Inploder delivery system and method

Abstract

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for delivering an exploder to an operating depth to initiate an explosion of an explosive material in a blast hole. Systems described herein may include a cap structure providing access into an aperture; and a separable detonator subassembly, which may be deployed to transfer the detonator to a loading location. A method of filling a blasthole may include placing such a system over a blasthole orifice and deploying a detonator subassembly while loading explosive material into the blasthole.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This patent application is related to and claims priority from Australian provisional patent application number 2022900487, entitled “Initiator Delivery System and Method,” filed on March 1, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure describes systems and methods in the field of blasting operations. More specifically, the present disclosure describes systems and methods for delivering an initiator to an operating depth to initiate an explosion of explosive material in a blast hole. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for filling a blast hole, the system comprising:

[0005] A cap, the cap comprising:

[0006] a cap body having a top side, a bottom side, and a bobbin chamber disposed therein; a hole disposed centrally relative to the bobbin chamber and penetrating the bottom side; and

[0007] a hollow guide tube axially aligned with the hole and communicating with the hole, with an upper end of the guide tube fixed to the bottom side of the cap body and a lower end of the guide tube opposite to the upper end; and

[0008] a detonator subassembly including a detonator holder configured to secure the detonator in a loaded orientation and having an undeployed state and a deployed state,

[0009] Wherein, in an undeployed state, the detonator holder is removably fixed to the lower end of the guide tube, and in a deployed state, the detonator holder is separated from the guide tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the detonator subassembly further includes a detonator secured in the detonator holder and a transmission line having a detonator end coupled to the detonator and a connector end opposite the detonator end, wherein the transmission line is substantially located within the spool chamber in an undeployed state.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the transmission line is wound within the spool chamber. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the transmission line is wound around a spool located within the spool chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments, the spool chamber allows the transmission line to be unwound in a deployed state and dispensed through the aperture and guide tube.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector end includes a connector configured to connect the transmission line to a source of an initiating signal. In some embodiments, the connector includes one of a wireless receiving module, a direct electrical connection, and a mechanical connection.

[0014] In some embodiments, the transmission line is any of a detonating cord, an electrical wire, or a shock tube.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cap body has an overall circular shape.

[0016] In some embodiments, the spool chamber includes a hub. In some embodiments, the hub defines the hole. In some embodiments, the hub is circular or cylindrical in shape. The hub can be hollow and can define a through passage. In some embodiments, the hub is integrally formed with the cap body. In other embodiments, the cap body and the hub are formed separately, wherein the hub can be fixed or connected to the cap body. In some embodiments, the cap body and the hub are arranged concentrically relative to each other.

[0017] In some embodiments, the height of the hub is less than the height of the cap body. In some embodiments, the lower edge of the hub is aligned with the lower edge of the cap body. In some embodiments, the upper end of the hub is lower than the upper edge or top side of the cap body, thereby facilitating the transmission line to be distributed through the hole and the passage defined by the hub.

[0018] In some embodiments, the detonator holder is at least partially nested within the lower end of the guide tube in an undeployed state. In some embodiments, the detonator holder is fixed within the lower end by friction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the detonator subassembly is configured to be coupled to an explosive material delivery hose.

[0020] In some embodiments, the spool chamber is open to allow access through the top side of the cap body. In some embodiments, the top side of the cap body includes a removable cover.

[0021] In some embodiments, the detonator holder further comprises a retaining feature configured to retain the detonator holder in a deployed position in the blast hole by interacting with a wall of the blast hole, or to prevent the detonator holder from moving away from the deployed position in the blast hole.

[0022] In some embodiments, the retaining feature comprises one or more arms that radially extend from the detonator holder to engage a wall of the blast hole. In some embodiments, the retaining feature resists movement of the detonator holder within the blast hole in one direction to a greater extent than in an opposite direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the guide tube is sized to be received within the orifice of the blast hole with a friction fit sufficient to secure the cap in place. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the guide tube is from about 50 mm to about 300 mm, or more specifically from about 50 mm to about 150 mm, about 55 mm to about 80 mm, about 60 mm to about 75 mm, or about 75 mm to about 300 mm, or about 100 mm to about 250 mm.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for filling a blast hole, the method comprising the following steps:

[0025] Providing the system disclosed herein;

[0026] placing the cap body over the orifice of the blast hole, thereby introducing the guide tube and detonator subassembly into the blast hole;

[0027] advancing an explosive material delivery hose through the bore and guide tube to displace the detonator holder and push the detonator subassembly into a deployment position in the blast hole; and

[0028] The delivery hose is retracted from the deployed position to free the delivery hose from the detonator retainer.

