Blasting options have come a long way from the old styles of fuses that were highly unpredictable and not at all practical in allowing safe distances from the explosion. Today, the use of electronic detonators, also known as an electronic det, is considered one of the most effective options in a wide range of different blasting applications.
The Change
It was back in the 1960s that the first electronic detonators were used in large and small blasting operations. The benefit of the electronic det over the non-electronic detonators was largely in the option to move to more complex and elaborate sequentially blasting types of operations.
This option, the use of sequential blasting, allowed engineers and planners to develop a more efficient blasting operation with greater control over the blasting as well as the final outcome.
With more advanced sequential blasting machines came the need to further enhance the actual detonators. This resulted in the change to programmable or pre-programmed detonators that allow miniaturized components to replace the delay element in a standard blasting operation that created challenges in the past.
Finally, to add to the benefits and changes in the electronic detonators, wireless blasting machines are now the most commonly used option in large and small scale blasting operations.
In Mining and Other Applications
The amount of control now offered through the use of the advanced electronic det models and types on the market today provides an unprecedented amount of control over the entire blasting process. The wireless option, available since the early part of 2000, has created a real advantage for all types of blasting, including for mining.
The blast can be controlled from a much greater distance from the actual blast site, providing additional safety and also allowing for blasting even in very difficult conditions.
Regardless of the specific needs, the systems used today are much less complex than the systems of even a decade ago. They are also tested and evaluated on a regular basis, ensuring they are not just safe and effective, but that they can be used with limited training time with high levels of effectiveness and safety.
With the option to choose the sequence of the blast, and to customize the operation for the particular requirements of the job, blasting can be completed with noise and nuisance reduction as well as productivity increases. Requiring specific operational controls such as passwords and special “smart keys” to detonate, these are a very sophisticated blasting option.