IMAS 09.31 – PRINCIPLE 3. NEUTRALISATION Water-based energetic disruption of the power source(s) is the preferred means of neutralisation. The preferred method of neutralisation in MA is to use a water load to target the location of identifiable components (specifically the power source) in electrically initiated IEDs. The intention is to separate the IED’s electrical circuit far more quickly than the energy from a battery can heat the bridge wire in a detonator (initiator) to cause the primary explosives to function. This option allows for a degree of stand-off, thereby avoiding interaction with the IED, and can be used when the exact location of the power source is not known (e.g. if all items are located within a box). The disruptor can be placed quickly, therefore reducing the time the IEDD operator spends inside the danger area whilst the threat from an IED remains.
The two main types of disruptor are barrel and bottle; they are described in detail in Section 4 of this chapter.
Image 4. Image of a barrel disruptor being used to neutralise an IED
IEDD in mine action – overview
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