Technical Note No. I.03.

168

Development of Tests for Measuring the Detection Capabilities

of Metal-Detectors

T.J. Bloodworth

November 2003

i
Distribution List

Internal (Humanitarian Security Unit)

Sieber A.J.
Bloodworth T.J. (5 copies)
Lewis A.
Littmann F.
Logreco A.
Pike M.A.

Secretary, Humanitarian Security Unit (5 copies)

External

Gülle D. (ITEP Secretariat, c/o JRC Ispra)

Borry F. (ITEP Secretariat, c/o JRC Ispra)
Das Y. (Canadian Centre for Mine Action Technologies, DRDC, Canada)
Schoolderman A. (TNO-FEL, The Netherlands)
Reidy D. (CECOM NVESD, USA)
Müller C. (BAM, Berlin, Germany)

The information contained in this document may not be disseminated, copied or utilized without the
written authorization of the Commission. The Commission reserves specifically its rights to apply
for patents or to obtain other protection for matter open intellectual or industrial protection.

ii
 Technical Note

Development of Tests for Measuring the Detection Capabilities

of Metal-Detectors
Tom Bloodworth (JRC Ispra/IPSC/HS Unit)

November 2003

Abstract

Metal detectors are an essential tool used by people performing humanitarian mine clearance
operations. In many cases, the performance of such detectors is not well known. In particular,
users want to know the detection capability. There has therefore been a demand from metal-
detector users for testing standardization.

This Technical Note describes a series of experimental tests on various commercial metal detectors
that have been made to support the development of standardized tests of detection capability. Many
of the results of these tests have provided evidence for CEN Workshop 7, which is an international
group working to standardize the testing of metal detectors for humanitarian demining.

Tests of in-air maximum detection height using parametric target sets of metal balls allow detection
capability to be defined in terms of a minimum detectable ball diameter at a given height. The
relative detection capability of the detectors for different metals is also studied. Evidence is given
that supports the use of chrome steel balls as a standard parametric target set.

Extending the idea of using sets of metal balls, the detection capability in soil can be readily
measured and compared to the capability in-air. Comparison of in-soil and in-air capability has
been made in tests using a "noisy" magnetic soil. This gives a test for giving quantitative
measurements of the influence of soil on the capability to detect buried metal targets.

Finally; initial results are given of a study to determine whether it is feasible to grade targets
according to an "equivalent" steel ball diameter.

1
CONTENTS

1 Introduction 4

2 Purpose and Principles of the Tests 4

2.1 Maximum Detection Height 4
2.2 Detection Capability Curves 5
2.3 Soil Tests 5
2.4 Target Grading 5

3 Test Targets 5
3.1 Metal Balls 5
3.1.1 Chrome steel UNI 100Cr6 5
3.1.2 Stainless steel AISI 420 6
3.1.3 Stainless steel AISI 316 6
3.1.4 Aluminium 6
3.1.5 Copper 6
3.1.6 Bronze 6
3.1.7 Brass 6
3.1.8 Bearing balls 6

4 Detectors Tested 7
4.1 Detector Characteristics 7
4.1.1 Continuous Wave and Pulsed Techniques 8
4.1.2 Dynamic and Static Mode 8
4.1.3 Coil Configuration 8
4.1.4 Ground Compensation 8
4.2 Detector Models 8
4.2.1 Ceia MIL-D1 8
4.2.2 Ebinger 421 GC 9
4.2.3 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 9
4.2.4 Guartel MD8 9
4.2.5 Minelab F3 (Prototype) 9
4.2.6 Schiebel AN 19/2 9
4.2.7 Vallon ML1620C and VMH-2.1 9

5 Test Equipment 10
5.1 In-air Test Jig 10
5.2 Soil Test Box 11

6 In-air Tests 12
6.1 Overview of Detection Capability Curves 12
6.2 Ceia MIL-D1 In-air Curves 13
6.3 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 518 In-air Curves 13
6.4 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 724 In-air Curves 13
6.5 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 (s/n 172) In-air Curves 14
6.6 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 (s/n 536) In-air Curves 14
6.7 Guartel MD8 In-air Curves 15
6.8 Minelab F3 (Prototype) In-air Curves 15
6.9 Schiebel AN 19/2 In-air Curves 16

2
6.10 Vallon ML1620C In-air Curves 16
6.11 Vallon VMH-2.1 In-air Curves 17
6.12 Summary of In-air Maximum Detection Capability 17

7 Soil Box Tests 18

7.1 Ceia MIL-D1 In-soil Detection Capability 18
7.2 Ebinger 421GC s/n 518 In-soil Detection Capability 19
7.3 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 723 In-soil Detection Capability 19
7.4 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 (s/n 172) In-soil Detection Capability 19
7.5 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 (s/n 536) In-soil Detection Capability 19
7.6 Guartel MD8 In-soil Detection Capability 19
7.7 Minelab F3 (Prototype) In-soil Detection Capability 20
7.8 Schiebel AN 19/2 In-soil Detection Capability 20
7.9 Vallon ML1620C In-soil Detection Capability 20
7.10 Vallon VMH-2.1 In-soil Detection Capability 20
7.11 Summary of In-soil Detection Capability 20

8 Equivalence of Targets: Preliminary Study 21

9 Conclusions 24

10 Acknowledgements 25

11 References 25

12 Results Tables and Graphs 26

3
1 Introduction
Metal detectors are an essential part of the toolkit of humanitarian demining. Metal detection is the
main “non-contact” method available to detect mines in most of the areas of the world where
humanitarian mine clearance operations are carried out. Modern metal detectors are extremely
sensitive, being able to detect small amounts of metal in their vicinity. Most detectors are designed
to be simple to use, with few user adjustments and only an audio alarm to indicate the presence of
metal.

Following demands for common testing practice, a CEN Workshop (CW07) was created to produce
standard requirements for testing and evaluation of metal detectors. A CEN Workshop Agreement
(CWA 14747:2003 [1]) has been produced.

Experiments are described below that have been used to support the CEN Workshop, helping the
development of the tests within the CEN Workshop Agreement. It is stressed that the tests described
do not however constitute a controlled trial for the purpose of selecting detectors and the results
should not be used in that way.

2 Purpose and Principles of the Tests

2.1 Maximum Detection Height

One of the aspects where standardization is needed is in the method used to measure the detection
capability of a detector. The approach most often employed in the field to quantify the detection
capability is to measure the maximum height above a given target at which the target still causes an
alarm indication. This idea has been developed in the present work, using a set of targets to define
the way that detection capability varies with detector height above the target. Spherical metal balls
of different diameters were used. Detection capability curves are produced with the measurements.

Metal detectors for demining are very sensitive instruments, which show a response to tiny changes
in the field produced by their coils. These instruments are however designed for use in difficult
conditions, by personnel who may have little, if any technical education. Metal detectors are
therefore made very simple to operate. There is usually no output signal level display, either in an
analogue, graphical or digital form, just an audible alarm signal whose tone and/or amplitude
increases with increasing signal. It is therefore difficult to quantify directly the response from a
detector to a metal object by measuring the signal level.

One of the objectives of this work was to establish a test that gives quantitative measurements of the
detection capability. A scheme not based upon signal level output is needed to make such
measurements. Following the common practice of metal detector operators in the field, the
maximum height above the target at which an alarm indication is triggered is used here as a
measure of detection capability. The higher the detection capability, the higher is the maximum
detection distance for a given target, or the smaller the minimum detectable target at a given height.

With some detectors the threshold height between detection and non-detection is very clear. For
other detectors the alarm is such that the transition can take place over a range of some tens of
millimetres. Therefore a criterion is defined for what constitutes detection and this criterion has
been adopted by CW07. The alarm signal has to be repeatable and not intermittent at the test
height/depth for it to be considered that detection has occurred.

In the in-air and in-soil tests described below, the optimum detection capability is always measured.
The maximum detection height or depth may occur when the centre of the coil is over the target,
4
when the limb of the coil is over the target (when close), or under some other point on the coil. In
whatever position it occurs, the maximum value is always recorded.

2.2 Detection Capability Curves

A spherical ball is the ideal target for detection capability tests, because the response will not vary
with orientation, so the results are repeatable. A set of balls of the same material and different
diameters can be used as a "parametric target set", where the ball diameter is a parameter describing
detection capability at a given detector height above target. The choice of material is considered
important for standard targets because the relative responses of all metal detectors to different
materials (in particular, any difference between magnetic and non-magnetic materials) may not be
the same. For this reason, balls of both magnetic and non-magnetic steels were used for these tests,
as well as balls of other metals.

One reason that metal balls are useful targets to use is that predicting the response of such targets in
the fields of circular coils is readily theoretically calculable. Theoretical models and comparison of
their results with experiment are reported elsewhere [2], [3].

2.3 Soil Tests

An important aspect of testing a metal detector is measuring the detection capability in soil. This
test may be made for two reasons; either to compare different detectors against a common general
reference soil in order to evaluate the detectors, or to find out what effect a particular soil (perhaps
representative of a mined area) has on a detector. The idea of detection capability curves has been
extended to testing for targets in soils, where capability is defined in terms of ball diameter and the
depth below the soil surface.