[0029] In some embodiments, the explosive material delivery hose is coupled to the detonator subassembly as the explosive material delivery hose is advanced through the aperture.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method further includes discharging the explosive material through the delivery hose and into the blast hole.

[0031] In some embodiments, the detonator subassembly is decoupled from the explosive material delivery hose by expelling the explosive material.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further includes connecting the connector end to a source of the initiating signal.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for charging a blast hole, the system comprising:

[0034] A cap, the cap comprising:

[0035] a cap body having a top side, a bottom side, and a bobbin chamber disposed therein; a hole disposed centrally relative to the bobbin chamber and penetrating the bottom side; and

[0036] a hollow guide tube axially aligned with the hole and communicating with the hole, with an upper end of the guide tube fixed to the bottom side of the cap body and a lower end of the guide tube opposite to the upper end; and

[0037] A detonator subassembly, the detonator subassembly comprising:

[0038] a detonator holder that secures the detonator in a loaded orientation and that has an undeployed state and a deployed state,

[0039] a transmission line having a detonator end coupled to the detonator and a connector end opposite the detonator end, wherein in an undeployed state at least a portion of the transmission line is coiled within the spool chamber,

[0040] Wherein, in an undeployed state, the detonator holder is removably fixed to the lower end of the guide tube, and in a deployed state, the detonator holder is separated from the guide tube.

[0041] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and claims, the words "comprising," "including," etc. should be read as inclusive and not exclusive or exhaustive; that is, as meaning "including but not limited to." BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The embodiments disclosed herein can be more fully understood from the following description and the appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments, and a more specific and detailed description of these embodiments will be provided through the use of the accompanying drawings, which include:

[0043] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an initiator delivery system according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Exploded perspective view of the detonator delivery system.

[0045] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the initiator delivery system.

[0046] Figure 2 is a perspective view of components of an initiator delivery system according to one embodiment.

[0047] Figure 3A According to an embodiment, Figure 1A How to use the system.

[0048] Figure 3B Pictured Figure 3A Further steps of the method of use shown in .

[0049] Figure 3C Pictured Figure 3A and Figure 3B Further steps of the method of use shown in .

[0050] Figure 3D Pictured FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Further steps of the method of use shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which specific embodiments of the present disclosure that can be implemented are shown in a schematic manner. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement the present invention, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural, logical and electrical changes may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. From the following description, it should be understood that the components of the embodiments generally described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following more detailed description of the various embodiments represented in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but only represents various embodiments. Although various aspects of the embodiments are presented in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise specified.

[0052] The phrases "connected to" and "coupled to" refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interactions. Two components can be connected or coupled to each other even if they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components can be coupled to each other through an intermediate component or an electromagnetic signal.

[0053] One of the operations in the drill-and-blast process is the positioning of an initiator into the blast hole. An initiator typically contains a small amount of explosive material. The purpose of an initiator is to initiate the detonation of explosive material, such as bulk explosive material, in the blast hole. Each initiator is hereinafter referred to as an "initiator".

[0054] More specifically, the term "initiator" as used herein is understood to refer to a structure, typically containing a small amount of explosive material, which can be located in a blasthole and is used to initiate the explosion of the explosive material in the blasthole. The initiator may include or consist of a detonator, which is configured to explode upon receipt of an initiation signal. "Initiation signal" as used herein refers to any transient phenomenon, typically transmitted by a transmission line of a given type to directly or indirectly contact the detonation. This signal itself can be: an explosive shock generated by other explosive materials; an electric current; or an electronic transmission, each of which can be transmitted to the detonator via an appropriate transmission line operably connected to the detonator. The initiator may further include additional explosive material that is more sensitive to the explosion of the detonator than the bulk explosive material.

[0055] Effectively charging blastholes at a blast site presents a number of operational challenges. Since the charging materials may include sensitive explosive materials, direct manipulation of these materials during transport and placement poses a risk of injury to personnel involved. Similar risks exist when manually transporting the primers deep enough into the blastholes for charging, especially if the primers fall into the holes. In addition, charging multiple holes within a blast area may result in many transmission lines, one section of which is exposed above ground, requiring site personnel to exercise extreme caution when moving around the site to avoid disturbing these transmission lines.

