Staged Blasting Technique for Mining Cycle Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional open cut mining methods are labor-intensive and equipment-dependent, posing safety risks and requiring large areas for simultaneous processes, which limits efficiency and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving drilling and loading blastholes with alternating layers of explosives and inert stemming to create multiple blasting decks within the rock formation, allowing for staged and controlled blasting, reducing the need for repeated drilling and loading cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-layer blasting per bench is used, then each layer can be processed independently, but the process requires repeated drilling and loading cycles which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple explosive charges at different depths are loaded into blastholes in advance during a single drilling cycle, preparing multiple blasting decks before any blasting occurs. This preliminary loading eliminates the need for repeated drilling and loading cycles, as all future blasting levels are pre-configured
Solution Approach 2:
The blasthole is divided into multiple discrete explosive charge sections (first, second, third charges) at different depths, each capable of being initiated independently. This segmentation allows selective blasting of different rock layers without requiring new drilling operations
2Manufacturing precision
If manual explosive loading is performed for each layer, then precise placement is achieved, but labor intensity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated initiation devices with delay elements that self-regulate the blasting sequence without manual intervention. The electronic or mechanical delay mechanisms automatically trigger charges in the correct sequence, eliminating the need for personnel to manually time and execute each blasting layer
3Productivity
If simultaneous independent processes are conducted in different areas, then productivity is maximized, but large areas of real estate are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal spatial distribution of processes to vertical temporal sequencing within the same location. Multiple blasting decks at different depths allow sequential activation in the vertical dimension, enabling multiple operations to occur in the same area at different times rather than requiring large horizontal spaces
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 safety and productivity by minimizing manual labor, reducing equipment repositioning time, and allowing for more efficient use of resources, while enabling deeper and more flexible mining operations with reduced disruption.
Implementation Method 1
loading these blastholes with multiple layers of explosives charges separated by inert stemming to produce alternating layers of explosives charges and inert stemming
Implementation Method 2
selectively initiating or firing the explosives charges in a series of firing stages
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mining in a rock formation, includes drilling blastholes extending into the rock formation. Each of the blastholes has a depth between a first end and a second end. For each blasthole the second end thereof is deeper into the rock formation than the first end thereof. The method further includes loading the blastholes with alternating layers of explosives charges and stemming material to establish a succession of blasting decks or sections extending across and within the rock formation. The rock formation includes at least a first blasting deck or section and a second blasting deck or section.