2.4 Target Grading

The metal components in real landmines have diverse geometric shapes and orientations and they
are made of many different metals. It would be useful if landmines could be graded in some
quantitative way according to how easy or difficult they are to detect. One of the ideas investigated
in this work is whether the detection capability curve produced for balls of one type of metal
(chrome steel) can be used to define an arbitrary reference scale of ease of target detection.
Maximum detection height for a target is translated into "equivalent" metal ball diameter.

3 Test Targets

3.1 Metal Balls

One of the aims of this work was to investigate the feasibility of using spherical metal balls as test
targets for measuring the detection capability of metal detectors. Balls of several sizes and
materials were used. A range of material properties was covered; high and low electrical resistivity,
ferromagnetic and non-magnetic. Some of the balls were obtained during the course of the work, so
were not used in tests for all of the detectors.

The materials used are listed below:

3.1.1 Chrome steel UNI 100Cr6

(Equivalent designations are UNS G52986, AISI 52100, DIN 1.3505). This is the most commonly
used type of steel for ball-bearings. This steel is ferromagnetic – it is strongly attracted to a magnet.
The listed electrical resistivity [4] for this steel is 21.9×10-8Ωm (conductivity 4.6×106Sm-1). In
general, the magnetic permeability of steel varies with the magnetic field strength applied and the
frequency of the field. The low-field limit (initial permeability) is the property of interest for metal

5
detectors. Unfortunately this property is rarely measured and listed for different steels. The relative
initial permeability for most steels is usually of the order of 100 [5] (free space or air =1).

Many components in minimum metal mines are made of steel, such as firing pins and helical
springs.

3.1.2 Stainless steel AISI 420

(Equivalent designation is UNS S42000). The listed electrical resistivity [4] is 55×10-8Ωm
(conductivity 1.8×106Sm-1), i.e. a higher resistivity than the chrome steel. Although a "stainless
steel", AISI 420 is ferromagnetic and it is assumed that the relative initial permeability is of the
order of 100 as for the chrome steel.

3.1.3 Stainless steel AISI 316

(Equivalent designation is UNS S31600). The listed electrical resistivity [4] is 74×10-8Ωm
(conductivity 1.4MSm-1), i.e. a higher resistivity than the chrome steel and the AISI 420. This steel
is basically non-magnetic, with a listed relative permeability [4] of 1.008. In fact, the cold working
of the metal surface during machining can produce metallurgical changes at the surface that result
in weak ferromagnetic effects. The balls can be weakly attracted by magnets, for example. For the
purpose of these tests, this material is considered a non-magnetic, high-resistivity metal.

3.1.4 Aluminium
Aluminium has a low electrical resistivity; about 2.8×10-8Ωm in its pure state (conductivity
36MSm-1), increasing to about 6×10-8Ωm for various levels of alloying. Aluminium is non-
magnetic (relative permeability of 1).

Aluminium is widely used in landmines, for example in detonator bodies.

3.1.5 Copper
Copper has a low electrical resistivity; about 1.7×10-8Ωm in its pure state (conductivity 58MSm-1).
Copper is non-magnetic (relative permeability of 1).

3.1.6 Bronze
The balls used were CuSn8 (8% tin) phosphor bronze (0.2-0.3% P). The electrical resistivity for
this bronze is approximately 13×10-8Ωm (conductivity 7.7MSm-1). Bronze is non-magnetic
(relative permeability of 1).

3.1.7 Brass
The balls used were CuZn37 (37%Zn) yellow brass. The listed electrical resistivity [4] for this
brass is 6.39×10-8Ωm (conductivity 15.6MSm-1). Brass is non-magnetic (relative permeability of
1).

3.1.8 Bearing balls

These balls are of unknown ferromagnetic steel from various sources. They are probably of similar
steel to the chrome steel, since this is a common material for making ball bearings. These balls
were included to see whether detection capability is sensitive to the minor differences in material
properties (particularly permeability variations), that are likely to be represented in this assortment
from various sources.

A list of all the sizes and materials used is given in the table below.

6
 Table 1 Metal Ball Diameters (mm) and Materials
100Cr6 AISI 420 AISI 316 Aluminium Copper Bronze Brass Bearing
2.4
3 3.2
4 4 4 4
4.7 4.76 4.7
5 5 5 5.5
5.6 5.6 5.56 5.6
6 6 6
6.35 6.35 6.35 6.5 6.35
7 7.1 7 7.4
8 8 8
8.7 8.6
9 9
9.5 9.5 9.5
10 10 10 10
10.3
11.1
11.9
12 12
12.7 12.7 12.7
13.5 13.49
14 14 14
14.3
15 15.1
15.9 15.88 15.88
16 16
17.46 17.46
18 18
19.05 19
20 20 20 20
23.8 22.23
25 25.4 25.4 25.38

4 Detectors Tested
Several detectors in common use in humanitarian demining (plus one prototype) were used for these
tests. There was no attempt to make this a comparative trial of detectors, but as wide a range of
models as possible was tested. If the tests conceived by this work are established as standards, they
need to be valid for all of the detectors commonly in use. Some of the detectors belong to JRC,
others became available on loan. The tests were therefore made as the detectors became available
and the measurements reported here span a period from October 2002 to July 2003.

4.1 Detector Characteristics

The range of metal detectors commonly used for demining can be characterized according to the
way that they function.

7
4.1.1 Continuous Wave and Pulsed Techniques
Some detectors use a continuous sinusoidal current to excite the transmit coil of the sensor head. A
single frequency or multiple frequencies can be used – the latter to help reject noise from soils, for
example. The detection signal is obtained by phase-sensitive detection of the receive-coil voltage,
or of the impedance change of a single transmit/receive coil.

Other detectors excite the transmit coil with a short broad-band pulse. The received signal is based
on the decay of this pulse as detected in the receive coil.

4.1.2 Dynamic and Static Mode

Many detectors can be held stationary over a metal target and the alarm will sound continually, this
is known as a static alarm mode.

Other detectors employ high-pass filter or periodic auto-balancing as a way of rejecting constant or
slowly-varying background noise. This means that if the detector is held stationary over a target,
the alarm will die away. The detector therefore needs to be swept continuously over the suspect
area (or a test target) to give optimum detection capability. These features are known in general as
dynamic modes of operation.

4.1.3 Coil Configuration

The coils used to generate and detect magnetic fields in the sensor heads of metal detectors have a
variety of designs. The main feature that the detector operator needs to be aware of is whether or
not the coil has a simple or "absolute" spatial response or a "differential" spatial response. The
latter type of design is called variously "double-D coil" and "gradiometer coil". In certain detectors,
the coil is realized in such a way that there are two lobes of the sensor head which produce equal
and opposite responses when a target is underneath them. This design aims to reduce noise from
soil or other external sources that is approximately constant over both lobes. The output of the
detector is the difference between the signals "seen" by each lobe. In the centre of the detector,
between the lobes, there is a line, where the influence from a target on both lobes is equal and so
there is poor detection capability. This feature can be used to locate metal objects accurately; the
detector is swept from side to side, alarming as first one lobe, then the other passes over the metal
object. The null between the alarm locations is at the position of the object.

4.1.4 Ground Compensation

It has been recognized that the effect of certain soils on metal detectors is a major factor limiting
their performance. Many manufacturers have therefore developed functions to reduce or eliminate
the effect of soil on their detectors. These ground (or soil) compensation functions often require a
the operator to perform an optimization for the soil under test. Where no such functions are
provided, it may be necessary to reduce the sensitivity setting of the detector to prevent the soil
giving spurious alarms.

4.2 Detector Models

4.2.1 Ceia MIL-D1

The MIL-D1 is a continuous-wave, multi-frequency detector with a differential ("gradiometer")
sensor coil, alarming when there is a difference between the signals from the two sides of the coil.
This detector has a static alarm response (the alarm is maintained if the sensor is held stationary
over the target). There is a ground compensation function that can be initiated by the operator to
suppress noise from soils. Two MIL-D1 detectors running with version 3.30 firmware were tested
(s/n 20314002045, 20314002179).

8
4.2.2 Ebinger 421 GC
The 421 GC is a pulsed-induction detector with a simple (non-differential) sensor design. Two
versions of this detector were tested. One version (s/n 518) had a dynamic alarm response, the
others (s/n 723, 724) gave the choice of static or dynamic response. In both cases there are separate
sensitivity and ground compensation controls, both of these controls having continuous adjustment.

4.2.3 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500

The Minex 2FD 4.500 is a continuous-wave twin-frequency detector with a differential
("gradiometer") sensor coil. There is one elliptical excitation coil (290mm × 210mm) and two
semi-elliptical receive coils in opposition, giving a differential spatial response (the difference
between what is "seen" by the two lobes of the coil). The coil is excited by two simultaneous
continuous wave frequencies (2.4kHz and 19.2kHz). The output signal is derived from the phase-
sensitive detected voltages at these frequencies on the receive coils. The alarm sounds when the
output signal exceeds positive or negative thresholds, according to whichever of the semi-elliptical
receive coils is nearer to the target. Different sound pitches are used for the positive and negative
alarms. There is no auto-zero or high-pass filter function on the output, so the detector can be used
stationary - it has a static alarm response.

There is a function that can be initiated by the operator to suppress noise from soils, using a
weighted difference of the quadrature components. There is also a three-step sensitivity control (L-
low, M-medium, H-high). Two examples of model 4.500.01, batch 166 645 2 were tested, with
serial numbers 172 and 536. Serial number 172 is non-standard, because it has been adapted for
JRC by the manufacturer so that it has an analogue output signal (not used in this work).