[0056] The systems for charging blastholes described herein may include one (or more) structures adapted to place the detonator and the transmission line in an easily deployable position relative to the blasthole. In one aspect, this may include positioning the transmission line so that one end of the transmission line coupled to the detonator can easily travel down the hole while leaving the other end accessible for entry into the blast initiation process. Figures 1A to 1C The various features of such a system may be readily understood by referring to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 1 . With reference to the views provided in these figures, the system 100 may include a cap 102 adapted to be fixedly placed at the mouth of a blast hole while positioning the initiator for in-hole deployment. For example, the cap 102 may include a cap body 104 that may be shaped and sized to be positioned across the width of the hole. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in , in some embodiments, the cap body 104 can have a generally circular or cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the cap body can have other shapes, including but not limited to rectangular, cross, star, and oval. The width or diameter of the cap body 104 can allow the cap 102 to span the width or diameter of the blast hole aperture, thereby significantly reducing the risk that the cap 102 may fall into the blast hole.

[0057] The cap 102 may also include a spool chamber 106 disposed within the cap body 104. The spool chamber 106 may be configured to contain a length of transmission line 108 sufficient to reach a desired location in the blast hole. The spool chamber 106 may also allow the transmission line 108 to be arranged in an orderly manner so that a length of transmission line 108 can be dispensed into the blast hole with little or no tangling or snagging. For example, Figures 1A to 1CAs shown in each of the figures in FIG. 1 , the spool chamber 106 can allow the transmission line 108 to be placed therein in a coiled state. It will be understood that such a coiled transmission line 108 will have a corresponding turn height. The cap 102 can be configured to have a predetermined height so that the height of the spool chamber 106 formed therein is sufficient to accommodate the coiled transmission line 108 up to the predetermined turn height. As described in further detail below, when in use, this can enable the cap 102 to be placed over the orifice 14 of the blast hole so that the cap body 104 and the coiled transmission line 108 (which is contained in the spool chamber 106) are located above the blast hole.

[0058] In various embodiments, the spool chamber 106 can include one or more features to facilitate loading and winding the transmission line 108 therein. The cap body 104 can be configured to provide access to the spool chamber 106, for example, Figures 1A to 1C As shown in each of the figures in FIG. 1 , by having a substantially open top side 110 or including a removable cover. In some embodiments, the spool chamber 106 may include a centrally placed hub around which the transmission line 108 may be wound. In some embodiments, the walls of the spool chamber 106 may include ridges and / or grooves to support and stabilize multiple turns of the transmission line 108. In some cases, the transmission line 108 for use in blasting applications may be pre-wound into a spool. In some embodiments, the spool chamber 106 is configured so that such a spool may be placed therein.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, Figure 1C As can be seen most clearly in the cap body 104, the cap body 104 is in a retaining form with an inwardly protruding (circular) lip or flange form, which extends from the top side 110 of the cap body 104, is adjacent to the top side 110 of the cap body 104 or is associated with the top side 110 of the cap body 104, thereby preventing the movement of the winding transmission line 108 away from the spool chamber 106 and thus helping to keep the winding transmission line 108 in the spool chamber 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the inwardly protruding lip or flange is circular and extends continuously around the top side 110 of the cap body 104. It will be understood that the retaining form is not limited to this configuration, but can also have an intermittent profile. For example, the retaining form can include one or more discrete elements, which are arranged in a relatively spaced relationship around the top side edge of the cap body 104 or the top side edge of the adjacent cap body 104.

[0060] The transmission line 108 includes a detonator end 112 operably connected to a detonator 114, which is suitable for detonating the main charge explosive directly or through an intermediate explosive charge. The transmission line 108 also includes a connector end 116 opposite the detonator end 112, wherein the connector end 116 is configured to receive an explosion initiation signal and transmit the signal to the transmission line 108, and then the transmission line 108 propagates the signal to the detonator 114. The present disclosure covers systems for use with various explosion initiation methods and devices. Various types of transmission lines 108 can be used with the systems described herein. For example, non-electric detonators can be coupled to non-electric transmission lines such as detonating cords or shock tubes. In other embodiments, electric detonators can be coupled to electric transmission lines including one or more electrical wires. In some embodiments, electronic detonators (such as electronic delay detonators) can be coupled to electric transmission lines or non-electric transmission lines.

