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By R Fox, R Watt

On behalf of ICI's group of explosives companies around the world, a research programme is being undertaken to develop a new electrical shotfiring system which will have markedly improved safety features and operational advantages over existing initiating systems. The paper describes the development of the 'Magnadet' Electric Detonator and 'Magna' Primer and the field experience to date. It also indicates those areas where further work is being carried out on modification of the basic designs to meet specific application requirements.

Jan 1, 1981

By S. Mandal, R. Singh

The demolition of structures with explosive though most rapid, safe and efficient requires planned blast design parameters with respect to geometric and strength properties of the structure to be demolished. The paper, here deals with successtil demolition of three old bridge piers by different blast designs. These piers were 11 m tall and very close to the existing bridge, The plan distance of the old piers from the existing bridge varied between 43 m and 14,25 m. The paper also deals with the mathematical concepts for the causes of such action of demolition/dismantling of structures.

Jan 1, 2001

By LaRay Collyer

San Juan Mine began pre-splitting the highwall prior to cast blasting in August 1986. The first pre-split shot used six inch PVC (polyvinylcloride) pipe inside a 10 5/8 inch hole, drilled at a 74 degree angle. The powder factor was about .90 pounds per cubic yard.

Jan 1, 1990

By G Alan Foster

Many complaints generated from blasting operations result from the marked human response to ground transmitted vibrations and air blast effects and so many authorities have considered the regulation of blasting in terms of human response rather than, as previously, in terms of preventing damage to structures.

Jan 1, 1981

By C A. "Hawk" Hanger

"The paper that will be presented is an in-depth study of sequential blasting using standardnon-electric shock tube down hole timing along with surface M.S. connector timing.Included also will be a discussion on the advantages in fragmentation, digability, oredilution' and ground vibration versus the common practice of row by row blasting. Alongwith the written presentation, several visual illustrations will be included. The visuals willrefine the actual direction and predicted movement of the shot involved."

Jan 1, 1993

By France Goupil, Richard Barabe

In 1987, a large company reopened its quarry located in a very dense urban area in Montreal-East. This reopening occurred after a long period of inactivity during which houses were built within 200 feet of the quarry. During the first year of operation, people in the vicinity reacted negatively which caused the City of Montreal to seriously consider closing down the quarry by expropriation. This expropriation would have resulted in millions of dollars of loss for the operator.

Jan 1, 1992

By Mike Koehler

An underground mine that produces aggregate limestone was in operation for approximately eight years when geological changes resulted in dangerous rock falls. The roof in the mine was not bolted; therefore, the drilling and blasting program was called upon to maintain roof integrity. Drilling and blasting were analyzed and modifications were adopted to stabilize the roof. Initial changes were made in the drilling equipment, drill pattern, explosive type, and timing. Any amendments made, after the initial phase, were made individually so it would be easy to discern which changes worked.

Jan 1, 2002

By Kunihisa Katsuyama, Yuji Ogata, Yuji Wada

Test blasting was carried out to study the flying characteristics of rock mass caused in bench blasting. The quantity of explosives was increased from 7.6kg to 9.1kg and the Minimum burden was changed from 131mm to 451mm. The effect of condition for the characteristics of fly rock were considered. The fly rock was observed using the high-speed camera and video to study the flying characteristics of the rock mass caused in the bench blasting. Numerical simulation of fly rock was carried out using DDA (Discontinuous Deformation Analysis) method. It was clear that the DDA method can be applied in the simulation of fly rock caused in bench blasting.

Jan 1, 1997

By Mark S. Stagg, Stephen A. Rholl, Steven G. Grannes

A method of determining the fragment size distribution of rock quarry muckpiles using photographic and digital-image processing techniques has been developed by the Bureau of Mines. To assess the fragmentation, photographs and video tapes were taken in both the laboratory and in the field and then digitized for analysis. The fully-automated process uses specially written image-interpretation software which had been developed previously by Bureau researchers to measure irregular taconite ore shapes. The advantages of photographic assessment in comparison with other methods include speed and cost.

Jan 1, 1993

By Bill Bauet, John Anderson

There are always security concerns when explosives are transported and stored, and these concerns are intensified in peacekeeping operations where explosives could fall into the wrong hands. MREL Specialty Explosive Products Limited has developed FIXORTM, a new approach to neutralizing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The product consists of two precursors: a flammable liquid in one plastic container and a totally inert powder in another; neither of these precursors is classified as explosives. Both precursors are approved for transport by land, sea and commercial passenger airfreight. The precursors are mixed to form an explosive immediately prior to placement next to the UXO or landmine. Initiation is by blasting cap or detonating cord.

