Electronic Detonators Travel to al,ost zny mine site today and you will encounter the same types of technology that will change the fundamental way any industry will compete with in the next century. Global competition and increasing customer demands are forcing operators to seek out and adopt those technologies that
Differences Shock Tube Electric Shock Tube Electric Delay Module Igniter Capacitor (Stored Energy) Delay Elements Igniter Base Charge Base Charge Pyrotechnic Delay Electronic Delay
Basic Application Concepts
Factory Programmed (Fixed) Delay Periods DNAG - Dynamit Nobel (German System) Dyno Nobel - Ashai Chemicals
Fixed Delay Typically two wire Electric tie -in principles Coded security Multiple delay periods Blast machine Sequential capability
Field Programmed (Variable) Delay Periods Daveyfire - French / US EXEX - ORICA/DNAG Nitro Nobel - Dyno - Nobel ???
Variable Delay Two wire or multi-wired Digital / coded security One millisecond interval delays Several seconds (maximum) Blast machine programming Hand-held programmers Blast design software options
Hand-Held Programmers
Fixed In-Hole Delay Interval Control ALTECH - South Africa (Electronic Ezstoper type)
In-Hole Delay Five wire ribbon wire Blast machine & controllers Series tie in Plug in connectors 32 second in hole delay Pre programmed surface controllers
Field Programmed Passive SASOL - EZTronic
Passive Two wire Blast machine, computer,scanners Network tie in Plug in connectors Bar code reader sequenced/programmed
Shock Tube Initiated Factory Programmed 17ms 17ms 17ms EBCO - DIGIDET
Shock Tube Shock Tube Leads Energy Transition Electronic Delay Standard Tie In
Misfires Always wait 30 minutes Use manufacturer's recommended procedures Electronic detonator systems vary in design & application
Always Follow manufacturer's warning & instructions, especially hook-up procedures & safety precautions Fire electronic detonators with equipment & procedures recommended by manufacturer
Always Verify detonator system integrity prior to initiation Keep firing circuit insulated from ground or other conductors Use wires, connectors & coupling devices specified by manufacturer
Always Follow manufacturer's instructions when aborting blast Clear blast area of personnel, vehicles & equipment prior to hooking up to firing device or blast controller
Always Keep detonator leads, coupling devices & connectors protected until ready to blast Keep wire ends, connectors & fittings clean & free from dirt or contamination prior to connection
Always Follow manufacturer's instructions for system hook-up Follow manufacturer's recommended practices to protect electronic detonators from electromagnetic, RF or other electrical interference sources
Always Protect wires, connectors, coupling devices, shock tube or other components from mechanical abuse & damage Ensure blaster in charge has control over blast site throughout programming, system charging, firing & detonation
Always Use extreme care when programming delay times in field to ensure correct blast designs. Incorrect programming can result in misfires, flyrock, excessive airblast & vibration
Never Mix electronic detonators and electric detonators in the same blast even if made by same manufacturer, unless approved by the manufacturer
Never Mix electronic detonators of different types or versions even if made by same manufacturer, unless approved by manufacturer Mix or electronic detonators & equipment made by different manufacturers
Never Use test equipment & blasting machines designed for electric detonators with electronic detonators Use damaged or poorly maintained equipment or electronic detonators
Never Attempt to use blasting machines, testers or instruments with electronic detonators not specifically designed for system
Never Attempt to cut & splice leads unless recommended by manufacturer Make final hook-up to firing device or blast controller until all personnel are clear
Never Load boreholes in open work near power lines unless firing lines & detonator wires are anchored or too short to reach power lines
Never Never handle or use electronic detonators during electrical storm - withdrawn personnel from blast area Use electronic detonator systems outside manufacturer's specified temperature & pressure ranges
Never Never program electronic detonator in booster, cartridge or other explosive component before loaded for final use Never hold electronic detonator while it is tested or programmed
Few people can say, “I was injured during an explosives accident” 1. As little as 250 milliamps can detonate a blasting cap
Respect power of explosives & detonators Handle with care Keep wires shunted until wired into circuit Keep detonators away from stray current sources Only certified shotfirers permitted to perform blast duties 1. As little as 250 milliamps can detonate a blasting cap