Differential Blast Design Using Seismic-While-Drilling Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In mining operations, existing blast design technologies fail to efficiently target areas with varying concentrations of valuable minerals, often resulting in uneven energy distribution and reduced extraction efficiency due to the lack of precise geological data and adaptive blast designs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing borehole imaging and neural networks to create a differential blast design, where seismic-while-drilling data and measurement-while-drilling data are used to identify areas of high and low mineral concentrations, allowing for tailored explosive energy distribution across the mine bench, optimizing blast energy density and fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If uniform blast design is used across the entire mine bench, then the blasting process is simple to implement, but the extraction efficiency decreases due to uneven energy distribution in areas with varying mineral concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differential blast design where different sections of the mine bench receive customized explosive energy based on their specific mineral concentration. The system divides the bench into multiple zones with varying blast energy densities, allowing each zone to be optimized for its local geological conditions rather than applying a uniform design across the entire bench.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mine bench into distinct zones based on seismic-while-drilling data that identifies varying mineral concentrations. By dividing the bench into multiple segments with different blast design parameters, the system can optimize extraction efficiency for each segment while maintaining overall coordination of the blasting operation.
2Measurement precision
If seismic-while-drilling survey system is implemented to gather geological data, then the measurement precision of mineral concentration improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple capabilities into a single survey system. The drill rig performs both drilling operations and seismic data collection, while the seismic-while-drilling system simultaneously gathers data on mineral concentration, rock properties, and drill bit position. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated survey equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the drilling operation itself to generate seismic waves and collect geological data. The drill bit acts as both the drilling tool and the seismic wave source, and the drill rig's movement provides positioning information without requiring separate survey instruments. The system serves multiple purposes through the same operational infrastructure.
3Productivity
If differential blast design with tailored explosive energy distribution is applied, then the extraction efficiency and mineral recovery improve, but the energy consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting blast energy density based on the specific geological parameters of each zone. Areas with higher mineral concentrations receive higher blast energy density, while areas with lower concentrations receive reduced energy. This optimized parameter distribution improves mineral recovery while avoiding excessive energy consumption in low-value areas.
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 approach enhances the extraction efficiency by ensuring that areas with higher mineral concentrations receive appropriate blast energy, leading to improved mineral recovery and reduced waste, while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
one or more vibration sensors aboard a movable part of a drill rig to detect an onboard indication of a movement of a drill bit
Implementation Method 2
one or more geophones mechanically coupled to the material body to detect a geological signal that indicates both the movement of the drill bit and one or more geological properties of the material body
Data Source
AI summary
Respective embodiments disclosed herein include methods and apparatuses (1) for surveying a mine bench or other material body using at least seismic data obtained via geophone and measurement module data synchronized via a wireless link; (2) for generating hyperspectral panoramic imaging data of a blast hole or other borehole; or (3) for allowing a neural network to facilitate a differential blast design that targets a first bench part more weakly than the differential blast design targets a second bench part (along the same mine bench) at least partly based on data indicative of a much higher concentration of a valuable material in the second bench part than in the first.