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. The blast modeling system may simulate a blast by determine initial pressures in each blasthole caused by a detonation of an explosive. The blast modeling system may determine a heave of the blast based in part on the initial pressures, and display a simulation that is based in part on the heave.

Abstract: Wireless detonator systems present opportunities for controlled blasting of rock without the encumbrances of physical wired connections at the blast site. Disclosed herein are wireless detonator assemblies, which sense the state of environmental condition(s) of their immediate vicinity, and which are active to receive and/or process a command signal to FIRE only if the environmental condition(s) are deemed suitable or appropriate according to predetermined parameters. Also disclosed are improved methods of blasting involving such wireless detonator assemblies, as well as corresponding wireless electronic primers.

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: 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: Disclosed herein are connectors for connecting a variety of wires at a blast site, for versatile set-up of lines extending for example between a blasting machine and detonators, or between different detonators. Also disclosed are methods for providing electrical connection between various components of a blasting apparatus at a blast site.

Abstract: Wireless detonator systems present opportunities for controlled blasting of rock without the encumbrances of physical wired connections at the blast site. Disclosed herein are wireless detonator assemblies, which sense the state of environmental condition(s) of their immediate vicinity, and which are active to receive and/or process a command signal to FIRE only if the environmental condition(s) are deemed suitable or appropriate according to predetermined parameters. Also disclosed are improved methods of blasting involving such wireless detonator assemblies, as well as corresponding wireless electronic primers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for connecting a variety of wires at a blast site, for versatile set-up of lines extending for example between a blasting machine and detonators, or between different detonators. Also disclosed are methods for providing electrical connection between various components of a blasting apparatus at a blast site.

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: 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: Blasting operations for mining frequently involve a large number of detonators for a single blasting event. An important step in the execution of a blast is to perform a roll-call to check that all detonator assemblies placed at the blast site are in communication with a blasting machine, and forming operative components of the blasting apparatus. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that streamline this roll-call step, thereby reducing time consumed in the blasting process.

Abstract: Blasting operations for mining frequently involve a large number of detonators for a single blasting event. An important step in the execution of a blast is to perform a roll-call to check that all detonator assemblies placed at the blast site are in communication with a blasting machine, and forming operative components of the blasting apparatus. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that streamline this roll-call step, thereby reducing time consumed in the blasting process.

Abstract: An electronic blasting system (10) comprising a plurality of hardware components (12.1 to 12.

Abstract: Blasting operations for mining frequently involve a large number of detonators for a single blasting event. An important step in the execution of a blast is to perform a roll-call to check that all detonator assemblies placed at the blast site are in communication with a blasting machine, and forming operative components of the blasting apparatus. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that streamline this roll-call step, thereby reducing time consumed in the blasting process.

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: 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: 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: 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: Peat-containing granules possessing numerous beneficial properties can be prepared by a process involving gentle extrusion in which viscosified water is used in the extrudable composition. Advantageously, gentle extrusion allows a peat-containing extrudate to be formed in which the beneficial properties of the raw peat are well preserved. In preferred embodiments, gentle extrusion is achieved by using an extrusion die provided with a plurality of apertures and a relatively large open area which allow low extrusion pressures to be used.