source: CAMEO mine clearance expert.
The Problem:
The only system that currently meets the criteria of IMAS 08.40 Marking of Hazards is a two or three strand fence with proper minefield signs, particularly for heavy vegetation areas. Unfortunately these marking materials also have great utility for other purposes and frequently are stolen. This renders the task of maintaining the cost of marking of the minefields exorbitant. One improvised system involves digging a ditch around the perimeter. This is slow and expensive and still requires some marking to comply with IMAS 08.40.
The Challenge:
Design a durable permanent marking system that complies with IMAS 08.40, will last a minimum of three years and has little or no utility in the region or country or environment for which it is designed.
All mine marking systems must comply to the International Mine Action Standards (http://www.mineactionstandards.org/imas.htm).
Since each project will need to be assessed based on locally available material, students should concentrate on a particular region in which the permanent perimeter marking system will be used and students should research the relevant issues in the region of focus.
Relevant Links:
Mine Detection
Background:
"Nearly all anti-personnel landmines posing a humanitarian threat have enough metal to be detected with today's detectors, though there are some technology improvements needed to lessen the effect of mineralized soils. (New detectors are now available with this capability). Most (but not all) anti-tank mines also have enough metal.
The major problem in landmine detection is to distinguish between the mines and the thousands of metal fragments in the ground (such as rubbish, pieces of exploded shells etc.)." Trevelyan, UWA Demining Research.
- Quality Control Detector
Problem Source: University of Western Australia, Demining Research.
The Problem:
Current quality control procedures as specified in IMAS 09.20 (Sampling) indicate inspection of the selected samples frequently using the same or similar methods to those used by the mine clearance organization. Mine clearance organizations frequently conduct their own quality control (QC) checks using the same methodology. This is expensive in terms of time and resources for both the mine clearance organization and the monitoring agency. However, if a technique fails to find a mine on a first pass, using the same technique to perform a QC check will not provide much new information.
The Challenge:
Design an unattended QC detector that will confirm the absence or presence of mines or UXO in an area of approximately 500 square metres following a time lapse after placement of 10-30 days but preferably 10-15 days.
All mine detection systems must comply to the International Mine Action Standards (http://www.mineactionstandards.org/imas.htm). Students should pay particular attention to IMAS 09.10 (Clearance Requirements) and IMAS 09.20 (Sampling) when designing a new detector.
Projects should concentrate on a particular region in which the mine detector will be used and students should research the relevant national mine action standards used within the region of focus.
Projects could consider the use of new sensor technologies to detect landmines. This project has the potential for a software component, since projects must calculate if mines exist in a given region based on the sensor feedback.
This project represents a significant challenge.
Relevant Links:
- Remote Area Detector
Problem Source: University of Western Australia, Demining Research.
The Problem:
During initial surveys, suspected mined areas incorporate an enormous safety zone because of the lack of complete, reliable and precise information. Current area reduction techniques rely on a sampling methodology and traditional mine clearance procedures. Current detection methods require cutting of vegetation before use. In these procedures the cost in terms of resources and time is high.
The Challenge:
Design an explosive detector that will detect and accurately locate explosives at distances of hundreds of metres without requiring the cutting of the vegetation. The system must have an extremely low rate of false negatives as its use will result in the release of land as uncontaminated with mines and UXO.
All mine detection systems must comply to the International Mine Action Standards (http://www.mineactionstandards.org/imas.htm). Students should pay particular attention to IMAS 09.10 (Clearance Requirements) and IMAS 09.20 (Sampling) when designing a new detector.
Projects should concentrate on a particular region in which the mine detector will be used and students should research the relevant national mine action standards used within the region of focus.
Projects could consider the use of new sensor technologies to detect landmines.
Relevant Links:
Demining Tools
Background:
"Several large research efforts have failed, so far, to develop an effective mine clearance alternative to the existing manual technique. Robots have been tried at great expense, but without success. We argue that robots are not an appropriate solution for mine clearance. First, there is little likelihood of sensing improvements in the short term. Second, the huge variety of mines and minefields defies any automated solution. Third, robotic solutions are likely to be too expensive to be practical for humanitarian demining operations in countries like Angola, Afghanistan and Cambodia. The effort devoted to robotic solutions would be more helpful if it were directed at simple equipment improvements and low-cost robotic <or non-robotic> devices might provide some useful improvements in safety and cost-effectiveness in the short to medium term." Trevelyan, UWA Demining Research.
- Fragment Removal
Problem Source: University of Western Australia, Demining Research.
The Problem:
In many cases the area being cleared is a battlefield and the ground is littered with metal fragments from exploding munitions and shattered targets. A great deal of time is expended by deminers investigating detector responses to metal fragments. When a mine detector response is investigated it is frequently difficult to find the metal fragment causing the response.
The Challenge:
Design a handheld metal fragment remover so that deminers will have fewer detector responses to investigate. In the case of an excavation the fragment remover should be capable of removing the fragment from the pile of excavated material.
Although demining tools are not specifically regulated by the IMAS, attention must be paid to the International Mine Action Standards (http://www.mineactionstandards.org/imas.htm) depending on the solution you choose.
Projects could consider innovative ways to clear fragments from above and just below the ground. Consideration should also be paid to cleaning the fragment removal tool after use (a strong permanent magnet may seem like a good idea, but not if it takes 15 minutes to clean the fragments from it afterwards).
Relevant Links:
- Ground and Rubble Breaker
Problem Source: University of Western Australia, Demining Research.
The Problem:
In many areas the ground becomes very hard during the dry season making probing an impossibility without some ground preparation first (soaking with water or use of mechanical excavators). In Afghanistan there is a particular problem of deeply buried mines under compacted rubble in the interior of buildings.
The Challenge:
Design a ground and rubble breaker that can be put in place by hand with minimal assembly time. This may need to be remotely operated where there is an explosion risk.
Although demining tools are not specifically regulated by the IMAS, attention must be paid to the International Mine Action Standards (http://www.mineactionstandards.org/imas.htm) depending on the solution you choose.
Relevant Links:
Victim Assistance
Background:
"Of the five pillars of mine action, victim assistance seems to receive the least attention." (Filippino, Journal of Mine Action 2002). Victim assistance involves the Mine Action communities' commitment to bettering first aid knowledge and emergency care, physical rehabilitation, and socioeconomic rehabilitation for mine victims. Victim assistance receives lower attention in the mine action community because it often overlaps with an already existing network of humanitarian aid, and organizations with an expertise in mine action often find it difficult to determine an operational victim assistance function. The challenges that face mine action victim assistance are very often related to general humanitarian aid technological challenges.
By including the victim assistance aspect in CATIMAC, the competition takes one step closer to attempting to address the whole spectrum of technological needs in mine action.
Victim Assistance - Problems to be announced
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