Abstract: Disclosed herein are significant improvements in security and safety of blasting apparatuses intended for use in mining operations. These include the development of an apparatus and method for blasting that involves activation or deactivation of the blasting apparatus in accordance with pre-determined parameters. For example, these parameters may include one or more of: a location of the blast site, a time for the blasting event, a number of previous blasts, a number of previous blasts within a given time period, and identification of detonator identification codes. The activation or deactivation may involve cross-communication between components of the blasting apparatus and/or associated detonators. Such cross-communication may involve electronic or wireless communication means, including for example the use of cell phone technology, or the internet.

Abstract: A mineral carbonation process, characterised in that the silicate feedstock is thermally activated by using heat generated from the combustion of fuel prior to reacting the activated slurry feedstock with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: In the method for assigning a delay time to an electronic delay detonator. The detonator includes a data register (24) into which a desired delay time value, supplied by a controller, is written. Subsequently, over a predetermined time period (t) the contents of the data register (24) is repetitively added to a counter register (26) in which the contents is accumulated. After a division of the counter register contents through the calibration time, the contents of the counter register (26) is subsequently counted down using the same oscillator (18) which has controlled the accumulation process. The invention allows the delay time value supplied by the controller to be exactly adhered with, using an oscillator (18) of low accuracy and without feedback from the detonator (12) to the controller.

Abstract: Wireless detonator assemblies (51-59) in use, form a cross-communicating network of wireless “detonator assemblies, such that communication of each wireless detonator assembly (57-59) with an associated blasting machine (50) can occur either directly, or via relay of signals (61-69) between other wireless detonator assemblies (51-56) in the network. Wireless detonator assemblies (51-59) can disseminate information (such as status information, identity information, firing codes, delay times and environmental conditions) among all of the wireless detonator assemblies in the network, while compensating for signal transmission relay delays at nodes in the network, thereby enabling the wireless detonator assemblies to detonate the explosive charges in accordance with the delay times. Various wireless detonator assemblies and corresponding blasting apparatus are disclosed and claimed. Methods of blasting using the wireless detonator assemblies and blasting apparatus are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Wireless detonators, and corresponding wireless detonator systems present opportunities for blasting arrangements that avoid the need for physical wire connections between the blasting components. The present application discloses a wireless detonator assembly, a corresponding blasting apparatus, and a method of use thereof. The wireless detonator assembly comprises a charge storage device that is capable of storing charge for discharge into a firing circuit upon receipt of an appropriate wireless command signal to FIRE, from an associated blasting machine. In preferred embodiments, the charge storage device remains or becomes charged, at least for a specific time period, if the wireless detonator assembly receives a suitable “keep alive” command signal from an associated blasting machine—otherwise the charge storage device discharges with little or no effect upon the firing circuit, such that the wireless detonator assembly retain or adopts a safe mode.

Abstract: A wireless or partially wireless detonator assembly (10) and corresponding blasting apparatus, that may be “powered Up” by a remote source of power (13) that is entirely distinct from the energy used for general command signal communications (16). In one embodiment, the detonator assembly (10) may include an active power source (25) with sufficient power for communications, but insufficient power to cause intentional or inadvertent actuation of the detonator (10).

Abstract: A wireless detonator assembly (10) for blasting arrangements comprising a detonator with a base charge (18), command signal receiving (11) and processing means (12), a charge storage device (13) with a firing circuit (15) for storing electrical energy, at least one power source (14) to power said command signal receiving (11) and processing means (12), and to charge said charge storage device (13), each of said at least one power source (14) capable of supplying a maximum voltage or current that is less than a threshold voltage or current to actuate said base charge (18), and said base charge (18) actuating if a voltage or current in the firing circuit (15) resulting from discharge of the electrical energy from said charge storage device (13) exceeds said threshold voltage or current.

Abstract: Electronic blasting systems typically permit blasting with detonator delay times having millisecond accuracy. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that are capable of even higher degrees of delay time accuracy, for example involving programmable delay times selectable to an accuracy of about 0.25 ms, 0.1 ms, or better. Such methods and apparatuses present unprecedented and unexpected advantages for both mining applications, civil engineering uses, and in seismic prospecting.

Abstract: Methods of blasting rock are disclosed and claimed in which blast holes are arranged in group of 2 to 7 blast holes. Within each of the groups, adjacent columns of explosive material (12) are actuated within 5 ms of one another Initiation of blasting between the respective groups occurs at least 8 ms after completion of initiation of an adjacent group. Initiation devices (13, 24) may be located at the lower end, upper end or both ends of the respective blast holes, depending on the stress field that is intended to be generated within the rock. As a result, environmental stresses such as ground vibrations are reduced, and the efficiency of rock fragmentation are increased.

Abstract: A method of blasting in which rock pile profile associated with a blast field is controlled by precise control of the detonation delay times between and/or within individual blastholes in the blast field, in combination with the control of one or more other blast parameters. One or more of the blast parameters may by blasthole geometry, explosive charge or blast initiation location.

