Search Documents

By Robert Hopler

The literature of explosives and blasting consists of a great variety of printed materials. These materials include technical papers, books, and articles by individuals and organizations; manufacturer’s product catalogs and brochures; handbooks offering guidance for the field blaster; complete encyclopedias on the subjects, and short entries in general-interest encyclopedias; government publications; proceedings of organizations devoted to the subjects; magazines specific to the subjects; articles in general circulation magazines; and other miscellaneous sources. In short, there is a multitude of literature on the subject, some well indexed for retrieval, but most not. This presentation will be a broad-brush look at some of the most important or interesting literature on the subject, since in no way can all the various references be mentioned, much less covered in depth. To illustrate the presentation, interesting materials from the author’s collection will be shown.

Jan 1, 2000

By J Aydin Bilgin, Sedat Esen

This paper describes the ideality of some commercial explosives with the help of the detonation theory and detonation velocity measurement. Ideality of an explosive can be determined by comparing experimentally measured and ideal detonation velocities. A measured detonation velocity at a certain charge diameter markedly lower than the ideal value indicates incomplete reaction and thus non-ideal detonation. Since it is shown that commercial explosives exhibit non-ideal behavior, two-dimensional detonation theory should be used to evaluate the performance of explosives. This theory enables to compute the detonation properties of explosives (detonation velocity, detonation pressure, etc.) as a function of charge diameter and confinement. The use of the one-dimensional detonation theory to compute the detonation properties for commercial explosives has an error associated with it as these calculated properties are independent of charge diameter and confinement. It assumes that shock front is planar. Hence, it is incapable of assessing the ideality of the explosives due to its assumptions. Shock front in real situation is curved in shape but not planar as in one-dimensional detonation theory. In this paper, the non-ideal behavior of some commercial explosives is modeled using EXRINT code based on the steady-state two-dimensional detonation theory firstly. Then the degree of ideality of each explosive found from the code is checked using detonation velocity test results conducted at a quarry. It has been shown that idealities of the tested explosives determined by the code agree well with the field detonation velocity test results.

Jan 1, 1999

By Fumihiko Sumiya, Shinya Tanaka, Yukio Kato, Kenji Tanaka, Tetsuya Sawada

When explosives are heated under an acidic environment due to metal sulfide and sulfuric acidity, their decomposition temperature falls remarkably and decomposition reaction occurs quickly, and then explosives have the risk of the deflagration to the detonation transition. Heat resistant commercial explosives which can be used under conditions of high temperature of 200ºC and an acidic environment were studied. We developed the explosive composition consisted of ammonium perchlorate (AP) as oxidizer, saturated hydrocarbon oil as fuel and binder, and calcium carbonate as decomposition inhibitor. The characteristics of this explosive composition show a heat resistance over 24 hours at 200ºC, and a detonation velocity over 2,500 m s-1. This explosive composition has a cap-sensitivity at temperature higher than 100ºC. Cost effective heat resistant commercial explosives were created by the optimization of the grain size of AP as a main component, the addition of saturated hydrocarbon oil and calcium carbonate, and the control of bulk density by the addition of micro-balloons.

Jan 1, 2003

By Daniel Hauer

In considering the cost of rock excavation, but little attention has been given to the economical handling and breaking up of boulders. Very few records seem to have been kept as to the cost of such work, and although it is difficult for this reason, to set a fair price for breaking up and handling boulders of various sizes, yet the cost of this detail work enters very materially into the cost of solid rock excavation. The subject is worthy of close and prolonged study.

Jan 1, 2006

By Karl E. Burgher

Since World War II, the need for the use of explosives with testing, construction, demolition, mining and quarrying near urban areas has increased dramatically. Once remote, testing areas have been encroached upon by commercial and residential areas. Evidence has been found that overpressure levels near these areas can be estimated using meteorological conditions. This paper reviews a study where 205 test shots were fired, meteorological conditions recorded, and over-pressure levels estimated using multiple regression techniques.

Jan 1, 1988

By D T. Froedge

With successive generations of the Iso-Seismic System, we are acquiring more and more information about the actual behavior of blast induced ground, and airborne vibration, as it propagates through the environment. Some of the original “truths” that have been long accepted may have to be \revised.

