Every bulk explosive has VOD range that is specified by the supplier.
When we purchase bulk explosives from a supplier, we assume that the explosives are performing within this range but do we ever check to confirm this? The answer is typically NO, we get the supplier to site to test the VOD (Velocity of Detonation) of the product. I think we can all see the issue with that answer!!
Bulk explosive is very expensive. We need it to perform to ensure we are getting the best from every blast. If a bulk explosive is not performing within the specified range, it can produce poor blast results which in turn increase rock breaking, digging costs and crusher throughout costs.
What is the first thing we do when we get poor blast results?
We reduce burden and spacing, put more bombs in the hole and increase powder factor. Straight away our drill and blast costs are increased and maybe for all the wrong reasons.
What if the problem was that the explosive did not performing?
Maybe the VOD was lower than expected due to incorrect mixing or issues with the supplied product. Measuring VOD is a vital part of drill and blast engineering and shot firing. It is critical to understand what explosives we buy are doing when they are detonated. The issue previously is VOD testing was expensive to do and complicated.
Shottrack and DGBOTS have solved this issue. Utilising AI and deep learning methods, we have created a vibration prediction tool that is accurate to 84%. Meaning no more seed holes programs and using standard laws that give you massively inaccurate predictions. The BOTVIB will provide you with super accurate readings each and every time, including the bonus of joining us here on the webinar where you will have free access to the vibration tool.
The Shottrack VOD system is simple to use. Using standard COAXIAL cable and a ShotTrack unit that has only one button, it has become easier to get it right every time. We have made the unit very affordable.
Moreover, the Shottrack VOD system means VOD testing can be self-controlled into our own hands, ensuring our product is performing well and providing very best results from our blast designs.
1) Velocity of Detonation (VOD) is a measure of the strength and performance of a bulk explosive. It is the velocity of the detonation front as it moves through a column of explosives. VOD is an industry-approved measurement of explosive performance.
VOD measurement units is meters per second. A typical range for gassed emulsion-based explosive is 3800 to 6000 metres per second.
2) AI PPV prediction:
Vibration is measured in Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) and the Unit of measurement is mm/sec. Vibration is the unwanted side effect of blasting as it travels though the ground and causes damage to nearby structures, heritage sites and sensitive receivers.
Most mine sites, quarries and civil blast jobs will have vibration limits that need to be adhered to for every blast. When we design a blast, we need to calculate a predicted vibration to ensure we comply with limits. The prediction is done using standard K&B laws, these are essentially numbers we insert into scaled distance calculations which gives us a PPV prediction. The issue is they are universal / standard. Every site and ground we blast in will have its own specific K&B factors. The Australian standard K&B factors are super conservative. When used, the predictions are at best, 50% of the actual PPV result. There is nothing worse as a drill and blast engineer when we predict a vibration, and the actual is nowhere close to our predictions.
The solution for decades has been to carry our seed hole programs, this is essentially where we drill and fire single holes with set amounts of explosives and set up vibration monitors in strategic locations. When we fire the seed holes, the vibration monitors record the vibrations as they arrive through the ground. We can then use vibration data to build accurate scaled distance models which have actual K&B factors specific to that ground. The drawbacks are that is expensive to do, time-consuming and planning, and area-specific to the exact place where the holes were fired. If we move to a new location, we need to repeat the process.
This webinar will delve into these 2 very important subjects for the blasting industry: VOD and vibration predictions.
1) Velocity of detonation: We will demonstrate to you and teach you how to conduct a VOD test yourself using a ShotTrack monitor. We have created an animated video that takes us through each step of the process. We will explore the impact VOD has on our blast results. Share case studies on previous VOD testing. We will look at VOD traces and explain what they mean so we know what we are looking at and what to look for when we conduct our own tests.
By the end of their webinar each participant will know how to conduct their own VOD tests and how to report on the results with confidence.
2) AI PPV prediction.
We will explore vibration predictions, how vibrations travel though the ground, show how scaled distance models work, we will show you on a graph the standard K&B factors, a seed hole calculated K&B factors alongside our AI PPV prediction. We will share an example case study of how the AI PPV prediction model can save us money.
At the end, you will have free access to our AI prediction model on the website. You can use it for your upcoming blast designs, inset your MIC, distance to the monitor and our AI calculator will do the rest. You will receive a detailed PPV prediction report which will have optimisation ideas and access to industry experts to answer any questions you may have.
Our Drill and Blast industry is a small industry or a big family. We believe educating and collaborating is the most rewarding thing we do and we strive to ensure this is part of our operating framework
1) Easy to conduct VOD testing that we can all carry out ourselves. don’t rely on the supplier to tell you how your explosive is performing. find out for your self.
2) Free access to AI vibration prediction calculator for all your blast designs.
Key Learning Objectives
- The importance of Velocity of Detonation measurements
- How to conduct Velocity of Detonation measurements
- How to use AI to predict blast vibration.
- How to log on and receive FREE use of Shot Track & DGBOTS AI Vibration prediction calculator. Which operates at 84% accuracy.
Target Audience
- Drill and Blast Engineers
- Shotfirers
- Construction blasting
- Civil blasting
- Drill and Blast consultants
- Mining Engineers
- Quarries Engineers
- Quarry managers