Abstract: An electronic blasting system (1) comprising a control unit (3), a surface harness and electronic detonators (4) connected to the surface harness by a 2-wire lead, the detonators (4) being adapted to provide information to the control unit (3) in response to command signals transmitted by the control unit (3) along the surface harness; wherein the surface harness comprises a primary line (2) with trunk lines (5) connect to it, wherein each trunk line (5) has connected to it individual detonators (4) making up the same row, wherein each trunk line (5) is connected to the primary line (2) by an actuator (6), and wherein each trunk line (5) includes an actuator (7) between adjacent detonators (4).

Abstract: A method of monitoring a feature of a blast such as velocity of detonation (VOD) comprises the steps of providing a detonator 16.1 at a blast site 12. Prior to the blast, a blast control signal path 20, 18.1 is utilized to communicate blast control signals to the detonator. During a period following start of the blast, a blast feature signal communication path 18.1, 20 comprising at least part of the blast control signal path is utilized to communicate a blast feature signal relating to the feature to a remote blast feature monitoring station 26. The blast feature signal is generated by generating a monitoring signal in a conductor arrangement 18.1 connected to die detonator, utilizing a sensor outside of the housing of the detonator to sense changes in a blast feature monitoring parameter of the monitoring signal, and transmitting data relating to the changes to the station 26.

Abstract: Wireless blasting systems present significant technical challenges. Discloses herein are blasting apparatuses, and methods for their use, that employ a network of blasting machines and detonators, each detonator capable of wireless communication not only with the blasting machines, but also with other detonators, so that those detonators (and associated components) that are “blind” to communication with the blasting machines can remain functional in the blasting network. Importantly, the wireless signal receiving, processing and transmitting means associated with each detonator is powered by a supply insufficient to cause inadvertent detonator initiation unless a specific FIRE signal is transmitted by a blasting machine, and received by the detonator.

Abstract: A blasting system includes a wireless link between a blast controller and a plurality of electronic detonators. Each detonator includes a respective electronic initiator and an explosive charge. Charge storage devices of the initiators are chargeable by a carrier of a first signal having a first frequency (f1) in the order of 400 MHz-500 MHz and which is broadcasted by the blast controller. Each initiator further includes logic circuitry driven by a clock signal which is derived from the first signal and having a clock frequency of about 4 kHz, which is substantially less than the first frequency.

Abstract: Fire, arm, and disarm signals are typically transmitted to electronic detonators via signal transmission lines. Traditionally, such signal transmission lines include wires wherein one end of each wire is soldered directly to printed circuit boards and or other signal processing components retained within the shell of a detonator. Other ‘modular’ blasting apparatuses of the prior art provide means to connect signal transmission lines to detonators in the field. Signal transmission line/detonator contacts are susceptible to disruption, particularly when the signal transmission lines are subject to inadvertent tugging or tensile forces at the blast site. The present application discloses an electrical connector that enables secure connection between a signal transmission line and any detonator adapted to receive and optionally process electrical signals from the signal transmission line.

Abstract: An electronic blasting system comprising: a plurality of electronic detonators; and a blasting machine, a function of which is to transmit information to and/or receive information about one or more of the plurality of electronic detonators, wherein the blasting machine is adapted to perform this function under voice control.

Abstract: A method of transporting a liquid product down a vertical conduit having an inlet provided at the top of the conduit and an outlet provided at the bottom of the conduit, which method comprises feeding the liquid product into the inlet of the conduit and contacting the liquid product with means for dissipating potential energy released by the liquid product as it is transported down the conduit so that turbulence in the liquid product at the outlet of the conduit is reduced.

Abstract: A method of logging use of a non-electric detonator, which comprises recording identity data associated with the detonator at the time the detonator is being loaded in a blasthole, recording consumption of the detonator, and relating the identity data associated with the detonator to an inventory of non-electric detonators thereby allowing the inventory to be updated, wherein the identity data associated with the non-electric detonator are recorded using an electronic device.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a blasting network (16) for use where spurious command signals may be passed through a blasting controller (12) to the blasting network, for example when the controller is connected to the Internet or Intranet (10). The system includes a firewall (14) whereby the communication link (20) between the controller and the blasting network can be placed in a control mode by a switch (19). In the control mode, any previously designated unsafe message such as a fire command is prevented from reaching the blasting network by, for example, disregarding the unsafe message or scrambling it so that it is no longer unsafe. In an operational mode of the communication link, any scrambled unsafe message may be unscrambled and any unsafe message may be transmitted to the blasting network.

Abstract: A method for controlling the initiation of an electronic detonator when located in surrounding ground, the method comprising the steps of: measuring the actual spatial position of the said detonator in relation to one or more adjacent detonators; and calculating the time of initiation of the said detonator based upon its actual spatial position.