Como conectar explosivos mineros/How to connect explosives

Summary

This video explains underground mining techniques focused on explosive usage, detailing how dynamite, ANFO, and emulsions are selected based on conditions like rock type and water presence. It covers the process of loading explosives, the importance of proper detonator timing, and safety measures for controlled blasts. The video also emphasizes the impact of explosive choices on cost and environmental factors. Key topics include the differences between types of explosives, challenges of wet conditions, and how the right tools and planning are crucial for effective and safe mining operations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dynamite and ANFO are commonly used explosives in underground mining, with dynamite being preferred for smaller holes and ANFO for larger ones.
• 😀 Emulsions are used in waterlogged conditions as they resist water, making them more effective than dynamite or ANFO when moisture is present.
• 😀 Detonators are critical for initiating explosive reactions, with electric detonators becoming obsolete in favor of electronic detonators for better precision.
• 😀 The proper loading of explosives in drilled holes is essential to ensure the desired breakage pattern and safe blasting.
• 😀 Water presence in mining areas significantly influences the type of explosive used, with emulsions being favored in wet conditions.
• 😀 Clay or wooden plugs (called tacos) are used to help confine the explosives and ensure the blast is controlled and effective.
• 😀 The use of booster explosives, such as pentolite, is common to enhance the effectiveness of dynamite and ANFO in blasting.
• 😀 Safety is a top concern in underground mining, which is why explosive cartridges need to be well-confined and detonators must be carefully timed.
• 😀 Pollution reduction is an important consideration, and using emulsions can lower the release of harmful gases like nitrous oxides compared to ANFO.
• 😀 The cost of explosives is an important factor in selection, with dynamites and emulsions being more expensive than ANFO but necessary for specific conditions.
• 😀 Long shots and multiple detonators are sometimes required for large-scale underground blasts, with careful consideration of timing and detonation sequences.

Q & A

Why is dynamite preferred in smaller diameters (<2 inches) for underground mining?

Dynamite is preferred for smaller diameters because it provides better confinement and more controlled explosive energy, making it suitable for precise blasting in confined underground spaces.

What is the primary advantage of using ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) in underground mining?

ANFO is ideal for larger diameters (>2 inches) because it generates a larger volume of gas, which helps break rocks more effectively. It's also more cost-effective and efficient for larger blasting areas.

How does the presence of water affect the choice of explosives in underground mining?

In the presence of water, emulsions are preferred because they perform better in wet conditions, preventing gas buildup from ANFO and reducing the environmental impact of the blast. Emulsions also provide better energy distribution in water-saturated rocks.

What is the purpose of using tacos de greda (clay blocks) in explosive loading?

Tacos de greda are used to confine the explosive charge inside the drilled hole, ensuring that the dynamite remains in place and maximizes the explosive energy. They also help prevent dangerous escape of explosives and maintain the desired blast direction.

Why is timing important when using multiple detonators in a mining shot?

Timing ensures that the different detonators fire in a controlled sequence, optimizing the blast's effectiveness. It helps achieve the desired rock fragmentation and can prevent unintentional damage to the surrounding area.

What are the benefits of using emulsions over dynamite in underground mines with high water content?

Emulsions are more effective in wet conditions as they maintain stability, unlike dynamite which can be less efficient when exposed to water. They also create less pollution, reducing the environmental impact of mining activities.

What role do detonators play in an underground mining blast?

Detonators are crucial for initiating the explosive charges. They are placed at specific points to ensure the explosive energy is released in a controlled manner, and their timing dictates the effectiveness of the blast in breaking the rock.

Why might a miner choose to use both dynamite and ANFO in the same shot?

A combination of dynamite and ANFO might be used to balance the explosive energy required for different rock conditions. Dynamite can be used in smaller diameter holes for precision, while ANFO can handle larger volumes for more significant breaks in the rock.

What is the purpose of using a booster like pentolite in underground mining blasts?

Pentolite boosters are used to enhance the efficiency of the explosion, especially in situations where larger or more powerful blasts are needed. They increase the initial energy release, ensuring that the surrounding explosive material detonates effectively.

How does the type of rock influence the choice of explosives in underground mining?

The rock type determines the explosive energy required. Softer rocks may need less explosive power, while harder rocks require more powerful explosives like dynamite or ANFO. The goal is to select the right explosive to optimize rock fragmentation without excessive energy waste.