[0061] In some embodiments, the connector end 116 may include a connector 118 configured to connect the transmission line 108 to a source of an initiation signal. The nature of the initiation signal and the connector 118 may depend on the type of initiation method used and the type of transmission line 108 and detonator 114 used to detonate the blasthole. For example, a non-electrical initiation system in which the initiation signal is a propagating shock wave may involve the use of a non-electrical transmission line, such as a detonating cord or a shock tube, and the connector 118 may provide a mechanical connection between the transmission line 108 and a compatible above-ground mains. Electrical initiation may involve the use of an electrical transmission line suitable for conducting a trigger signal to a detonator. In this case, the connector 118 may be configured to provide a direct electrical connection between the transmission line 108 and the electrical blasting circuit. In a wireless initiation system, the connector 118 may be a wireless receiving module that is capable of participating in a wireless connection with a remote blasting control unit.

[0062] The cap 102 may include an aperture 120 to provide access to the blast hole through the cap body 104. Such access may be further facilitated by a hollow guide tube 122 secured to the bottom side 124 of the cap body 104, wherein the guide tube 122 is in communication with the aperture 120 and is axially aligned with the aperture 120. Figures 1A to 1C As shown in , the relative arrangement of the coiled transmission line 108 and the hole 120 enables the transmission line 108 to be unwound and dispensed through the hole 120 of the cap body 104 and the guide tube 122. In addition, as previously described, this arrangement can enable the cap 102 to be placed over the orifice 14 of the blast hole, so that the cap body 104 and the coiled transmission line 108 contained in the spool chamber 106 are located above the blast hole, and the guide tube 122 is introduced into the blast hole.

[0063] On the one hand, the guide tube 122 provides a path for guiding the transmission line 108 when the transmission line 108 is dispensed from the spool chamber 106. On the other hand, the hole 120 and the guide tube 122 can provide a path through which explosive materials, such as bulk explosives, can be loaded into the blast hole. Bulk explosives include simple ANFO (ammonium nitrate + fuel oil), water-in-oil emulsions, hydrogels, and various mixtures thereof. Although these materials may be viscous and / or dense, they are usually delivered to the blast hole in a certain flowable state and discharged into the blast hole through a delivery hose. Therefore, the inner diameter of the hole 120 and the guide tube 122 can make it easy for the explosive delivery hose to pass through. More specifically, the inner diameter of each of these components is sufficient to accommodate the delivery hose 16 and the transmission line 108 at the same time. The outer diameter of the guide tube 122 is preferably selected to enable it to fit in the blast hole orifice. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the guide tube 122 is selected to provide a friction fit with the blast hole orifice to facilitate safe placement of the system 100. In various embodiments, the outer diameter of the guide tube 122 can be from about 50 mm to about 300 mm, or more specifically from about 50 mm to about 150 mm, about 55 mm to about 80 mm, about 60 mm to about 75 mm, or about 75 mm to about 300 mm, or about 100 mm to about 250 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter of the guide tube is less than the outer diameter of the cap body.

[0064] The system 100 may also include a detonator subassembly 126 that is deployable to a desired loading location in a blasthole, for example, to the bottom of the blasthole in a bottom loading method. In other words, the detonator subassembly 126 may have at least two functions: 1) removably secure the detonator 114 to the system 100 in an undeployed state; and 2) be deployable to transport the detonator 114 to a suitable loading location in the blasthole and secure it there until detonation. Thus, in addition to the detonator 114 itself, the detonator subassembly 126 may also include a detonator holder 128 that is configured to secure the detonator 114 in place for detonation. More specifically, the detonator holder 128 may secure the orientation of the detonator 114 so that its explosive charge is directed toward the explosive material. Figures 1A to 1C One example of such a configuration is shown in the various views of FIG. 1 , where the detonator holder 128 is configured so that it holds the detonator 114 in the proper orientation for bottom hole charging.