4.2.4 Guartel MD8

The MD8 is a pulsed-induction detector with a differential sensor coil. There is a 320mm-diameter
circular transmit coil and two semi-circular receive coils, connected differentially. The detector has
a dynamic response – the alarm signal dies away if the detector is held over a target for several
seconds due to an auto-zero function that operates every few seconds. There is no specific soil
compensation function. If soil noise is a problem, the sensitivity must be reduced with the three-
step control.

4.2.5 Minelab F3 (Prototype)

The F3 is a pulsed-induction detector with a simple (non-differential) sensor design. The alarm
response is static and there is a soil compensation function that can be initiated by the user.
Sensitivity can be changed by changing the colour-coded caps on the end of the detector. A black
cap is used for high sensitivity (normal) and a red cap for lower sensitivity.

4.2.6 Schiebel AN 19/2

The AN 19/2 (also known by its US Army designation AN/PSS-12) is a pulsed-induction detector
with a simple coil (non-differential) sensor design. The search head is circular, with a 260mm
diameter. An audio alarm sounds when the output signal exceeds a variable threshold – the
sensitivity control. The sensitivity control has a continuous adjustment, i.e. no pre-selectable
positions. The alarm response is static. There is no specific soil compensation function, other than
reducing the sensitivity control. Two examples were tested, a pre-production version (s/n TEST2)
and a "Mode-7" production version (s/n 92748).

4.2.7 Vallon ML1620C and VMH-2.1

The ML1620C and the VMH-2.1 are pulsed-induction detectors with simple coil (non-differential)
sensor designs. The shape of the search head is elliptical, being longer in the "fore-and-aft"
direction, but is slightly flattened at the ends. The search head has length 300mm & width 170mm.
9
The alarm response is dynamic. There are soil compensation settings operating slightly differently
in the two models. There is a coarse sensitivity control, allowing the user to select the low
sensitivity M ("metal-mine") setting or the high-sensitivity P ("plastic-mine") setting. There is also
a fine control knob. The serial number of the ML 1620C used is 1018, that of the VMH-2.1 is
1185.

5 Test Equipment

5.1 In-air Test Jig

For measurements of the maximum detection height of detector above a target in air, a non-metallic
jig was used. This jig includes a platform that can be slid up and down on three pillars to vary the
target height. The detector is swept or held on a fixed upper platform. The height of the mechanism
that supports the target can be adjusted relative to the sliding platform in such a way that the top of
the target can be set to a reference height. The height of the detector above the target can then be
read directly from the scales on the pillars for any target. The jig enables maximum detection
height to be measured from 0 to about 300mm. For greater heights, plastic blocks are placed on top
of the jig and the detector swept on these. In-air detection height measurements were always made
in a low-metal environment, to avoid signals from metal objects other than the test target.

detector

height above
target target

adjustable-height
platform
height scale
(about 0,3 m travel)

target height zero-

setting adjustment

Figure 1 Non-Metallic Jig for In-air Measurement of Maximum Detection Height

10
 a b
Figure 2 In-air Measurement Jig (a); Jig in Use (b)

5.2 Soil Test Box

In order to measure the capability for detecting targets in soil, a soil-filled non-metallic box 1m ×
1m × 0.5m deep was used. The soil box was filled with a soil known to have an influence on metal
detectors. It originates from the Naples area of Italy and is of volcanic origin. The soil properties
are not claimed to be representative of any particular soil that may be encountered by deminers.
The experiments using this soil were performed to investigate whether such a test could be used to
evaluate the capability of detectors to detect metal targets in noisy soil. The box was installed in a
low-metal laboratory to avoid any signals from metal objects other than the test target.

The soil susceptibility was measured using a Bartington MS2 susceptibility meter and MS2D
surface coil (operating at 958Hz [6]) to be 450×10-5 in SI units. The susceptibility as measured on
10cm3 samples with the MS2 and an MS2B 2-frequency enclosing coil is between about 680×10-5
and 780×10-5, depending on the packing of the sample and the frequency used. The measured
susceptibility at low frequency (465Hz) is higher by about 10×10-5 in SI units than it is at high
frequency (4.65kHz).

Another way to express the soil susceptibility is in terms of the "mass susceptibility". This is the
susceptibility as measured above (sometimes called "volume susceptibility") that is normalized to
soil density. This gives a property that is more a characteristic of the soil and less dependent on the
sample packing. The mass susceptibility is 450 to 500m3kg-1 (SI).

Targets were inserted into a plastic tube extending from the bottom of the box to the top surface and
the depth of targets below the soil surface could be varied. The target was positioned in the tube on
a plastic rod. The position of the target within the tube could be measured by measuring the length

11
of the rod protruding from the bottom of the tube. The tube outer diameter is 30mm. For each
detector used, it was checked that this "void" in the soil did not cause a detector signal. Detectors
were swept on a board over the soil surface, to maintain constant sweep height. The effective
sweep height above the surface was 15mm.

a b
Figure 3 Soil Test Box; (a) Overhead View, (b) Side View

6 In-air Tests
Each of the detectors was set up according to the manufacturers' instructions to give the highest
sensitivity in air. The detectors were each swept manually over the target using the jig described in
5.1 above. The rate at which the detector was moved over the target and the time between
successive sweeps over the target were adjusted to produce the best conditions for detection,
depending on the individual characteristics of the detector. The maximum detection height was
measured for the sets of balls of different metals. The results were plotted as curves of maximum
detection height against ball diameter. The measurement error for determining the maximum
detection height is estimated to be approximately 5mm. These in-air tests extend the scope of
previous work [6] with a larger range of metals, ball diameters and detector models.

These curves may be used to define the detection capability in terms of a minimum detectable ball
size at a given detector height above target.

The results of these measurements are given in Table 6 to Table 16 and Figure 4 to Figure 14. For
clarity the error bars are not shown on the Figures.

6.1 Overview of Detection Capability Curves

The results show a considerable variation of detection capability for different detectors, but the
general pattern is the same for most detectors. Larger targets are required to trigger the alarm at
greater heights, but when the height becomes much more than the sensor coil diameter, the curve
flattens off and it needs very big metal objects to trigger the alarm.

In all cases the curve for the 100Cr6 chrome steel balls is used as a reference, since this is the
material adopted as a reference standard in CWA 14747. The maximum detection height of a
10mm-diameter ball of 100Cr6 varies between 140mm and 240mm for the different detectors.
Using minimum detectable ball diameter as a parameter to express detection capability, the smallest
detectable 100Cr6 ball at 100mm height varies between 4 and 7mm for the detectors tested.

12
6.2 Ceia MIL-D1 In-air Curves
The transition between alarm/no alarm for the MIL-D1 is very clear, making it easy to define the
maximum detection height. Detection was deemed to have occurred if a consistent alarm was heard
for one or other of the lobes of the sensor head.

It was possible to set the continuous sensitivity adjustment knob to maximum for these in-air tests
(i.e. beyond the red-spot on the dial that is the "recommended" level for normal use). The in-air
detection capability measurements are listed in Table 6 and shown in Figure 4.

The curve for the chrome steel balls shows a high detection capability, a 10mm ball being detected
at 240mm. At 100mm a 4mm ball is the minimum target detected.

The AISI 420 ferromagnetic stainless steel balls follow the chrome steel quite closely, with some
evidence that AISI 420 is slightly less detectable.

Small balls of AISI 316 stainless steel are much less easy to detect than the chrome steel, a 5mm
ball only being detectable when right next to the detector. At 100mm height, the minimum
detectable target is about 8mm for AISI 316. With bigger balls and greater heights, the AISI 316
measurements approach but remain below those of the chrome steel.

Small balls (5 to 7mm diameter) of aluminium are slightly easier to detect than chrome steel balls of
the same size. In contrast, the larger balls (16mm) have a significantly smaller maximum detection
height.

6.3 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 518 In-air Curves

The 421GC serial number 518 was adjusted in air by turning the soil compensation knob fully anti-
clockwise and using the maximum level of the sensitivity knob that is possible without getting
spurious signals. The in-air detection capability measurements are listed in Table 7 and shown in
Figure 5.

The curve for chrome steel balls shows a curious behaviour for this detector. For small balls, the
sensitivity maximum detection height increases steadily with increased diameter, but the curve
flattens very quickly (above 12mm diameter) and even appears to dip at 25mm diameter. A 10mm
ball is detected at 150mm and the minimum detectable target at 100mm height is 7mm.

Small balls of AISI 316 stainless steel are much less easy to detect than chrome steel balls of the
same diameter. At 10mm diameter, the curve for the 316 meets that for the chrome steel and at
larger diameters the 316 balls are easier to detect than the chrome steel, with the curve flattening at
higher diameters than the chrome steel, but also dipping at 25mm.

Apart from the smallest ball (5mm), which falls well below, the aluminium balls lie near to the
chrome steel curve.

The reason for the flattening and dipping of the curves at large diameters is not known. It may be
that the characteristic response times of such large balls fall outside of the bandwidth of this
detector.

6.4 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 724 In-air Curves

The 421GC serial number 724 was adjusted on setting 4 (static response, no ground compensation)
and the sensitivity knob adjusted to the highest level possible without spurious signals. The in-air
detection capability measurements are listed in Table 8 and shown in Figure 6.

