Blasthole Wall Coating to Prevent Fretting and Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilled blastholes in mining operations are prone to fretting and distortion due to geological stress and orientation, leading to blockages, reduced volume, and increased costs from re-drilling and debris removal, which disrupts production and can cause overburden and ore-flow disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method of stabilizing blastholes by coating the inner walls with a silicate-containing resin composition using an airless spray system or a solidifying solution that sets quickly, such as Carbothix™, to prevent material dislodgment and enhance structural integrity, applicable to both dry and wet blastholes, and a kit including a spraying apparatus for uniform application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If blastholes are left open and unblasted for extended periods (up to 12 months), then production flexibility is improved, but the blastholes become prone to fretting, distortion, and blockages due to geological stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by coating the blasthole walls with a stabilizing composition immediately after drilling, before the blasthole is stored for extended periods. This pre-application of protective coating prevents fretting and distortion from occurring during the 12-month storage period, thereby maintaining structural integrity while enabling long-term storage flexibility.
2Reliability
If blastholes are stabilized with a coating composition, then structural integrity and prevention of material dislodgment are improved, but the complexity of the drilling process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic spray application methodology to deposit the stabilizing composition onto blasthole walls. This pneumatic delivery system enables efficient coating application without requiring complex mechanical equipment, thereby improving structural integrity while minimizing the addition of process complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If liquid composition is applied to upwardly drilled blastholes, then coating coverage is improved, but the composition drains from the hole resulting in wasteage and insufficient stabilisation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the drainage issue by changing the physical parameters of the composition through spray application methodology. The pneumatic spray process deposits the composition as a mist or fine droplets that can adhere to vertical walls, transforming the application method from simple liquid pouring to a controlled aerosol deposition process that prevents gravitational drainage and material waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively minimizes slumping and prevents blockages, ensuring consistent and efficient loading of explosives, reducing costs and disruptions, and maintaining stability for extended periods without the need for frequent re-drilling or debris removal.
Implementation Method 1
coating the inner wall of the blasthole with a stabilising composition... to prevent material dislodgment and enhance structural integrity
Implementation Method 2
spraying a solution (e.g. a liquid or aqueous solution) of the stabilising composition which solidifies following contact with the inner wall of the blasthole
Data Source
AI summary
A method of stabilizing a blasthole prior to detonation which comprises the step of coating the inner wall of the blasthole with a stabilizing composition. In one embodiment, the invention comprises coating the blast hole with a movable spraying application. The invention further relates to the use of a silicate-containing resin but is also suitable for use with a thermoset resin system. The method can be used to apply the stabilizing composition to both dry and wet blastholes.