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Remote Explosives Scent Tracing (REST)

REST dog training in laboratory
   
REST rat training in laboratory

REST is a system whereby air is sampled from mine suspected areas, to be later analysed by specially trained sniffer dogs and rats. The study aims to facilitate the development of optimised  :

  • filters and sampling machines
  • procedures for the use of the equipment
  • analysis methods (rats and dogs).

Increased use of the technology will therefore add value to the international community by increasing the speed and cost-effectiveness of clearance.

Training Methodology

The Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) has completed a study on training methodology for the GICHD. The report analyses the science behind REST. The study proposes a new REST training concept and compares results from NPA's experimental training and testing of dogs with results achieved by NPA and Mechem. The NPA report has been incorporated into the MDD book.

See GICHD Publications, MDD book index, chapter 2, part 2

Rats can be trained to detect landmines in the field. The economics of training and using rats operationally could be lower than for dogs. There is also need for further work on the potential of rats as REST detectors. The work of APOPO indicates the potential of rats as REST detectors. 

More information about the APOPO project: www.apopo.org

Filter and Equipment

Key properties of a REST filter are the ability to trap the highest possible concentrations of TNT molecules during sampling and to release a high percentage of the same molecules during analysis. Another aspect is the ability to absorb particles during sampling. Particles contain much higher concentrations of TNT molecules than air at ground level. Filters capable of trapping more dust without clogging will therefore increase the overall mass of TNT in the filter.

Area Reduction

An important weakness of REST is that we do not know the size of the detectable scent plume above landmines. The plume size will depend on many factors, including type of mine, soil properties, environmental factors, filter material, suction pressure and sampling technique. Practical field experience suggests that REST sampling will pick up mines from a minimum of 8 m distance. The reliability of this estimate is, however, unknown and it is necessary to fully determine variations in the detectable plume if the aim is to use REST for area reduction.