Gel Stemming Delivery System for Blast Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stemming blast holes with aggregate materials are labor-intensive, pose safety risks, and result in reduced blast efficiency due to ejection of material during explosion, along with increased noise and dust emissions.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system that mixes and dispenses a two-part gel stemming material into blast holes, comprising a dual-pump assembly, hoses with adjustable length, and a dosing head that mixes and dispenses the gel, reducing manual labor and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aggregate stemming material is used to fill blast holes, then the blast hole can be stemmed, but it is labour intensive and poses safety risks to personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-pump assembly with hoses to deliver gel precursor fluids to the dosing head, which then dispenses the gel stemming material into the blast hole. This hydraulic delivery system eliminates the need for manual handling of aggregate materials, significantly reducing labor intensity and safety risks while maintaining effective stemming capability.
2Productivity
If aggregate stemming material is used, then the blast hole is filled, but the material is frequently ejected during explosion reducing blast efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the stemming material from granular aggregate to a viscous gel formulation. This parameter change in material state allows the gel to adhere to the blast hole walls and resist ejection during explosion, thereby maintaining blast efficiency and preventing energy loss that would otherwise occur through material ejection.
3Productivity
If aggregate stemming material is used, then the blast hole is stemmed, but noise and dust emissions are increased
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the stemming material from dry aggregate to a gel formulation, the patent eliminates dust generation during handling and placement. The gel's cohesive properties also reduce noise emissions during explosion compared to the abrupt ejection of granular materials, thereby reducing harmful emissions while maintaining the stemming function.
4Reliability
If detonator fails with aggregate stemming material, then the stemming material must be removed before explosive retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The gel stemming material's semi-fluid properties allow explosives to be retrieved by drawing them through the gel stem using hydraulic or pneumatic assistance, eliminating the need to mechanically remove the stemming material itself. This simplifies the retrieval process compared to aggregate materials that would require physical removal.
5Ease of operation
If gel stemming material is mixed and pumped from surface, then labor and safety are improved, but mixing should occur immediately before placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gel stemming material into two separate precursor fluids that are stored and transported independently. These precursors are mixed only at the dosing head immediately before dispensing into the blast hole, ensuring the gel maintains its required properties while allowing surface-based delivery that reduces labor and safety risks.
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 system effectively fills blast holes with a gel stem that reflects pressure waves, increasing blast efficiency, reducing noise and dust, and allowing for safe retrieval of explosives without removing the gel stem.
Implementation Method 1
a dual-pump assembly in fluid communication with respective sources of a first gel precursor fluid and a second gel precursor fluid
Implementation Method 2
The superabsorbent hydrogel may be prepared by reacting a polymer precursor with water whereupon the polymer precursor rapidly swells (1-5 sec) to form said gel
Implementation Method 3
Upon detonation, the gel stem reflects the pressure wave of the explosion thereby increasing the efficiency of the explosives during blasting
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery system for mixing and dispensing a gel stemming material into a blast hole is disclosed. The system includes a dual-pump assembly in fluid communication with respective sources of a first gel precursor fluid and a second gel precursor fluid; a pair of hoses associated with a means to vary an effective length of said hoses; a dosing head having a first inlet and a second inlet, said inlets arranged in respective fluid communication via said hoses with the dual pump assembly to receive the first and second gel precursor fluids, the dosing head being configured to receive and mix the first and second gel precursor fluids to produce the gel stemming material and to dispense the gel stemming material via an outlet. In use, the effective length of the hoses may be varied to position the dosing head and dispense the gel stemming material in the blast hole.