Automated Blasthole Loading With Variable Density by Geological Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading explosives in blastholes do not effectively account for varying geological properties along the length of the blasthole, leading to inefficient energy distribution and suboptimal blasting results.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that identifies change points in geological properties within a blasthole and adjusts the density of the explosive by segmenting the blasthole based on these points, using an energy-modulating agent to achieve targeted explosive energy values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform density explosive is used throughout the blasthole, then the loading process is simple, but the blasting efficiency is reduced due to mismatch with varying geological properties
Solution Approach 1:
The blasthole is divided into multiple segments based on geological change points identified from drilling data. Each segment is assigned a specific explosive density that matches the geological properties of that zone, allowing the system to optimize blasting efficiency while maintaining manageable loading complexity through systematic segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different explosive densities are applied to different segments of the blasthole according to the specific geological conditions of each zone. This local customization of explosive properties ensures that each segment receives the appropriate energy level for its rock characteristics, thereby improving overall blasting efficiency.
2Productivity
If the explosive density is adjusted to match geological properties, then blasting efficiency is improved, but the loading system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Geological change points are identified and segments are defined before the loading process begins, using drilling data that is already available. This preliminary analysis allows the loading system to operate with pre-determined parameters, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during the actual loading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated control system acts as an intermediary between the geological data and the explosive loading process. This intermediary automatically determines the appropriate explosive density for each segment and controls the loading equipment accordingly, reducing the need for complex manual operations and expertise during loading.
3Device complexity
If manual loading methods are used, then equipment requirements are minimal, but the precision of matching explosive energy to geological properties is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses drilling data obtained during the drilling process as feedback to identify geological change points and determine the appropriate explosive density for each segment. This feedback mechanism enables the loading system to automatically adjust explosive placement precision without requiring complex additional sensing equipment during the loading operation itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual judgment and positioning with automated electronic control based on drilling data. The processor automatically determines segment boundaries and explosive density requirements, substituting mechanical manual operations with electronic calculation and control, thereby achieving higher precision with relatively simple additional equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems for automatedly delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of automatedly delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of determining an emulsion explosive density profile are disclosed herein.