Jan 1, 1995

By B Mohanty, Y C. Lizotte

Optimization of blast fragmentation in underground hardrock mining requires analysis of its effects on loading and haulage equipment, together with the downstream materials handling system, with the objective of minimizing total mine operating costs. A methodology is reported which has been developed to quantify the actual fragmentation and equipment performance in the field. This is data which has seldom been practicable to capture nor received serious attention in mines. Based upon the experience gained in underground studies, a prototype standard is proposed which aims to summarize the pertinent data, collection and analysis for fragmentation assessment. This relates to parameters of direct measure, such as mean size and distribution, as well as muckpile and work environment. The paper concludes by defining the impact of fragmentation on the loading and downstream handling system.

Jan 1, 1991

Blasthole deviation is a frequent, well documented and undesirable occurrence in mining operations. It is caused by the drill string mechanics, operating variables and the interaction between the drill bit and the rock mass characteristics. It is composed of three distinct components: collaring or marking error, alignment error and trajectory deviation. This study has focussed on the dependence of trajectory or natural deviation on the geological features of the rock mass being drilled.

Jan 1, 1996

By Michael F. Barber

"Highway slopes are intended to remain stable over a long period of time. Unexpected slope failures can be costly in terms of human life and property damage or loss. Cleanup of failures can prove to beextremely expensive."

Jan 1, 1999

By Bruce B. Redpath, Doug Crice, Rob Huggins

Over the last decade, instrumentation has been developed that allows the application of seismic reflection methods to groundwater and engineering problems. At the Geological Survey of Canada, we have been developing and testing shallow reflection techniques for mapping the bedrock topography and structure within the overburden. We have attempted to develop methods which can be implemented with a minimum investment in equipment and computing capabilities. The data are recorded on a l&channel engineering seismograph, using a single high-frequency geophone per channel, and a hammer or in-hole shotgun (“Buffalo gun”) as the seismic source. Processing and display of the data can be accomplished on an Apple II+ or IIe microcomputer and an Epson wide-track dot-matrix printer.

Jan 1, 1991

By Chen Jianping, Wu Li, Wei Banyun, Chen Canchang

Liquified petroleum gas mixed with oxygen has been used as a new type of mixed gas source for gas detonating system. The experimental studies have been done on the detonation feature of gas detonating transmission in a long and thin tube, the transmitting reliability for detonating network, the design on gas exploder and test devices. The results of the study show that (1 )Liquified petroleum mixed with oxygen can be used as a new type of regular gas source. (2)The transmission of detonating wave is reliable for new type of mixed gas in a 500-meter long plastic tube with 3mm inner diameter and the detonating velocity is up to 2500m/s. The detonating wave can surely initiate and transmit several branched gas detonating cap and explosive through the end of detonating network, the tubes inner diameter for the detonating quenching is 0. I’mm. (3)The gas exploder designed by authors can be used for gas propotional distribution,strong turbulence-mixing,initiating by reflex shock wave and safety control purposes. The developed double flowmeter can be used together or seperately in responsible for main testing in the system.

Jan 1, 1999

By Dale S. Preece

The blast-induced movement and final location of geologic layers that may cause environmental problems can be predicted using discrete element methods. This prediction capability can be used by mine operators to locate the material in the muck pile during excavation which would allow encapsulation to prevent groundwater infiltration.

Jan 1, 1994

By Gary Kahn

The knowledge of how and when your explosives go off can help you make intelligent decisions regarding future application of explosives thus removing some of the black magic associated with blasting. The net result will be intelligently set-up shots with timing, explosive charges, and placement more accurately done. Lower operational costs can be achieved when the correct combinations are applied.

Jan 1, 1989

By Detnet Solutions

1. “Daisy-Chain” concept The term “daisy-chain” stems from the fact that when the HotShot? detonators are connected there is a chain or electrical path for electrical current to flow from detonator A to detonator B, detonator B to detonator C etc until the path is terminated by an electrical means. The “daisy-chain” concept has long been used in electronic detonator systems, historically used in Expert Explosives’ ExEx 1000 5/6 wire system and currently in use in African Explosives Limited (AEL’s) Electrodet? electronic detonator system and has been adopted as the basis upon which the “auto-programmability” of the HotShot? electronic detonator system functions. HotShot? Detonators are connected to each other in a string, completing a “daisy chain”, and during the auto-detection mode of the control equipment, it is possible for the equipment to determine the order of hookup of the detonators as well as map the entire blast layout. The auxiliary components (Row Controllers & Branch Controllers) assist the control equipment in mapping the entire blast by indicating different points on the blast, i.e. The inflection point of a row of blast holes on a closed chevron timing pattern, the beginning of row of blast holes on open chevron timing pattern and extra blast holes or extra blast rows.