[0065] The present disclosure encompasses a detonator holder that can accommodate and transport an explosive package that includes an initiating element in addition to a detonator. For example, in a blasting application involving explosives that are insensitive to detonators, effective initiation may involve the use of an intermediate charge that is sensitive to detonators, i.e., an initiator, and in some cases, an additional charge called a booster. Initiators and initiator / booster combinations can be obtained as a unit packaged together. In some embodiments, the detonator holder 128 is configured to hold such a package and detonators in a manner suitable for a mutual arrangement of the intermediate charge to be triggered by the detonator.

[0066] As described above, the detonator holder 128 can be deployed to transfer the detonator 114 to a deployment location in the blasthole. Also as described above, the system described herein can be configured to remain in place during the loading of the blasthole with bulk explosives, as the explosive delivery hose can be introduced into the blasthole through the cap structure. In some embodiments, the system is configured so that the deployment of the detonator subassembly 126 can be achieved through the blasthole loading process. Figure 1C As shown in , the detonator holder 128 can be removably secured to the guide tube 122 so that the detonator holder 128 is located in the path that the delivery hose will take when the delivery hose passes through the guide tube 122. Therefore, the delivery hose will push the detonator subassembly 126 and cause it to disengage from the guide tube 122. The manner in which the detonator holder 128 is secured to the guide tube 122 can provide a secure attachment in the undeployed state, but the attachment can be easily broken by the insertion of the delivery hose. In some embodiments, as Figure 1A and Figure 1C , the detonator holder 128 can be sized to fit at least partially within the guide tube 122, such as at the distal end of the guide tube 122. In this arrangement, the relative sizes of the detonator holder 128 and the guide tube 122 can be selected so that the detonator holder 128 is secured in place by friction. The present disclosure also contemplates the use of other means to secure the detonator holder 128 in place, such as using adhesives and snap features.

[0067] In some embodiments, the detonator subassembly 126 may include one or more features to couple, mate, or provide a more secure engagement with the end of the delivery hose during deployment. For example, one end of the detonator holder 128 may include a cylindrical recess sized to receive, couple to, and / or mate with the end of the delivery hose when the end of the delivery hose contacts the detonator holder 128. In another example, one end of the detonator holder 128 may include a protrusion (e.g., a cylindrical protrusion) sized to enter into the end of the hose when the end of the hose contacts the detonator holder 128.

[0068] Figures 2 to 3D Shows about Figures 1A to 1C 1 and 2. The present invention relates to a system and its components. It will be appreciated that all of the illustrated embodiments may have similar features. Therefore, similar features are indicated by similar reference numerals, wherein the first digit of the reference numeral is incremented. Therefore, the relevant disclosures set forth above with respect to similar features may not be repeated in the following. In addition, Figures 1A to 1C Specific features of the systems and related components shown in the drawings may not be represented or identified by reference numerals in the drawings, nor will they be discussed in detail in the written description below. However, these features can obviously be the same or substantially the same as the features depicted in other embodiments and / or the features described with reference to these embodiments.

[0069] In some embodiments, the detonator retainer 128 may include one or more features to facilitate securing the detonator 114 in a loaded position within the blast hole until detonation. For example, such features may be designed to prevent the detonator subassembly from moving back toward the orifice due to, for example, inadvertent pulling of the transmission line or pressure exerted by surrounding explosive materials. In some embodiments, the detonator subassembly 126 may include a retaining feature that interacts with a surface within the blast hole to achieve this function. Figure 2 A detonator subassembly 226 is shown according to an embodiment and includes a detonator 214 connected to the detonator end 212 of the transmission line 208, wherein the detonator 214 is secured in a detonator holder 228. The detonator holder 228 also includes a retaining feature 240 that includes a plurality of arms 242 configured to interact with the wall of the blast hole into which the detonator subassembly 226 is deployed. As shown, the arms 242 can be configured to engage the wall of the blast hole, thereby allowing the detonator subassembly 226 to move in one direction within the hole, but preventing movement in the opposite direction. The arms 242 can be spring loaded or otherwise configured to flex so that they expand outward and press against the blast hole wall to provide resistance to the movement of the detonator subassembly 226. Such resistance can also help control the descent of the detonator subassembly when loading down the hole, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the detonator subassembly and possible premature detonation. The arm 242 may also be oriented so that this pressure increases significantly when moving in an undesirable direction, such as back toward the orifice. The retaining feature 240 may also help center the detonator retainer 228 within the blast hole. It will be appreciated that Figure 2 The retention feature 240 shown in illustrative embodiments shows one such configuration; however, other configurations that provide similar functionality are also contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0070] The above-described system can be used to place detonators at each blast hole at a blasting site and to safely and efficiently transport the detonators to an operating position in the blast hole. Such a system provides a package for detonators and transmission lines that facilitates safe handling and placement of these materials on site. Use of such a system can also improve site safety by orderly arranging multiple detonator transmission lines while maintaining easy access to the detonator transmission lines. In addition, the actual filling of each blast hole involves neither manual deployment, which may be unreliable and / or dangerous, nor the use of additional complex vehicles or machinery. Instead, filling can be achieved as part of the step of loading the hole with bulk explosive material.