13
The curve for chrome steel balls does not show the same reduced response for large balls as s/n 518.
The detection capability is quite high, with a 10mm ball detectable up to 180mm. The minimum
detectable ball at 100mm height is about 6mm diameter.

At the time of writing, no measurements had been made for balls of other metals.

6.5 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 (s/n 172) In-air Curves

The Minex 2FD 4.500.01 s/n 172 (non-standard) was tested at the highest sensitivity setting (H) for
these in-air measurements. Detection was deemed to have occurred if a consistent alarm was heard
for one or other of the lobes of the sensor head. The in-air detection capability measurements are
listed in Table 9 and shown in Figure 7.

The maximum detection height for a 10mm chrome steel ball is 185mm and the minimum
detectable ball at 100mm is about 4.5mm diameter.

The detection capability for ferromagnetic AISI 420 stainless steel is close to that of the chrome
steel for the whole range measured, with some evidence that AISI 420 is slightly less detectable.

The non-magnetic AISI 316 stainless steel has a lower maximum detection height for most of the
range of diameters, except for the largest balls, for which the detection capability approaches that
for the chrome steel.

For the very smallest aluminium balls (5, 6mm), the maximum detection height is the same as the
chrome steel. The max detection heights for larger balls fall below the chrome steel curve.

The bronze balls fall consistently below the chrome steel in maximum detection height, as do the
brass balls, although the smaller brass balls are closer to the steels.

The steel bearings of unknown specification have maximum detection heights falling between those
of the chrome steel and the AISI 420 balls.

6.6 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 (s/n 536) In-air Curves

The Minex 2FD 4.500.01 (s/n 536) was tested at the highest sensitivity setting (H) for these in-air
measurements. A signal was required from one or other of the lobes of the sensor head before
detection was recorded. The in-air detection capability measurements are listed in Table 10 and
shown in Figure 8.

The maximum detection height for a 10mm chrome steel ball is 195mm and the minimum
detectable ball at 100mm is 4mm in diameter. At the H setting, s/n 536 can be seen to have a
slightly higher detection capability than does s/n 172.

The detection capability for ferromagnetic AISI 420 stainless steel is close to that of the chrome
steel for the whole range measured, with no clear evidence in this case that AISI 420 is any less
detectable.

The non-magnetic AISI 316 stainless steel has a lower maximum detection height for most of the
range of diameters, except for the largest balls, for which the detection capability approaches that
for the chrome steel; i.e. the same behaviour as for the other model.

14
For the very smallest aluminium balls (5, 6mm), the maximum detection height is the same as the
chrome steel. The max detection heights for larger balls fall below the chrome steel curve.

The bearing balls of unknown steel behave similarly to the chrome steel balls.

The small bronze and brass balls have maximum detection heights similar to the ferromagnetic
steels, but above about 9mm diameter the max detection height starts to fall below that of the
chrome steel and the AISI 420.

Note: These two examples of the 4.500 were nominally identical at manufacture, but they show
different in-air detection capability on setting H. It may be that the modification of the s/n 172
model has increased noise levels that required the "H level" sensitivity to be reduced slightly.

6.7 Guartel MD8 In-air Curves

The Guartel MD8 was tested at its highest sensitivity setting (III) for these in-air measurements.
Detection was deemed to have occurred if a consistent alarm was heard for one or other of the lobes
of the sensor head. The in-air detection capability measurements are listed in Table 11 and shown
in Figure 9.

The maximum detection height for a 10mm chrome steel ball is 190mm and the minimum
detectable ball at 100mm is about 5mm diameter.

The detection capability for ferromagnetic AISI 420 stainless steel is consistently below that of the
chrome steel for the whole range measured.

The non-magnetic AISI 316 stainless steel has a lower maximum detection height than the chrome
steel for all of the range of diameters. Near the middle of the diameter range (about 10 to 12mm),
the detection capability approaches that for the AISI 420.

For the very smallest aluminium balls (5mm), the maximum detection height is just below that of
the chrome steel. The max detection heights for larger balls fall well below the chrome steel curve.

The maximum detection height for the bronze and brass balls is consistently below that of the
chrome steel, although for the smallest balls (5 to 6mm), only just below.

The steel bearings of unknown specification have maximum detection heights similar either to those
of the chrome steel or the AISI 420 balls.

6.8 Minelab F3 (Prototype) In-air Curves

The Minelab F3 prototype was set up for optimum in-air sensitivity with the black cap (high-
sensitivity) in place. The in-air detection capability measurements are listed in Table 12 and shown
in Figure 10.

The maximum detection height for a 10mm chrome steel ball is 155mm and the minimum
detectable ball at 100mm is 6mm in diameter.

The detection capability for ferromagnetic AISI 420 stainless steel is close to that of the chrome
steel for the whole range measured, with no evidence that AISI 420 is any more or less easy to
detect.

15
Small balls of the non-magnetic AISI 316 stainless steel have a much lower maximum detection
height than the chrome steel. Above 8mm diameter, the maximum detection height rapidly
increases and by 12mm it is equal to that of the chrome steel. For the largest balls, above 14mm,
the maximum detection height is above that of the chrome steel.

For the small aluminium balls (5 to 9mm), the maximum detection height is the same as the chrome
steel. The max detection heights for larger balls fall slightly below the chrome steel curve.

The small bronze balls are slightly more detectable than the chrome steel and the larger balls are
about the same as the chrome steel. The brass balls of all sizes follow the chrome steel curve fairly
closely.

The bearing balls of unknown steel behave similarly to the chrome steel balls.

6.9 Schiebel AN 19/2 In-air Curves

The sensitivity was set to the maximum possible without the detector ever alarming when held in
air. Care was required when comparing maximum detection height between different targets for
these detectors as some drift in detection capability seems to occur with temperature change. The
in-air detection capability measurements for the Mode 7 (s/n 92748) version are listed in Table 13
and shown in Figure 11. The in-air detection capability measurements for the "TEST2" pre-
production model are listed in Table 14 and shown in Figure 12.

As set, the Mode 7 detects a 10mm chrome steel ball at 165mm maximum and the minimum
detectable chrome steel ball at 100mm is 6.3mm. The prototype version needed to be adjusted to a
lower sensitivity, the 10mm chrome steel ball having a maximum detection height of 135mm and
the minimum target diameter being 7mm at 100mm height.

For both the prototype and the Mode 7 versions, the AISI 420 stainless steel shows a maximum
detection height that is close to, but slightly below that of the chrome steel balls for all
sizes/heights.

Small balls of AISI 316 stainless steel have much smaller maximum detection heights than their
chrome steel counterparts, however the difference is less marked for larger balls.

Small balls of aluminium have a similar maximum detection height to the same size chrome steel
balls, but larger balls (16mm) fall well below the chrome steel curve.

Small bronze and brass balls have maximum detection heights close to those of chrome steel balls,
but the larger balls (above about 12mm) fall below the chrome steel curve.

The bearing balls of unknown steel are indistinguishable from the chrome steel.

6.10 Vallon ML1620C In-air Curves

For the in-air tests, the ML 1620C was set up in "P" mode, with the 50Hz mains filter, in program 1
(max sensitivity) and with the sensitivity knob on 6 - the maximum possible whilst avoiding the
alarm being triggered when the detector is in the air, away from metal. The ML1620C works in a
dynamic mode, so it was swept over the target at a speed and with a length of "rest time" away from
the target after each sweep that gave best detection capability. The in-air detection capability
measurements are listed in Table 15 and shown in Figure 13.

16
With the ML1620C, the 10mm chrome steel ball is detected at 177mm maximum height and at
100mm the minimum detected chrome steel ball is about 5.8mm diameter.

The AISI 420 balls are marginally less easy to detect than the chrome steel at all diameters/ heights
with the ML1620C.

Small balls of AISI 316 have small maximum detection heights compared to the chrome steel, but
for larger balls this difference diminishes.

Small balls of aluminium (and copper) are marginally easier to detect than the chrome steel
equivalent. Larger balls (about 8 to 16mm) are however less easy to detect.

The max detection height for bronze balls fall close to, or just below that of the chrome steel balls at
small diameters, but at larger diameters this difference is more marked. A similar behaviour is seen
with the brass balls.

The bearing balls of unknown steel behave similarly to the chrome steel balls.

6.11 Vallon VMH-2.1 In-air Curves

The VMH-2.1 was set up similarly to the ML 1620C; "P" mode, 50Hz mains filter, soil mode knob
at position 1 (max sensitivity) and with the sensitivity knob at the 1 o'clock position. The in-air
detection capability measurements are listed in Table 16 and shown in Figure 14.

In these settings, the VMH-2.1 has a higher detection capability than the ML1620C. The 10mm
ball is detected up to 230mm and the minimum chrome steel ball at 100mm is 4.5mm in diameter.

The AISI 420 balls have broadly equivalent maximum detection height to those of chrome steel.

The maximum detection height for small balls of AISI 316 is small compared to chrome steel, but
for larger balls this difference diminishes.

Small balls of aluminium (and copper) are as easy to detect as the chrome steel equivalent. Larger
balls (about 7 to 16mm) are however less easy to detect.

Small brass and bronze balls are detectable at the heights greater than or close to those at which
chrome steel balls are detected. At larger diameters (above 10mm) they are much less detectable
however.

The bearing balls of unknown steel behave similarly to the chrome steel balls.

