Abstract:
A blast modeling system may generate a site model based on blast input data. The blast input data may include blasthole data, bench information, and geology input data. The site model may comprise a plurality of distinct elements representing rock masses. Each element may have a geometric outline formed by connecting endpoints of one or more lines with arcs such that the endpoints of the one or more lines are indirectly coupled via the arcs. The blast modeling system may simulate a blast using the plurality of elements.
Abstract:
A booster explosive (10) comprises a canister body (12) within which is a cap well (20) having disposed therein a detonator (24). A protective sleeve (28) encloses the cap well (20) except for that portion of the cap well, the active portion (20d), which encloses the ex- plosive end section (24a) of detonator (24). The protective sleeve serves to attenuate the force of shock waves from nearby prior explosions acting on the detonator (24). An annular air space (32) may be provided between protective sleeve (28) and cap well (20) to further attenuate the force of such shock waves. Attenuation of the shock waves reduces the likeli- hood of damage to detonators (24) by prior nearby explosions.
Abstract:
A connector clip (10, 10') defines a line-retaining slot (34) and is configured to receive a detonator (16) therein. The connector clip (10, 10') comprises a body member (12, 12') and a closure member (14, 14') which are mounted, one on the other, for movement relative to each other along a travel path between an open position in which the line-retaining slot (34) is accessible to lateral insertion therein of one or more signal transmission lines (68), and a closed position in which the line-retaining slot (34) is closed to secure such signal transmission lines (68) therein. One of the body member (12, 12') and the closure member (14, 14') defines a cavity within which at least part of the other of the body member (12, 12') and the closure member (14, 14') is encased during travel between the open position and the closed position.
Abstract:
A delay unit (10) comprises a timing strip (14) and, optionally, a calibration strip (20) deposited on a substrate (12). The timing and calibration strips comprise energetic materials which optionally may comprise particles of nanosize materials, e.g., a fuel and an oxidizer, optionally applied as separate layers. A method of making the delay units comprises deposit¬ ing onto a substrate (12) a timing strip (14) having a starting point (14d) and a discharge point (14e) and depositing onto the same or another substrate a calibration strip (20). Timing strip (14) and calibration strip (20) are of identical composition and are otherwise configured, e.g., thickness of the strips, to have identical burn rates. The calibration strip (20) is ignited and its burn rate is ascertained. The timing strip (14) is adjusted by an adjustment structure to attain a desired delay period, preferably on the basis that the burn rate of the timing strip (14) is substantially identical to that of the calibration strip (20) and ascertaining the burn rate of the calibration strip. The adjustment may be attained by one or more of providing the timing strip with jump gaps (164), an accelerant or retardant (166a, 166b), completing the timing strip with a bridging strip (14c), or establishing a selected effective length of the timing strip by positioning one or both of a pick-up charge (16) and relay charge (18) over a portion of the timing strip.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus providing a blast hole sealing system (100) configured to substantially seal explosive material in a blast hole (10) from moisture. The blast hole sealing system includes a securing structure (110), a cap member (120), a tubular liner and an air compressor (130). The securing structure is operable to be disposed over an upper portion of the blast hole. The cap member defines a nozzle opening (124) and a liner passage (126) therein and is operable to attach to a top portion of the securing structure. The tubular liner includes an unexpanded configuration (154) having a length with an openable-expandable end (156) and a sealed tail end (158). The openable-expandable end is operable to be disposed through the liner passage in the cap member so that an end portion disposed therethrough is invertedly opened in an expanded configuration and operatively secured to the securing structure
Abstract:
Emulsion explosives with gas bubbles that are resistant to in-borehole migration or coalescence are disclosed herein. Such emulsions can be sensitized by mechanically introducing gas bubbles into the emulsion. Gassing can be performed at any of multiple points from initial formation of the emulsion to delivery of the emulsion into the borehole. Resistance to gas bubble migration and coalescence can be achieved by homogenization, without the need for bubble stabilization agents.
Abstract:
A packaged explosive product may include packaging film, explosive product, and a detonating cord. The packaging film may form one or more casings that contain the explosive product. The packaging film and explosive product form a charge. The detonating cord may be positioned external the one or more casings in relation to the explosive product while being positioned axially internal in relation to the one or more charges.
Abstract:
Systems for automatedly delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of automatedly delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of determining an emulsion explosive density profile are disclosed herein.
Abstract:
A gas-impermeable sealer element (24, 124) for a detonator or other explosive initiation device includes a non-reactive sleeve (26, 126) having a channel (28, 128) formed therein. A reactive material strip (30, 130) is sealed within the channel for transmission of an explosive's initiation signal through the sealer element (24, 124), either alone or in cooperation with transfer charges located at the input and/or output end of the non-reactive sleeve (26, 126). The reactive material strip (30, 130) comprises a reactive metal wire or other substrate (34) having on one or both sides thereof a layer of reactive material (30, 130, 36), either reactive metal foils which react exothermically when ignited, or a deposited fuel-oxidizer reactive material. The reactive materials, upon being energized, react exothermically in the absence of atmospheric oxygen or other extraneous oxidizer and so may be encapsulated, sealed or otherwise isolated from the atmosphere in use.
Abstract:
The initiation of an output charge (152, Figure 4) in response to an initiation signal can be delayed by conveying the initiation signal to a delay fuse (40) made from a reactive multilayer laminate to initiate an exothermic, self-sustaining alloying reaction in the laminate. The reaction follows a travel path which may be zigzag, coiled or otherwise elongated, to provide a desired delay time. The output charge (152) may be in an initiator mounted on a signal transmission line (111 ) that emits the initiation signal. A delay element (84, Figure 9) may contain a substrate (86) and a reactive multilayer laminate (88) disposed on the substrate and be shaped to define a serpentine travel path from the location of an input signal (I) to the location of an output signal (O). The delay element may be disposed in a plug comprised of solid members (62a, 62b, Figure 6) or in a tubular body (76, Figure 7).