Jan 1, 2001

By James G. Stuart

For precise control and timing of a blast, people use electric detonators. Most of these contain a fine metal “bridgewire,” that heats to the required burning temperature when electric current passes through it. Users should be careful. Stray voltage can fire these detonators. Some designs are particularly susceptible to electrostatic-discharge (ESD). We will discuss some of the accidents we have encountered in our forensic work. We will recommend specific safe procedures for handling and firing these devices.

Jan 1, 2005

By Rick W. Bellenie, Ronald L. Woolf

The Gregg River mine is located 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Hinton, Alberta, approximately 330 kilometres (205 miles) west of Edmonton and lies against the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

Jan 1, 1994

By Oldrich Machacek, Gary R. Eck

The underwater detonation test method has been long recognized as a useful tool for the evaluation of the energy release and relative effectiveness of commercial explosives. In this study, underwater energy tests were performed for emulsion and watergel commercial explosives in comparison with ANFO. Heavy ANFO type blends based on emulsions and watergels were also investigated under and without confinement.

Jan 1, 1990

By Koichi Kurokawa, Takeo Ueda, Yoji Tasaki, Masashi Nakano

We have developed a new firing system which simplifies the handling and extensively increases the safety in electric blasting operations. Based on the principle of the transformer, this system is operated as follows: When a high frequency alternating current pulse (70-110 kHz) is applied to the lead wire and connecting wire (primary circuit), magnetic flux is generated in the transcore, and an induced current flows through the looped leg wire of the detonator (secondary circuit). Then the detonators are ignited by the induced current.

Jan 1, 1986

By Pierre Mousset-Jones, Jaak Daemen, Songlin Zhang, Jon Hurley

Most western United States open pit gold mine ore bodies are disseminated deposits. The mineralization is so irregular that it is difficult to visually identify the ore/waste boundary. Blast hole samples are used to interpolate digging polygons based on the pre-blast position of the bench. Dilution caused by blasting is of major concern at these mines, since blast movement can mix and dilute the ore and move it beyond flagged digging polygons established on the blasted rock according to their pre-blast location. Typically, mines try to reach a compromise between blast fragmentation and movement.

Jan 1, 1994

By D Linn Coursen

Detonation propagates in the subject blasting agent at about 2.7 km/sec when it is heavily primed but explosion propagates in it at only about 0.43 km/sec when it is lightly primed. When propagating at 0.43 km/sec, it produces a borehole pressure that is slightly less than 1 kb, but no yellow fumes or other sign of incomplete reaction. It is a pumped AN/emulsion blend to which additional water is added by circumferential injection at the inlet of the hose through which it is pumped.

Jan 1, 1994

By John J. Ridgeway

Habits take us where we were yesterday and attitudes tend to keep us there. Until recently, little had been accomplished to improve conventional explosive energy for use offshore. But with the special requirements of the Offshore Oil Industry, and particularly in the North Sea, most equipment, products and services must be specialized as well. Previous attempts to excavate a trench for a sealine in surf areas had been impossible to accomplish. But with the application of safe, controlled explosive energy, an impossible task to accomplish yesterday has now become a reality. Explosive energy, often overlooked as a convenient and economical offshore tool, excavated a clean trench underwater for a 40" sealine at Djeno in the African Congo recently.

Jan 1, 1977

By Walter Jr Duke

The security of explosive materials is a vital concern to every mine, quarry and contractor engaged in blasting. Proper construction of magazines and sufficient locking mechanisms are the fundamental means of maintaining secure storage. The object of this paper is to review the proper methods of construction of storage facilities for explosives as defined by the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms regulations. Subpart K subsection 55.208 and the Institute of Makers of Explosives recommendations.

Jan 1, 1991

The breakage mechnism of a spherical charge greatly differs from that of the cylindrical charge used in underground mining. The advantages of the spherical charge could not be utilized until INCO Metals Company, Ontario Division, introduced large diameter holes to their operation.

Jan 1, 1978

By Malcolm Scoble

The estimation of digging, ripping and blasting requirements in advance of mine production is a difficult task. The characteristics of the superficials and rock mass govern the type and intensity of ground preparation required as a prelude to loading. The incentives for optimum planning of preparation are primarily economic but also relate to mining method and equipment selection, productivity and environmental impact.

Jan 1, 1985