6.12 Summary of In-air Maximum Detection Capability

The results of the detection capability defined by the in-air measurements are summarized in Table
2 below. Note that this only shows the capability as set in air and should not be used to indicate the
detection performance in soil.

17
 Table 2 Detection Capability at Maximum In-air Sensitivity
Detector Maximum detection height of Minimum detectable 100Cr6
10mm 100Cr6 ball (mm) ball diameter at 100mm
height (mm)
Ceia MIL-D1 240 4.0
Ebinger 421GC s/n 518 150 7.0
Ebinger 421GC s/n 724 180 6.0
Foerster Minex 2FD s/n 172 185 4.5
Foerster Minex 2FD s/n 536 195 4.0
Guartel MD8 190 5.0
Minelab F3 prototype 155 6.0
Schiebel AN 19/2 m7 s/n 92748 165 6.3
Schiebel AN 19/2 s/n TEST2 135 7.0
Vallon ML 1620C 177 5.8
Vallon VMH 2.1 230 4.5

7 Soil Box Tests

Each detector was adjusted so that it would not give an alarm from the soil itself when brought into
contact with the soil surface in the soil box, away from the edge. Soil compensation functions were
used where available to give the best sensitivity possible according to the manufacturer's operating
instructions. In some cases the only adjustment possible is a reduction in sensitivity. In one case
(AN 19/2 Mode 7), it was not possible to reduce the sensitivity control to a sufficiently low level to
prevent alarms from the soil, so it was not possible to test this detector. For other detectors it was
not possible to eliminate the signal from the soil-air discontinuity at the sides of the box. As long as
no alarm occurred when the sensor head was raised and lowered on the soil, the measurements were
made.

Once the detector was set up for the soil, the maximum detection depth in the soil was measured as
a function of target size using 100Cr6 steel balls. These results are plotted as maximum detection
depth vs. ball diameter and compared with the previous in-air result, correcting for the 15mm sweep
height above the soil surface. For some detectors the in-air measurement was also repeated with the
detector as set up for the soil.

For most detectors, adjustment to the soil produced a reduction in detection capability, although for
some detectors it is maintained. At a depth of 100mm and sweep height of 15mm, the minimum
detectable ball size varies from 6 to 14mm diameter.

Note that this is an experiment to determine whether this test gives valuable information about a
detector's in-soil performance. The actual results are specific to the particular soil in which tests
were made and cannot be assumed to apply generally to all soil types.

7.1 Ceia MIL-D1 In-soil Detection Capability

The soil signal was eliminated using the ground compensation function. It was possible to leave the
sensitivity knob on maximum. The maximum detection depth for chrome steel balls using the Ceia
MIL-D1 is shown in Figure 15 and in Figure 16 after completing the ground compensation
procedure on two occasions. There is a large reduction in the detection capability compared to that
in air, the minimum target detected at a depth of 100mm and a sweep height of 15mm being 8.5mm
to 10mm in diameter.
18
The in-air measurements at the same setting as used for the soil measurements give approximately
the same effective detection depth as for the tests in the soil itself. For this detector, this suggests
that setting up the detector on the soil and measuring the in-air detection capability would be a valid
test of the in-soil capability. It is clear that the effectiveness of the ground compensation depends to
an extent on exactly how the set-up procedure is performed.

7.2 Ebinger 421GC s/n 518 In-soil Detection Capability

The ground compensation and sensitivity controls were used together to eliminate the soil signal
whilst maintaining the highest sensitivity possible. The maximum detection depth for chrome steel
balls using the Ebinger 421GC s/n 518 is shown in Figure []. There is no reduction in the detection
capability compared to that in air, in fact the detection capability is slightly improved. The
minimum target detected at a depth of 100mm and a sweep height of 15mm is 7mm in diameter.
The flattening of the in-air detection curve at large diameter is not so marked on the in-soil curve.

7.3 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 723 In-soil Detection Capability

Setting 4 (static response, ground compensation) was used. The ground compensation and
sensitivity controls were then used together to eliminate the soil signal whilst maintaining the
highest sensitivity possible. The maximum detection depth for chrome steel balls using the Ebinger
421GC s/n 723 is shown in Figure 18. There is a reduction in the detection capability compared to
that in air. The minimum target detected at a depth of 100mm and a sweep height of 15mm is
9.5mm in diameter.

7.4 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 (s/n 172) In-soil Detection Capability
The ground compensation function was used to reduce the soil signals, however it was also
necessary to reduce the sensitivity control to the "L" (low) position to eliminate soil signals. The
maximum detection depth for chrome steel balls using the Minex 2FD 4.500.01 s/n 172 is shown in
Figure 19. There is a reduction in the detection capability compared to that in air. The minimum
target detected at a depth of 100mm and a sweep height of 15mm is 12mm in diameter.

Measuring the detection capability in air at the same setting gives approximately equal results to the
in-soil measurements. For this detector, this suggests that setting up the detector on the soil and
measuring the in-air detection capability would be a valid test of the in-soil capability.

7.5 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 (s/n 536) In-soil Detection Capability
The ground compensation function was used to reduce the soil signals, however it was also
necessary to reduce the sensitivity control to the "L" (low) position to eliminate soil signals. The
maximum detection depth for chrome steel balls using the Minex 2FD 4.500.01 s/n 536 is shown in
Figure 20. There is a reduction in the detection capability compared to that in air. The minimum
target detected at a depth of 100mm and a sweep height of 15mm is 11mm in diameter.

7.6 Guartel MD8 In-soil Detection Capability

There is no ground compensation function on the MD8. To prevent the detector from alarming
constantly on the soil, the sensitivity was set at the lowest (I) setting. The maximum detection depth
for chrome steel balls using the MD8 is shown in Figure 21. There is a large reduction in the
detection capability compared to that in air. The minimum target detected at a depth of 100mm and
a sweep height of 15mm is 18mm in diameter.

Measuring the detection capability in air at the soil setting gives approximately equal results to the
in-soil measurements. For this detector, this suggests that setting up the detector on the soil and
measuring the in-air detection capability would be a valid test of the in-soil capability.

19
7.7 Minelab F3 (Prototype) In-soil Detection Capability
The ground compensation function was used to eliminate signals from the soil. The maximum
detection depth for chrome steel balls is shown in Figure 22. There is no change in the detection
capability compared to that in air. The minimum target detected at a depth of 100mm and a sweep
height of 15mm is 6mm in diameter.

7.8 Schiebel AN 19/2 In-soil Detection Capability

The sensitivity control on the AN 19/2 detectors was reduced until no signal was obtained from the
soil. This was not possible, for the soil used, with the Mode 7 detector – it was not possible to
reduce the sensitivity far enough. The maximum detection depth for chrome steel balls as measured
using the AN 19/2 s/n TEST2 is shown in Figure 23. There is a reduction in detection capability
compared to that measured in air. The minimum target detected at a depth of 100mm and a sweep
height of 15mm is 13.5mm in diameter.

With the detector still adjusted for the soil, the in-air measurement of the chrome steel balls was
repeated. The maximum detection height so measured is less than that measured in the soil. This
demonstrates that it is not valid (for this detector) to adjust the detector to the soil and then measure
the in-air detection capability under the assumption that this is equal to the in-soil detection
capability. Such a test would underestimate the detection capability in soil. This result suggests
that the soil and target signals are additive in some way. The sensitivity control is basically an
alarm threshold. When the soil is absent, the target signal needs to be bigger before it can break the
alarm threshold.

7.9 Vallon ML1620C In-soil Detection Capability

The ML 1620C was adjusted to the soil by switching to program 3 and making adjustment with the
fine compensation control. The "P" setting was used and the sensitivity knob kept at 6, as for the
in-air tests. The maximum detection depth for chrome steel balls is shown in Figure 24. There is a
reduction in detection capability compared to that measured in air. The minimum target detectable
at a depth of 100mm and a sweep height of 15mm is 12.5mm in diameter.

With the detector still adjusted for the soil, the in-air measurement of the chrome steel balls was
repeated. The maximum detection height so measured is approximately the same (perhaps slightly
less for large balls/depths) as that measured in the soil. This suggests that adjusting the detector to
the soil and measuring the in-air capability may be a valid way to tests for the effect of soil on this
detector.

7.10 Vallon VMH-2.1 In-soil Detection Capability

The VMH 2.1 was adjusted to the soil by switching to soil setting 2 and making fine adjustment
with the push-button compensation control. The "P" setting was used and the sensitivity knob kept
at the 1 o'clock position, as for the in-air tests. The maximum detection depth for chrome steel balls
is shown in Figure 25. There is a reduction in detection capability compared to that measured in air.
The minimum target detectable at a depth of 100mm and a sweep height of 15mm is 7.8mm in
diameter.

7.11 Summary of In-soil Detection Capability

Table 3 below summarizes the detection capability of all of the detectors tested for the particular
soil type used in the soil box tests.

