In Hole Density

Why is down hole density

important
Sensitivity of product

Sensitised emulsion
contains bubbles
Detonation
compresses bubbles
Gas heats up
Detonation continues

Bubble size and

distribution determines
sensitivity to
detonation affects
density
 In Hole Density

Cup density
What happens down borehole?
Density of product increases with density

depth.
Density
Sensitivity of product decreases change
with depth. with
Manufacturers use models to depth?
predict change
What really happens?
Result? Add boosters
Fume = add electronic dets
= add cost?
Poor breakage
Extra cost
Need to measure! Booster in least
sensitive part
depth
 In Hole Density

Cup density
What happens down borehole?
density

Density
change
If you know the density you can with
modify the blast design without risk. depth?

Add boosters
= add electronic dets
= add cost?

Booster in least
sensitive part
depth
In Hole Density Sensor

Pneumatic hose runs to

the top of the blast hole

Pressure sensors
are 1.5m apart

Centraliser to keep sensor

away from the wall of the
blast hole
In Hole Density Sensor is placed in the hole and the
product loaded and hole stemmed.
 In Hole Density Typical reading for a gassed product

The sensor is inflated 3

times and always rises and
then falls to the pressure of
surrounding explosive and
wall of sensor Pressure of explosive

Sensors is slowly deflated

Rapid deflation when sensor pressure < explosive pressure

In Hole Density test for repeatability (in water)
Temp Temp Rate of
Electronics C Water C deflation RD measured
30 25 slow 1
30 25 fast 1
30 25 very fast 1.02
30 25 very fast 1.01
30 25 very fast 1
30 55 very fast 1.01
30 55 slow 1.01
30 55 fast 1.01
30 55 very fast 1
30 55 very fast 1
-10 33 fast 1.01
-10 33 slow 1.01
-10 33 very slow 1.01
-10 33 very fast 1.01
-10 33 fast 1.01
 In Hole Density Fume Risk assessment

High Risk
1.3
In Hole Density Moderate Risk

1.1
Low Risk
In Hole Density

Benefits

Allows calculation of actual power factor :

Mass or Explosive = In Hole Density x Volume

Checks the density is within specification especially

for deep holes.
If it is not use a different product / decking?
Enables explosive performance by ensuring the
product has the best chance to detonate.
When the density is correct expand the pattern to give
substantial savings. A 10% saving will reduce explosive
costs by approx. eg. $5.2Million per year.