[0071] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D This system, namely Figures 1A to 1C An exemplary use of the system 100 described in the method of filling a blast hole is shown. It should be noted that although these illustrations show blast holes oriented vertically downward, the systems and methods described herein can also be used for holes with other orientations, such as holes oriented upward or horizontally. These systems and methods can also be used in above-ground or underground (subsurface) blasting applications. Figure 3A As shown in , the method may include placing a detonator delivery system 100 at a blasthole 10 drilled into a formation 12. More specifically, a cap 102 may be placed over an orifice 14 of the blasthole 10 such that the cap body 104 is located above the blasthole 10, and a guide tube 122 and a detonator subassembly 126 are introduced into the blasthole 10. Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 1 , the cap body 104 may span the width of the blast hole 10 at the aperture 14. As also shown, the guide tube 122 may extend a distance into the blast hole 10.

[0072] like Figure 3B As shown in , the deployment of the detonator subassembly 126 can be achieved in conjunction with the process of loading the blasthole with explosive material. This can include introducing the delivery hose 16 into the blasthole 10 by advancing the delivery hose 16 through the cap body 104 and the guide tube 122 in the direction shown by the arrow. By advancing the delivery hose 16, the detonator holder 128 is separated from the guide tube 122 and pushed to the end or bottom of the blasthole. As the detonator holder 128 travels down the blasthole or in other directions along the blasthole, the transmission line 108 is dispensed from the spool chamber (not shown), passes through the guide tube 122, and moves down the hole. In some embodiments, the relative sizes of the detonator holder 128 and the delivery hose 16 are selected so that the detonator holder 128 is pushed by the delivery hose 16 without being stuck or entangled by the end of the delivery hose 16. In certain embodiments, the relative size and / or configuration of the detonator holder 128 and the delivery hose 16 is such that the delivery hose 16 couples with or mates with the end of the detonator holder 128 during insertion of the delivery hose 16 .

[0073] like Figure 3C As shown in , once the detonator subassembly 126 has been advanced to the deployment position (as shown, such as the bottom of the blast hole 10), the delivery hose 16 can be retracted. The detonator retainer 128 is thereby disengaged from the delivery hose 16 and remains at the bottom of the blast hole 10. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3C As shown in FIG. 1 , during the retraction of the delivery hose 16, the explosive material 18 can be discharged through the delivery hose 16 and into the blasthole 10. The discharge and retraction can be initiated substantially simultaneously, or the discharge can be initiated at some point after the retraction begins. In certain embodiments, the detonator holder 128 is disengaged from the delivery hose 16 by discharging the explosive material 18 through the delivery hose 16. For example, the explosive material 18 can push the detonator holder 128 to disengage the detonator holder 128 from its coupling state with the delivery hose 16.

[0074] like Figure 3D As shown in , after the explosive material 18 is loaded and the delivery hose 16 is removed, the blasthole 10 is filled and charged. In some embodiments, the explosive material may need to undergo a conditioning process to prepare for detonation. These processes include, but are not limited to, sensitization and increasing viscosity. Such processes may be initiated before or during the discharge of the explosive material 18 into the blasthole 10 and may continue for a period of time thereafter. A stemming material may be introduced into the blasthole. In some embodiments, such material may be introduced into the blasthole through the hole and the guide tube.