20
 Table 3 Detection Capability according to Soil-Box Tests
Detector Max. det. Estimated minimum 100Cr6 ball diameter
depth for detectable at 100mm depth, 15mm sweep height
10mm (mm)
100Cr6
ball (mm)
in-soil in-air (max) in-air at soil setting
Ceia MIL-D1 102, 117 10, 8.5 4.2 10, -
Ebinger 421GC s/n 518 141 7 8 not measured
Ebinger 421GC s/n 724 105 9.5 6.5 not measured
Foerster 2FD 4.500 s/n 172 87 12 5 12
Foerster 2FD 4.500 s/n 536 91 11 5 not measured
Guartel MD8 40 18 5.5 18
Minelab F3 prototype 155 6 6 not measured
Schiebel AN 19/2 s/n 92748 not measurable - -
Schiebel AN 19/2 s/n TEST2 60, 52 13.5 8.5 18.5
Vallon ML 1620C 75 12.5 6.5 13
Vallon VMH 2.1 126 7.8 5 not measured

It can be seen that the Minelab F3 performs well in this soil, its detection capability being
unaffected by the soil.

8 Equivalence of Targets: Preliminary Study

The maximum detection height of other targets was measured for each of the detectors. Using the
maximum detection height and the detection capability curve established for the same detector
setting, it is possible to express the maximum detection height as an equivalent chrome steel ball
diameter. These tests have not been completed for all detectors, with all targets.

Details of the targets used are given below

21
 Table 4 Additional Test Targets
Test Target Description
ITOP inserts: Generic low-metal mine objects defined in [1].
C0 carbon steel ball; diameter 3.2 mm
E0 vertical carbon steel pin; length 7 mm, diameter 1.6 mm
G0 vertical copper tube; length 12.7 mm, outer diameter 3.2 mm, wall
thickness 0.4 mm
I0 vertical aluminium tube; length 12.7 mm, outer diameter 4.8 mm,
wall thickness 0.38 mm
K0 Two (2) parts:
1. vertical carbon steel pin; length 7 mm, diameter 1.6 mm
2. vertical aluminium tube; length 12.7 mm, outer diameter 6.35 mm,
wall thickness 0.38 mm
M0 vertical aluminium tube; length 38 mm, outer diameter 6.35 mm, wall
thickness 0.38 mm
O0 Four (4) parts:
1. vertical carbon steel pin; length 14 mm, diameter 1.6 mm,
2. vertical aluminium tube; length 38 mm, outer diameter 6.35 mm,
wall thickness 0.38 mm
3. vertical carbon steel spring; length 25.4 mm, outer diameter 8.7
mm, wire diameter 1.0 mm
4. carbon steel ball; diameter 6.35 mm

Test Target Description

Ceia surrogates: Equivalent metal content of minimum-metal mines, sealed in a
Perspex tube, recreating the position of the metal content relative to
the top of the mine.
LI-11 Surrogate of metal content of Swedish LI-11 AP mine (Truppmina
10) – like German DM-11
AP-72 Surrogate of metal content of Chinese Type 72 (AP)
PMA-2 Surrogate of metal content of Yugoslav PMA-2 AP mine
SB-81 Surrogate of metal content of Italian SB-81 AT mine
VS-1.6 Surrogate of metal content of Italian VS-1.6 AT mine

For each of the target maximum detection heights measured in air and maximum detection depth
measured in the soil box, an equivalent 100Cr6 ball diameter was estimated from the appropriate
detection capability curve.

Note: as the C0 target is a steel ball it is always given its actual diameter (3.2mm) as an equivalent –
the small distance between the top of the ball and the top of the encapsulated target in which it is
fixed (3mm) is neglected. In the Table, x means not detected at any depth.

22
 Table 5 – Approximate Target Equivalence to Chrome Steel Balls
Detector: in air "ITOP" mine simulant inserts; equivalent 100Cr6 ball diameter
(mm)
C E G I K M O
Ceia MIL-D1 3.2 5.5 5.7 7.3 9.0 11.0 13.0
Ebinger 421GC s/n 518 3.2 4.5 7.0 9.0 9.8 11.0 13.0
Ebinger 421GC s/n 724 3.2 5.5 6.5 7.8 9.5 11.7 12.8
Foerster 2FD 4.500 s/n 172 3.2 5.3 5.7 7.3 9.1 11.1 12.5
Foerster 2FD 4.500 s/n 536 3.2 3.9 4.6 5.7 7.6 9.6 10.9
Guartel MD8 3.2 4.8 5.0 6.3 8.0 8.5 10.8
Minelab F3 prototype 3.2 4.7 7.0 9.0 11.0 11.5 12.5
Schiebel AN 19/2 mode 7 - - - - - -
Schiebel AN 19/2 s/n TEST2 3.2 5 5.6 7.5 9.3 11.5 12.5
repeat 3.2 4.9 5.5 6.8 10 12 13
repeat 3.2 5 6 8 10 12 13
Vallon ML 1620C 3.2 5.5 5.8 7.5 9.5 11 13
Vallon VMH 2.1 3.2 5.5 6.3 8.4 10 12.5 14

Detector: in soil box "ITOP" mine simulant inserts; equivalent 100Cr6 ball diameter
(mm)
C E G I K M O
Ceia MIL-D1 3.2 4.7 6.5 7.5 - 10.5 -
Ebinger 421GC s/n 518 3.2 4.7 7.5 10 - 11 -
Ebinger 421GC s/n 724 3.2 4.7 7.2 9.5 - 12.2 -
Foerster 2FD 4.500 s/n 172 3.2 5.5 6 7 - 11 -
Guartel MD8 x x 6 8 - 11 -
Minelab F3 prototype 3.2 4 6 8 - 10.5 -
Schiebel AN 19/2 s/n TEST2 x x 6.5 7.7 - 12.5 -
Vallon ML 1620C 3.2 x 8 10 - 12.5 -
Vallon VMH 2.1 3.2 4.7 7.9 9.2 - 11.5 -

Detector: in-air when "ITOP" mine simulant inserts; equivalent 100Cr6 ball diameter
adjusted to soil box (mm)
C E G I K M O
Ceia MIL-D1 3.2 4.7 6 7.8 10 11 12.5
Foerster 2FD 4.500 s/n 172 3.2 5.5 6 7 9 11 12
Guartel MD8 3.2 x 6.3 8 9.5 11 12
Schiebel AN 19/2 s/n TEST2 x x 6.5 7.5 9.5 12 13
Vallon ML 1620C 3.2 4 7.5 9.5 11.5 12.5 14

Detector: in air Ceia surrogates; equivalent 100Cr6 ball diameter (mm)

SB-81 LI-11 PMA-2 AP-72 VS-1.6
Ceia MIL-D1 5 6.9 6.9 8.7 9
Ebinger 421GC s/n 724 4.6 6.2 6.5 7.8 8.5
Guartel MD8 4.4 5.8 6.0 7.8 7.0

23
Detector: in soil box Ceia surrogates; equivalent 100Cr6 ball diameter (mm)
SB-81 LI-11 PMA-2 AP-72 VS-1.6
Ebinger 421GC s/n 724 4.5 5.5 10.5 10 7 (?)

In general, the order of ease/difficulty of detection of targets is maintained for all detectors.
However, the above data show that a given target does not always have the same equivalent 100Cr6
ball for all detectors.

The bandwidths of frequency used by two different detectors to produce a signal are different and
the way that this bandwidth interacts with the characteristic response spectrum (or time constant) of
different sizes and shapes of metal objects will differ.

There is some evidence that the implementation of ground compensation functions changes the
equivalent ball size of a target (see for example the equivalent sizes for the ITOP targets for the
Vallon ML1620C in-air and in-soil. This is not unexpected; such functions may change the
frequency content of the detected signal.

There is a considerable random error that arises from evaluating an "equivalent diameter" in this
way, as can be seen for the repeated results for the Schiebel AN 19/2. This is the combination of
the errors in estimating the max detection height for the balls and for the non-ball targets. With
these data alone, it is difficult to separate the genuine differences in equivalent diameter from the
scatter due to the measurement error.

A more extensive study is required to investigate the feasibility of determining equivalent

parametric targets to real mine components. Such a study would need to consider the error arising
from measurement and interpolation and to devise a method for comparing the targets that
minimizes this error.

9 Conclusions
• The measured curves of maximum detection height as a function on metal ball diameter make it
possible to define detection capability and a given height of detector above the target in terms of
a minimum detectable ball size for a given metal.
• Most of the in-air curves for different metals show a similar pattern for all of the detectors.
Using chrome steel as a reference, small non-magnetic stainless steel balls are difficult to detect,
but otherwise most of the small metal balls behave similarly to the chrome steel. The different
ferromagnetic steels are detected at a similar maximum height across the range of diameters,
although for some detectors a systematic difference is observed between the chrome steel and
the ferromagnetic "stainless" steel.
• The dependence on the material properties of the ferromagnetic steels (effective magnetic
permeability and electrical conductivity) seems to be weak enough to suggest that the use of
chrome steel balls as a standard target - as adopted by CWA 14747:2003 - is justified.
• The relative ease of detection of aluminium relative to steel changes with ball diameter. Small
aluminium balls are generally as easy to detect as steel ones of the same diameter. Large
aluminium balls are significantly harder to detect than the steel ones. This may be important as
aluminium is commonly used for components of minimum-metal mines (detonator tubes).
• The in-soil detection capability curves are a useful way of characterizing how the performance
of a detector is degraded by soils with "noisy" magnetic properties. In most cases the soil used
in these tests reduced the detection capability of the detector, usually because the detector's
sensitivity setting needs to be reduced, even when they have a ground compensation function.