Jan 1, 2004

By Kenneth Eltschlager

Business says that location is a primary component of being successful. So too is the importance of location in blasting. For blast seismograph data to be useful, the location of the blast and seismograph must be clearly documented. Another location of importance is that of a nearby structure. Establishing the spatial relationships between the blast, seismograph and nearby structures, allows the blaster to correctly interpret the data, evaluate the performance of the blast and gauge the validity of any complaints.

Jan 1, 2004

By Peter Moser, Frank Chiapetta, Sacha Diaj, Florian Bauer

Good toe breakage and a flat working bench after blasting are important parameters to achieve a high productivity during material loading and reduce the necessity for secondary blasting. Good toe breakage requires a proper burden – side spacing design and a suitable sub-drilling. With unfavourable jointed rock mass conditions the use of horizontal bottom holes still can be found as common work practice even that this is associated to high risks.

Jan 1, 2009

By Bethany Witter, Dyno Nobel

In the past decades, a technological explosion has caused generational shifts. First, millennials experienced a technological shift to computers and cellphones. Next, Generation Z experienced a shift to smart phones and social media. These two generations are immersed in technology and are accustomed to constant connectivity. How do the extractive and construction industries gain the interest of younger generations and integrate them into the industry?

Feb 1, 2020

By Lee B. Paterson

Mining Engineers throughout the world have an appreciation for the importance of the role of the Blasthole Drill in one of the primary elements of the mining process. This paper highlights areas that could influence the overall cost effectiveness of that process of breaking rock and the associated downstream mining and ore recovery activities - and how the drill is designed and configured to meet that challenge. Factors influencing drill productivity and overall cost effectiveness are addressed, particularly regarding the benefits which are not necessarily reflected in the drilling process and therefore more difficult to quantify. This paper explores some of the downstream benefits of what we do to the drilling process.

Jan 1, 2000

By Bethany Witter

In the past decades, a technological explosion has caused generational shifts. First, millennials experienced a technological shift to computers and cellphones. Next, Generation Z experienced a shift to smart phones and social media. These two generations are immersed in technology and are accustomed to constant connectivity. How do the extractive and construction industries gain the interest of younger generations and integrate them into the industry? The Virginia Tech Student Chapter of the International Society of Explosives Engineers handled this same issue with its recruitment efforts and event planning from 2017-2019. The first critical component of integrating Generation Z college students into the extractive industries is clear and frequent communication via email. Next, Generation Z often values the motivation behind work when choosing a career, so advertising technological advancements, benefits, and ways people can contribute to improving the industry also helps attract young generations. Similarly, advertising opportunities for people to work outside with their hands, travel, and secure stable careers can attract students. At Virginia Tech, the most effective way to attract and maintain the interest of students in extractive industries is to put the students in the field. Field trips to mines and factories experienced the most stable attendance and highest survey reviews of all other chapter events. Guest presentations from industry professionals were often well attended, but attendance tapered off as the academic year progressed and students grew busier. Periodic trips throughout the year maintained student engagement and often supplemented their curriculum. The student chapter was relatively successful in attracting students, but it struggled to maintain attendance levels in the latter portion of the academic year. In the future, the industry can increase its recruitment of Generation Z and Millennials into the workforce by working more closely with university programs to provide resources and opportunities for hands-on experiences for students.

By S. Paul Singh

Rock is a heterogeneous medium, a fact often ignored during blast design. In reality, the rock mass characteristics have a controlling influence on the outcome of a blast. If the optimum blasting results are to be achieved over a range of rock mass conditions, it is prudent to understand the role played by the geological features of a rock mass in producing overbreak around the periphery of an excavation. The field work was performed in a drift located in a geologically dominant rock mass and also included observations and assessment of blast damage at several operating mines. The blast damage was estimated on the basis of the half cast factor. The effect of rock strength, rock quality designation, orientation , frequency and aperture of joints, number and thickness of layers and hydrogeological conditions on blast damage has been described.

Jan 1, 2000