[0075] The method may further include connecting the detonator subassembly 126 to a source of an initiation signal 20 suitable for propagating down the transmission line 108 and triggering the detonation of the detonator 114. In various embodiments, this may be achieved through a connector end (not shown) of the transmission line 108, such as through a connector (not shown) operably connected to the connector end. The nature of the initiation signal may depend on the type of detonation method used and the type of transmission line and detonator used for blasthole filling. For example, a non-electrical detonation system in which the initiation signal 20 is a propagating shock wave may involve the use of a non-electrical transmission line, such as a detonator line or a shock tube, and a mechanical connector may be used to connect the transmission line to a compatible ground main. Electrical initiation may involve the use of an electrical transmission line suitable for transmitting the trigger signal to the detonator. In this case, the connector may be configured to provide an electrical connection to an electrical blasting circuit. In a wireless initiation system, the connector may be a wireless receiving module that is capable of participating in a wireless connection with a remote blasting control unit. Therefore, it is contemplated that various types of initiation systems may be used to initiate the detonator 114.

[0076] The reference to "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" in this specification means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described for the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the reference phrases or variations thereof recorded in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0077] Likewise, those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure should understand that in the above description of the embodiments, various features are sometimes combined together in one embodiment, figure, or description thereof in order to simplify the disclosure. However, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as any claim being intended to require more features than are expressly recited in the claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the appended claims, the inventive aspects lie in the combination of less than all features of any previously disclosed single embodiment. Therefore, the claims appended to this detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim existing independently as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations and combinations of independent claims and their dependent claims.

Claims

1. A system for filling a blast hole, the system comprising: A cap, the cap comprising: a cap body having a top side, a bottom side, and a spool chamber disposed in the cap body; a hole centrally disposed relative to the spool chamber and penetrating the bottom side; and a hollow guide tube axially aligned with the hole and communicating with the hole, with an upper end of the guide tube fixed to the bottom side of the cap body and a lower end of the guide tube opposite to the upper end; and a detonator subassembly including a detonator holder configured to secure the detonator in a loaded orientation and having an undeployed state and a deployed state, Wherein, in an undeployed state, the detonator holder is removably fixed to the lower end of the guide tube, and in a deployed state, the detonator holder is separated from the guide tube.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The detonator subassembly also includes: a detonator secured in the detonator holder; and a transmission line having a detonator end coupled to the detonator and a connector end opposite the detonator end, Wherein, the transmission line is substantially located within the spool chamber in an undeployed state.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of the transmission line is wound within the spool chamber.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of the transmission line is wound around a spool located within the spool chamber.

5. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The spool chamber allows the transmission line to be unwound in a deployed state and dispensed through the aperture and the guide tube.

6. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The connector end includes a connector configured to connect the transmission line to a source of an initiating signal.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The connector includes one of a wireless receiving module, a direct electrical connection and a mechanical connection.

8. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The transmission line is any one of a detonating cord, an electric wire or an impact tube.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The cap body has an overall circular shape.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The spool housing includes a hub defining the aperture.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The detonator holder is at least partially nested within the lower end of the guide tube in an undeployed state.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The detonator holder is secured within the lower end by friction.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The detonator subassembly is configured to be coupled to an explosive material delivery hose.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The spool chamber is open to be accessed through the top side of the cap body.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The top side of the cap body includes a removable cover.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The detonator holder also includes a retaining feature configured to retain the detonator holder in a deployed position in a blast hole by interacting with a wall of the blast hole.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein: The retaining feature includes one or more arms that radially extend from the detonator retainer to engage a wall of the blast hole.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein: The retention feature resists movement of the detonator retainer within the blast hole in one direction to a greater extent than in an opposite direction.

19. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: The guide tube is sized to be received within the aperture of the blast hole with a friction fit sufficient to secure the cap in place.

20. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein: The guide tube has an outer diameter of about 50 mm to about 300 mm.

21. A method of filling a blast hole, the method comprising: Providing a system according to any one of claims 2 to 20; placing the cap body over the orifice of the blast hole, thereby introducing the guide tube and the detonator subassembly into the blast hole; advancing an explosive material delivery hose through the hole and the guide tube to move the detonator holder and push the detonator subassembly into a deployed position in the blast hole; as well as The delivery hose is retracted from the deployed position to disengage the delivery hose from the detonator holder.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: When the explosive material delivery hose is advanced through the bore, the explosive material delivery hose is coupled to the detonator subassembly.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, further comprising discharging explosive material through the delivery hose and into the blast hole.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The detonator subassembly is disconnected from the explosive material delivery hose by expelling the explosive material.

25. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising connecting the connector end to a source of an initiation signal.

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