Compensated Blastability Index for Rock Zone Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for identifying intact versus fractured rock zones in open-pit mines are inaccurate, time-consuming, and subjective, often discouraging routine collection of necessary geospatial information for effective blast design and explosive placement.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using high-frequency data acquisition and analytics to process drill performance data from electric drilling machines, compensating blastability index values to automatically detect and locate intact and fractured rock zones, enabling precise rock mass property determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual methods (operator sensing, geotechnical mapping, geophysical logging) are used to identify fractured zones, then detailed information can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming, subjective, and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of fractured zone identificationVSAvoidtime required for identification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical sensing methods with an automated electronic sensing system that uses electric drilling machines equipped with sensors to continuously monitor drill performance parameters (torque, power, rate of penetration) and automatically identify fractured zones through real-time data processing and compensated blastability index calculations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the drilling machine itself to perform dual functions: drilling the blasthole and simultaneously collecting performance data to identify rock zones. This eliminates the need for separate post-drilling geophysical logging operations, as the drilling process generates the diagnostic information needed for accurate fractured zone identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If post-drilling geophysical logging is performed to obtain accurate rock zone information, then detailed geospatial data can be collected, but additional cost and effort are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of geospatial informationVSAvoidcomplexity of additional equipment and procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the electric drilling machine multi-functional by equipping it with sensors and data processing capabilities that enable it to perform both drilling operations and rock zone identification. This eliminates the need for separate geophysical logging equipment and procedures, as the same drilling machine collects both the hole and the geological information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the drilling operation with the data collection operation into a single integrated process. The drill performance data collected during normal drilling operations is processed in real-time to generate compensated blastability index values that identify fractured zones, combining two previously separate activities into one efficient operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If routine collection of intact versus fractured rock mass information is pursued, then better blast design can be achieved, but the current methods discourage routine collection due to time and subjectivity constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of blast design processVSAvoidease of data collection and analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where drill performance data is continuously monitored and processed in real-time during drilling operations. The compensated blastability index calculations provide immediate feedback about rock zone conditions, enabling operators to make informed blast design decisions without waiting for post-drilling analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces subjective human analysis with automated electronic sensing and computer-based data processing. The system objectively calculates compensated blastability index values from sensor data, eliminating the subjectivity and skill-dependency of manual interpretation methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12091968B2Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining rock mass properties based on blasthole drill performance data including compensated blastability index (CBI)

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 PECK TECH CONSULTING

AI summary

A system, apparatus, and method for determining intact versus fractured rock zones based on performance monitoring of an electric drilling machine when drilling a blasthole. The determination can be based on a calculation of compensated blastability index (“CBI”) values using transformed performance monitoring data collected in real-time as the drilling machine drills the blasthole.