24
• Many detectors have some sort of "ground compensation" system designed to reduce the false
alarm signals that can be caused by the soil itself. On other detectors the only possible
adjustment is to reduce the sensitivity. The relative success with which these measures reject
the soil signals without reducing metal detection capability varies between detectors. Some of
the detectors showing a very good in-air capability performed relatively poorly in the test soil.
• It was suggested (in early meetings of CW07) that to measure in-soil performance it would be
sufficient to set up the detector for the soil (including ground compensation) and then perform
an in-air test at that setting. The results show that for one detector at least (AN 19/2) this would
not be a valid test of in-soil detection capability, but for the four others tested it would be valid.
This makes it much easier to assess in-soil detection capability for those four detectors.
• The results of the preliminary study to determine target equivalence and grading are not
conclusive. Further study is required to complete this work.

10 Acknowledgements
Many people contributed to the collection of data for this work, in particular Antonio Logreco and
Matthew Pike of JRC. The non metallic-jig was designed by Adriano Pegoraro. Franz Muhlberger
designed and constructed the soil test box and helped in many other ways.

Special thanks are due to Christina Müller and Mate Gaal from BAM, Berlin, who allowed us to use
the detectors that they obtained for their own detection reliability trials and helped with a lot of the
data collection.

11 References
1. CWA 14747:2003, "CEN Workshop Agreement: Humanitarian Mine Action – Test and
Evaluation – Metal Detectors", CEN, Brussels, 18-June-2003. Produced by CEN Workshop 7
http://humanitarian-security.jrc.it/demining/cw07/index.htm.
2. T J Bloodworth & A M Lewis, "Quantifying the Detection Capability of Metal Detectors using
Metal Spheres", Proc. EUDEM2-SCOT-2003; International Conference on Requirements and
Technologies for the Detection, Removal and Neutralization of Landmines and UXO,
Brussels,15-18 September 2003, pp 281-285. Note that in the version of this paper printed in the
Proceedings, Figures 1 and 2 are transposed.
3. T J Bloodworth & A M Lewis, JRC Technical Note, in preparation.
4. MatWeb Materials Property Database, http://www.matweb.com
5. A M Lewis, "Measurement of the Material Constants for the Surface Impedance Boundary
Condition", Rev. Prog. in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, Vol.10B, Ed D O Thompson
and D E Chimenti, Plenum Press, New York, 1991.
6. Bartington MS2 Susceptibility Meter Operation Manual.
7. T J Bloodworth, "Quantifying Metal Detector Sensitivity with Metal Spheres", European
Commission Joint Research Centre Technical Note No. I.02.65, July 2002.

25
12 Results Tables and Graphs

26
 Table 6 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Ceia MIL D1
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 190 4.763 155
3 80 2.4 45 12.7 260
4 110 4 105 3.2 85 4 5 150 17.463 290
4 115 4 100 4 110 5.6 170 5.556 160 20 305
5 140 4.7 125 4.7 135 5 5 6.35 180 6.35 160 22.225 315
5 135 5.6 150 5.5 150 6 40 6.35 180 9 215 25.38 335
6 160 6 155 5.6 150 7 80 7.4 185 9.5 225
6 160 6.35 165 6.35 175 8 110 8.6 205 9.5
7 185 7.1 180 10 235
8 205 8 200 9.5 230 10 170 13.494 260
8 200 8 200 15.9 300 12.7 225 17.463 300
9 220 8.7 215 14 240 19 300
10 240 9.5 225 15.875 275 15.875 265 20 310
10 230 10 230 15.9 260 23.8 315
10 235 10.3 235 19.05 315 25.4 335
12 255 11.1 245
12 265 11.9 260 25.4 370
14 295 12 265
14 290 12.7 280
15 290 13.5 290
16 325 14 295
16 310 14.3 290
18 335 15.1 295
18 325 15.9 310
20 355 16 315
20 355 18 320
25 400 20 350
25 405

27
 Ceia MIL-D1 in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

100Cr6
250
AISI 316
Aluminium
AISI 420
200
Copper
Bearing
150 Bronze
Brass

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 4 In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Ceia MIL D1

28
 Table 7 In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Ebinger 421 GC s/n 518
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 4.763 65
2.4 3.2 12.7
4 40 4 3.2 4 5 30 17.463
5 65 4 4 5.6 70 5.556 20
6 85 4.7 4.7 5 6.35 100 6.35 22.225
8 115 5.6 5.5 6 6.35 100 9 25.38
10 150 6 5.6 7 25 7.4 115 9.5
12 180 6.35 6.35 8 65 8.6 130 9.5
14 175 7.1 6.35 10
16 185 8 9.5 10 155 13.494
18 195 8 12.7 200 17.463
20 200 8.7 14 215 19
25 175 9.5 15.875 235 15.875 195 20
10 15.9 190 23.8
10.3 19.05 250 25.4
11.1
11.9 25.4 200
12
12.7
13.5
14
14.3
15.1
15.9
16
18
20

29
 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 518 in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

250

100Cr6
AISI 316
200
Aluminium
Copper
150

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 5 In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Ebinger 421 GC s/n 518

30
 Table 8 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Ebinger 421 GC s/n 724
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 4.763
3 15 2.4 3.2 12.7
4 60 4 3.2 4 5 17.463
5 85 4 4 5.6 5.556 20
6 105 4.7 4.7 5 6.35 6.35 22.225
7 130 5.6 5.5 6 6.35 9 25.38
8 150 6 5.6 7 7.4 9.5
9 165 6.35 6.35 8 8.6 9.5
10 180 7.1 6.35 10
12 210 8 9.5 10 13.494
14 235 8 12.7 17.463
15 245 8.7 14 19
16 250 9.5 15.875 15.875 20
18 270 10 15.9 23.8
20 295 10.3 19.05 25.4
25 340 11.1
11.9 25.4
12
12.7
13.5
14
14.3
15.1
15.9
16
18
20

31
 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 724 in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

250

100Cr6
AISI 316
200
Aluminium
Copper
150

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 6 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Ebinger 421 GC s/n 724

32
 Table 9 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Foerster Minex 2 FD 4.500 s/n 172
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearings AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 125 4.763 95
2.4 40 3.2 12.7 175
4 95 4 90 3.2 70 4 5 5 115 17.463 195
5 115 4 90 4 85 5.6 125 5.556 90 20 220
6 135 4.7 100 4.7 100 5 25 6.35 130 6.35 105 22.225 220
8 160 5.6 115 5.5 110 6 40 6.35 130 9 150 25.38 225
10 185 6 120 5.6 115 7 60 7.4 135 9.5 160
12 215 6.35 130 6.35 125 8 70 8.6 140 9.5
14 225 7.1 140 6.35 10 160
16 235 8 155 9.5 170 10 125 13.494 195
18 250 8 155 12.7 165 17.463 215
20 265 8.7 160 14 175 19 220
25 290 9.5 165 15.875 205 15.875 185 20 220
10 170 15.9 185 23.8 240
10.3 175 19.05 230 25.4 245
11.1 185
11.9 195 25.4 285
12 195
12.7 205
13.5 210
14 210
14.3 215
15.1 225
15.9 230
16 230
18 240
20 260

33
 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 s/n 172 in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

100Cr6
250
AISI 316
Aluminium
AISI 420
200
Copper
Bearings
150 Bronze
Brass

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 7 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Foerster Minex 2 FD 4.500 s/n 172

34
 Table 10 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Foerster Minex 2 FD 4.500 s/n 536
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 145 4.763 120
2.4 40 12.7 205
4 100 4 85 3.2 70 4 10 5 130 17.463 230
5 115 4 4 90 5.6 135 5.556 130 20 235
6 135 4.7 110 4.7 105 5 30 6.35 150 6.35 130 22.225 245
8 165 5.6 130 5.5 120 6 60 6.35 9 175 25.38 255
10 195 6 130 5.6 120 7 85 7.4 155 9.5 180
12 215 6.35 145 6.35 140 8 105 8.6 170
14 240 7.1 155 6.35 10 185
16 260 8 170 9.5 180 10 150 13.494 215
18 280 8 15.9 245 12.7 185 17.463 235
20 300 8.7 180 14 210 19 250
25 335 9.5 195 15.875 235 15.875 20 250
10 200 15.9 215 23.8 265
10.3 205 19.05 260 25.4 270
11.1 210
11.9 220 25.4 325
12
12.7 225
13.5 235
14 235
14.3 250
15.1 260
15.9 260
16
18 280
20 300

35
 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 s/n 536 in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

100Cr6
250 AISI 316
Aluminium
AISI 420
200 Bearing
Bronze
Brass
150
Copper

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 8 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Foerster Minex 2 FD 4.500 s/n 536

36
 Table 11 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Guartel MD8
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 115 4.763 75
3 40 2.4 15 12.7 155
4 80 4 65 3.2 50 4 5 90 17.463 165
5 100 4 65 4 75 5 20 5.6 95 5.556 105 20 185
6 120 4.7 85 4.7 95 6 75 6.35 100 6.35 115 22.225 195
7 145 5.6 110 5.5 110 7 95 6.35 9 140 25.38 200
8 155 6 115 5.6 110 8 120 7.4 110 9.5 145
9 175 6.35 125 6.35 140 8.6 125
10 190 7.1 135 9.5 180 10 165 10 155
12 210 8 145 15.9 230 13.494 170
14 230 8 140 12.7 190 17.463 190
15 240 8.7 155 14 200 19 195
16 240 9.5 165 15.875 210 15.875 160 20 200
18 265 10 170 15.9 23.8 205
20 280 10.3 180 19.05 230 25.4 215
25 305 11.1 185
11.9 190 25.4 250
12 190
12.7 200
13.5 210
14 210
14.3 220
15.1 225
15.9 230
16 230
18 250
20 270

