Superabsorbent Polymer Gel Stemming for Blast Energy Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current above-ground stemming methods are inefficient in containing explosive energy, leading to energy loss and increased noise and dust during blasting operations, as traditional aggregate stemming materials are destabilized by pressure waves and require extensive preparation and handling, with potential hazards and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An above-ground stemming device featuring a body with a void filled with superabsorbent polymer gel, positioned to contact explosives, which effectively reflects the pressure wave and suppresses noise and dust, allowing for more efficient energy transfer and reduced material handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If aggregate stem material is used to contain explosive energy, then noise and dust are suppressed, but the pressure wave destabilizes the aggregate reducing its containment ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the stemming material from loose aggregate to superabsorbent polymer gel. The gel's viscoelastic properties and ability to absorb water allow it to maintain stability under pressure waves while effectively containing explosive energy and suppressing noise and dust.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite stemming material composed of superabsorbent polymer beads that absorb water to form a gel matrix. This composite structure combines the advantages of polymer flexibility with water absorption capabilities, creating a material that remains stable under high pressure while maintaining effective stemming performance.
2Reliability
If aggregate is deposited into multiple blast holes, then stemming is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The superabsorbent polymer is pre-placed in the blast hole before the explosive charge. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming aggregate deposition operations and allows for faster, safer blasting operations while maintaining effective stemming.
Solution Approach 2:
The superabsorbent polymer automatically absorbs water from the explosive charge or surrounding environment after detonation, transforming from dry beads to gel state. This self-absorption property eliminates the need for manual aggregate deposition and allows the material to self-adjust to optimal stemming conditions.
3Reliability
If stemming depth is increased to contain explosive energy, then gas containment improves, but oversized rock is created causing downstream processing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material properties of the stem from rigid aggregate to viscoelastic gel, allowing effective energy containment with reduced stemming depth. The gel's ability to deform and absorb energy enables shorter stemming lengths that prevent oversized rock while maintaining containment effectiveness.
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 use of superabsorbent polymer gel in the above-ground stemming device enhances the containment of explosive energy, reduces noise and dust, and allows for quicker deployment and retrieval processes, minimizing energy loss and operational hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a stem of superabsorbent polymer gel, wherein the body is positioned in use to allow the stem of superabsorbent polymer gel to be in contact with the explosives
Implementation Method 2
The gel's ability to absorb and retain water under pressure makes it ideal for stemming applications where containing high-pressure gases is critical
Implementation Method 3
an above ground stemming device as disclosed herein reflects a pressure wave generated upon detonation of explosives within the blast hole
Implementation Method 4
suppressing noise and dust generated during a blast event
Implementation Method 5
suppressing noise and dust generated during a blast event
Data Source
Figure 1a~1f
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
An above ground stemming device is described which includes a body configured, in use, to cover an open end of a blast hole loaded with explosives to surface or to within 300 mm of surface. The body has a void containing a stem of superabsorbent polymer gel therein and it is positioned in use to allow the stem of superabsorbent polymer gel to be in contact with the explosives in the blast hole. The body may include a base and an upper portion extending upwardly from the base. The void may extend through the body to an opening in the base. Alternatively, the void may be encased by the body. The body may be fabricated from a rigid material or from a flexible material capable of being inflated with a fluid.