Abstract: A method and system for communications routing provides an improved range of service quality and cost options. The method includes receiving at a host computer system an indication that a user has placed a telephone call. Next the host computer system receives from a routing database operatively connected to the host computer system both QoS criteria and cost criteria. The QoS criteria and cost criteria are then matched with empirical QoS data and least-cost routing data, respectively. A call route is then determined based on the matched QoS criteria and cost criteria with empirical QoS data and least-cost routing data, respectively. The routing database is then updated based on whether the determined call route provided an acceptable QoS.

Abstract: A method of increasing the water resistance of a blasting explosive comprising an organic carbonaceous fuel, an inorganic oxidizing salt having a particular particle size distribution and a gelling agent comprising the step of adding to the blasting explosive a particulate filler material. The particle size distribution of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are selected to increase the water resistance of the blasting explosive.

Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled refining of an emulsion explosive composition is shown. The apparatus includes a pump for pumping the pumpable explosive composition, a conduit for transporting the explosive composition away from the pump, and a refining or shear valve located in the conduit. Also provided is control instrumentation which allows the amount of refining to be monitored. The preferred control instrumentation comprises a first pressure indicator located on an upstream side of said valve, the second pressure indicator located on the downstream side of said valve, and an adjustor associated with the valve to allow the valve to be adjusted to produce a predetermined pressure difference between the first and second pressure indicators.

Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled refining of an emulsion explosive composition is shown. The apparatus includes a pump for pumping the pumpable explosive composition, a conduit for transporting the explosive composition away from the pump, and a refining or shear valve located in the conduit. Also provided is control instrumentation which allows the amount of refining to be monitored. The preferred control instrumentation comprises a first pressure indicator located on an upstream side of said valve, the second pressure indicator located on the downstream side of said valve, and an adjustor associated with the valve to allow the valve to be adjusted to produce a predetermined pressure difference between the first and second pressure indicators.

Abstract: A blasting explosive comprises an organic carbonaceous fuel, an inorganic oxidizing salt, a gelling agent and particulate filler material, wherein prior to exposing the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt to the organic carbonaceous fuel and the gelling agent, from about 15 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 10 sieve, from about 15 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 14 sieve and from about 20 to about 60 wt. % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 20 sieve.