37
 Guartel MD8 in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

100Cr6
250 AISI 316
Aluminium
AISI 420
200 Copper
target equiv
Bearing
150 Bronze
Brass

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 9 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Guartel MD8

38
 Table 12 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Minelab F3 Prototype
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 122 4.763 70
2.4 12 3.2 35 12.7 179
4 64 4 56 3.2 30 4 5 85 17.463 203
4 60 4 52 5.6 89 5.556 115 20 215
5 84 4.7 71 4.7 75 5 6.35 95 6.35 126 22.225 225
6 100 5.6 90 5.5 85 6 1 6.35 99 9 152 25.38 234
6 112 5.6 85 7 10 7.4 123 9.5 160
8 126 6.35 102 6.35 110 8 41 8.6 141 9.5 151
7.1 117 6.35 106 8 43 10 159
8 132 9.5 139 10 139 13.494 165
10 155 8 130 12.7 189 17.463 203
8.7 137 14 207 19 220
9.5 150 15.9 230 15.9 185 20 228
12 170 10 151 15.9 235 15.9 189 23.8 240
10.3 158 19.05 251 25.4 245
14 190 11.1 166 19.05 243
11.9 171 25.4 252
16 205 12 176 25.4 249
18 216 12.7 177
18 207 13.5 185
20 221 14 185
20 214 14.3 191
25 233 15.1 193
25 224 15.9 200
16 205
18 215
20 214

39
 Minelab F3 (black cap) in-air sensitivity

400

350

300
Max Detection Height (mm)

100Cr6
250 AISI 420
AISI 316
Aluminium
200
bronze
bearing
150 Brass
Copper
100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 10 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Minelab F3 Prototype

40
 Table 13 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Schiebel AN 19/2 Mode 7
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 105 4.763 75
2.4 3.2 12.7 165
4 55 4 20 3.2 4 5 85 17.463 185
5 80 4 4 25 5.6 95 5.556 60 20 200
6 95 4.7 55 4.7 55 5 6.35 105 6.35 80 22.225
8 135 5.6 75 5.5 75 6 6.35 105 9 145 25.38
10 165 6 80 5.6 75 7 7.4 110 9.5 150
12 195 6.35 85 6.35 105 8 5 8.6 120 9.5
14 220 7.1 105 6.35 10 155
16 235 8 120 9.5 145 10 110 13.494 180
18 255 8 12.7 165 17.463 205
20 275 8.7 135 14 185 19 215
25 315 9.5 140 15.875 235 15.875 175 20 220
10 150 15.9 175 23.8 235
10.3 155 19.05 250 25.4 240
11.1 165
11.9 175 25.4 325
12 180
12.7 185
13.5 195
14 200
14.3 205
15.1 210
15.9 220
16 220
18 240
20 260

41
 Schiebel AN19-2 M7 in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

100Cr6
250
AISI 316
Aluminium
AISI 420
200
Copper
Bearing
150 Bronze
Brass

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 11 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Schiebel AN 19/2 Mode 7

42
 Table 14 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Schiebel AN 19/2 "TEST2"
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 90 4.763 55
3 2.4 3.2 12.7 150
4 20 4 0 3.2 0 4 5 65 17.463 175
5 50 4 10 4 15 5.6 70 5.556 65 20 185
6 80 4.7 30 4.7 30 5 6.35 85 6.35 55 22.225 190
7 100 5.6 50 5.5 55 6 6.35 85 9 125 25.38 200
8 105 6 60 5.6 55 7 7.4 95 9.5 130
9 120 6.35 70 6.35 85 8 8.6 105
10 135 7.1 75 6.35 10 135
12 160 8 90 9.5 125 10 45 13.494 165
14 185 8 95 12.7 110 17.463 185
15 195 8.7 105 14 135 19 195
16 205 9.5 120 15.875 170 15.875 155 20 200
18 225 10 125 15.9 155 23.8 210
20 240 10.3 130 19.05 205 25.4 215
25 275 11.1 135
11.9 150 25.4 255
12 150
12.7 160
13.5 170
14 165
14.3 175
15.1 185
15.9 190
16 195
18 210
20 235

43
 Schiebel AN19-2 "TEST2" in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

100Cr6
250
AISI 316
Aluminium
AISI 420
200
Copper
bearing
150 bronze
Brass

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 12 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Schiebel AN 19/2 "TEST2"

44
 Table 15 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Vallon ML 1620C
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 125 4.763 90
2.4 3.2 12.7 190
4 50 4 45 3.2 25 4 5 98 17.463 215
5 80 4 30 4 55 5.6 110 5.556 77 20 230
6 105 4.7 70 4.7 80 5 6.35 120 6.35 98 22.225 240
8 145 5.6 95 5.5 92 6 6.35 120 9 160 25.38 250
10 177 6 100 5.6 90 7 7.4 130 9.5 165
12 205 6.35 110 6.35 115 8 10 8.6 140 9.5
14 225 7.1 125 6.35 10 175
16 245 8 140 9.5 165 10 105 13.494 205
18 260 8 140 12.7 160 17.463 228
20 275 8.7 150 14 185 19 240
20 275 9.5 165 15.875 215 15.875 195 20 240
25 340 10 165 15.9 190 23.8 265
25 330 10.3 177 19.05 250 25.4 260
11.1 186
11.9 195 25.4 310
12 195
12.7 200
13.5 215
14 215
14.3 225
15.1 230
15.9 240
16 245
18 255
20 271

45
 Vallon ML1620C in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

100Cr6
250
AISI 316
Aluminium
AISI 420
200
Copper
bearing
150 bronze
Brass

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 13 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Vallon ML 1620C

46
 Table 16 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Vallon VMH 2.1
100Cr6 AISI 420 Bearing AISI 316 Aluminium Bronze Brass Copper
dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max dia Max ht dia Max ht dia Max ht
(mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) ht(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
6.5 175 4.763 120
2.4 25 12.7 235
4 85 4 90 3.2 60 4 5 130 17.463 270
5 115 4 80 4 90 5.6 140 5.556 155 20 280
6 145 4.7 115 4.7 110 5 6.35 155 6.35 160 22.225 295
8 190 5.6 135 5.5 135 6 6.35 150 9 215 25.38 310
10 230 6 145 5.6 135 7 15 7.4 160 9.5 220
12 260 6.35 155 6.35 170 8 70 8.6 175
14 290 7.1 175 10 230
16 335 8 185 9.5 220 10 175 13.494 250
18 345 8 190 15.9 315 12.7 230 17.463 280
20 360 8.7 200 14 270 19 290
25 410 9.5 215 15.875 295 15.875 240 20 295
10 225 15.9 240 23.8 320
10.3 240 19.05 340 25.4 330
11.1 245
11.9 265 25.4 375
12 270
12.7 270
13.5 280
14 285
14.3 290
15.1 300
15.9 310
16 315
18 340
20 350

47
 Vallon VMH 2.1 in air

400

350

300
Maximum Detection Height (mm)

100Cr6
250
AISI 316
Aluminium
Copper
200
AISI 420
Bearing
150 Bronze
Brass

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 14 - In-air Detection Capability Measurements for Vallon VMH 2.1

48
 Ceia MIL D1 In-soil Tests on 100Cr6 Balls (A)

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high sensitivity
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 15 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Ceia MIL D1 (A)

49
 CEIA MIL D1 In-soil tests on 100Cr6 balls

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high sensitivity
air: in-soil setting
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 16 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Ceia MIL D1 (B)

50
 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 518 In-soil Tests on 100Cr6 Balls

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high sensitivity
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 17 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Ebinger 421 GC s/n 518

51
 Ebinger 421 GC s/n 723 In-soil

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high sensitivity
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 18 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Ebinger 421 GC s/n 723

52
 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 (s/n 172) In-soil tests on 100Cr6 balls

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high sensitivity
air: in-soil setting
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 19 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 s/n 172

53
 Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 s/n 536 In-soil Tests on 100Cr6 Balls

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high sensitivity
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 20 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Foerster Minex 2FD 4.500 s/n 536

54
 Guartel MD8 In-soil tests on 100Cr6 balls

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high sensitivity
air: in-soil setting
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 21 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Guartel MD8

55
 Minelab F3 Prototype In-soil Tests on 100Cr6 Balls

350

300

250
Max Detection Depth (mm)

200

air: high sensitivity

150 soil

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 22 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Minelab F3 Prototype

56
 Schiebel AN 19/2 "TEST2" In-soil tests on 100Cr6 balls

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high-sensitivity
air: in-soil setting
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 23 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Schiebel AN 19/2 Preproduction Model

57
 Vallon ML1620C In-soil tests on 100Cr6 balls

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high sensitivity
air: in-soil setting
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 24 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Vallon ML 1620C

58
 Vallon VMH2.1 In-soil Tests on 100Cr6 Balls

350

300

250
Maximum Detection Depth (mm)

200
soil
air: high sensitivity
150

100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Ball Diameter (mm)

Figure 25 - In-soil and In-air Detection Capability for Vallon VMH 2.1

59