4.5.BOTTLE DISRUPTORS
4.5.1. INTRODUCTION A bottle disruptor provides a safe and effective tool to neutralise an IED. As with all disruptors they are most effective against electrically initiated IEDs, especially when the battery (power source) can be effectively targeted. Due to the omnidirectional effect, bottle disruptors tend to achieve ‘general disruption’ as opposed to ‘selective disruption’ of a specific component. Bottle disruptors can be placed semi-remotely, which requires the MA IEDD operator to manually place the disruptor as close to the IED as possible without disturbing it, or remotely using an ROV. Bottle disruptors are constructed from a plastic bottle containing water and a quantity of high explosives. The ratio of water to explosives can vary depending on the situation and the nature of the IED that is being neutralised. When the explosive detonates, the water is projected at high velocity in an omnidirectional pattern. The concept is that the projected water separates circuitry faster than the bridge wire in a detonator can react and heat up. Since the separation of components is so rapid there is a low probability of causing an unintentional detonation. Bottle charges can be locally produced using a standard disposable water bottle in conjunction with high explosives. There are also commercial alternatives available which have an inner tube filled with plastic explosives inserted into a larger water container, this produces more consistent results. In both instances the MA IEDD operator can select the size of bottle and quantity of explosive to achieve the desired effect. 4.5.2.WHY IS THE USE OF BOTTLE DISRUPTORS ‘GOOD PRACTICE’? The use of bottle disruptors complies with the IMAS 09.31 IEDD principle “Water based energetic disruption of the power source(s) is the preferred means of neutralisation.” This is because interaction with the IED is minimised and the time the IEDD operator is inside the danger area is kept to a minimum. This is directly linked to the primary IMAS IEDD guiding philosophy of ‘preservation of life’.
ADVANTAGES OF BOTTLE DISRUPTORS
• Safe, effective and efficient means to neutralise an IED; • Minimises interaction with the IED; • Reduces time inside the explosive danger area; • Can be placed manually or remotely; • Increases flexibility as they can easily be matched to the situation and desired effect; • The bottle disruptor is sacrificial, therefore if disruptive action causes a detonation there are no expensive IEDD tools and equipment to be damaged; • Water and manufactured gels are non-flammable and as such do not present any secondary incendiary hazards during disruption; • A cheaper and easier logistical solution than barrel disruptors.
DISADVANTAGES OF BOTTLE DISRUPTORS
• Can be harder to achieve selective disruption than if a barrel disruptor is used;
• May be less effective against hard-cased containers than a barrel disruptor, although this can be offset by increasing explosive NEQ and water mass;
• May deliver a less consistent effect than a barrel disruptor;
• Requires access to, and permission to use, high explosives.
IEDD techniques and procedures
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