Blasthole Water Depth Detection Using Level Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for determining water depth and explosive depth in blastholes lack efficiency and accuracy, particularly in simultaneously assessing the presence of water and loading explosives effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mobile processing unit equipped with a delivery apparatus featuring a plurality of level sensors that can determine the presence and level of water in blastholes, allowing for the selection of appropriate explosives (sensitized emulsion or ANFO) and automated loading processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional separate systems are used for water depth determination and explosive loading, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to multiple separate operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines water depth determination and explosive loading operations into a single integrated mobile processing unit. The delivery apparatus simultaneously performs dipping (water depth measurement) and loading (explosive placement) in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate systems and operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile processing unit is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform multiple tasks: determining water depth via level sensors, selecting appropriate explosives based on water presence, and automatically loading the blasthole. This universal system replaces multiple specialized devices with one integrated platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If manual water depth assessment is used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater depth accuracyVSAvoidsensor system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual water depth assessment with an automated sensor-based system. Level sensors mounted on the delivery apparatus provide automatic, continuous measurement of water depth as the apparatus is lowered into the blasthole, eliminating human error and subjectivity in depth determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines water depth and uses this information to make real-time decisions about explosive selection and loading parameters. The mobile processing unit self-regulates the loading process based on sensor data without requiring continuous human intervention or judgment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If explosive loading is performed without real-time water depth data, then operation simplicity is maintained, but reliability and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading safetyVSAvoidreal-time monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time feedback from level sensors during the loading operation. As the delivery apparatus is lowered and explosives are pumped into the blasthole, the system continuously monitors water depth and adjusts loading parameters accordingly, ensuring safe operation even when water is present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs water depth determination before explosive loading begins. This preliminary assessment allows the system to pre-select appropriate explosives and set loading parameters that account for water presence, preventing safety issues before they occur rather than reacting to them during loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution enables precise determination of water depth and explosive placement, ensuring safe and efficient explosive loading, enhancing the structural integrity and safety of blastholes during mining operations.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of level sensors are configured to determine if each sensor of the plurality of level sensors is disposed in air, water, or explosive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric sensing: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20240344446A1Systems and methods for determining water depth and explosive depth in blastholes

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 DYNO NOBEL ASIA PACIFIC LTD

AI summary

An explosive delivery system for dipping and loading a blasthole to determine water depth and explosive depth in blasthole. The explosive delivery system includes a vehicle with a first reservoir configured to store an explosive and a delivery apparatus reel mounted to the vehicle with a delivery apparatus stored on the delivery apparatus reel. The delivery apparatus having a central bore that extends a length of the delivery apparatus from a proximal end to a distal end of the delivery apparatus and an outlet disposed at the distal end. The explosive delivery apparatus is configured to deliver the explosive out of the outlet of the delivery apparatus. The delivery apparatus includes a plurality of level sensors disposed on an outer surface of the delivery apparatus and that are dispersed along the delivery apparatus. Each level sensor is configured to determine if it is disposed in water, air, or explosive.