WORLD PROSPECTS
MAXAM RIOFLEX XPERT for underground blasting
MAXAM has recently introduced its revolutionary RIOFLEX XPERT ® system to the underground blasting sector .
This patented technology allows the blasting engineer to instantly obtain different densities , ranging from 0.40-1.25 g / cc , during the charging procedure and without “ gassing ” waiting times . By pressing a button , the product is pumped instantaneously into the borehole at the chosen density , providing users with the possibility to adapt the level of energy used to different ground conditions , to load contour holes at low densities and to obtain the best blasts in terms of overbreak and pull efficiency , MAXAM says .
RIOFLEX XPERT is an energetic underground bulk watergel explosive developed to provide versatility for blast designs under different situations . Used in conjunction with MAXAM ´ s pumping equipment , it allows operators to load fully-coupled perimeter boreholes with explosives at ultra-low densities , avoiding common problems experienced with other perimeter control techniques such as bridging or incorrect hose retrieving speed .
The product “ cross-links ” and reaches its final density instantaneously , eradicating the need to wait for the gassing process or delay the shot . Its special rheology eases the water displacement from the borehole and avoids the risk of the product migrating through cracks or being ‘ washed ’ by dynamic water . Product and blast loading QA / QC can also be performed at the same time , ensuring the boreholes are correctly loaded with the right density , while
Hermann Paus Maschinenfabrik recently launched its new generation scaler in Peru - the PScale 8-T , which it says comes with high performance , new safety features , and more comfort . “ The scaling process is still one of the most dangerous works in underground mining and requires an extremely high safety standard . The ergonomic and large operator ' s cabin outperforms international ROPS / FOPS requirements . And many safety features such as 3P safety belts , brake test button , hill start assistance and pressurised cabin are available .”
The cabin is equipped with safety glass window & front rock guards . The LED light concept with 35,000 lumen gives operators excellent visibility . A wide range of remote-control options from conventional radio remote to advanced tele-remote technologies can be easily integrated into the machine system leaving the uncharged length as per design at the collar .
This technology enables mining companies to achieve measured cost savings at their operations and improve blasting results , MAXAM says . The recent implementation of the system at an underground metallic mine has realised these benefits , while opening possibilities for drill & blast engineers to further optimise their blasting processes , such as :
• Contour blasting : A smoother profile and safer working conditions can be achieved by adapting the density and level of energy to minimise the rock-mass damage . Scaling and ground support installation time , post-blast , are also reduced .
One single product and loading technique is used to load a full heading , avoiding the use of special perimeter control products that slow down the charging process and require magazine management and stock control .
An improved contour profile , adjusted to the design , also reduces dilution and overbreak . The quantity of rock to be removed and amount of ground support required are also reduced .
• Advance of the rounds : Better development round pull efficiency has been achieved when using high density RIOFLEX XPERT for the cut area to ensure a full and clean breakage to the toe of the boreholes , lower densities for easer and lifter holes , and ultra-low densities for contour holes . This explosive density control is managed by the blasters at the face during loading and without modifying the explosive formula .
Paus launches nextgen scaler in Peru
& could also be retrofitted . Highest performance is ensured thanks to high power output engine , 20 ° tiltable cabin , individual parameter adjustment of the hydraulic hammer , operation and diagnostic display which give higher scaling reliability & quality . By utilising High Performance Scaling , the PScale series allows the operator to adjust and check hammer parameters directly at the face .
The scaler is available with two engine variants : EU Stage V or Tier 4 Final . “ Conditions like 5,000 metres above sea level , or temperatures up to 50 ° C are no longer an obstacle for a highperformance operation . The 20 ° tiltable cabin gives the operator an excellent visibility to its working tool and ensures a fast and efficient gallery protection . Small envelope size in combination with high boom reach ensures a fast operation without frequent position changes .
• Drilling metres reduction : A better pull efficiency implies a lower number of blasts required to achieve the same development metres . Because of this a considerable reduction of total drilled metres can be achieved , including lower explosive and initiation system consumption .
• Fragmentation : The wide range of available densities opens the possibility to obtain the desired fragmentation size by increasing / decreasing the density and energy level of the explosives . Multiple drill & blast designs can be adopted for different mine areas depending on the type of rock to be blasted .
• Powder factor reduction : With the ability to choose the correct density for each borehole to match each rock type and situation , blasters can achieve an optimal powder factor , reducing explosive consumption per blast with a better explosive energy distribution .
MAXAM said : “ This revolutionary technology will change the concept of blast designs : matching the right explosive energy to each rock type and each blasthole by instantaneously changing the density .” www . maxamcorp . com
“ The Paus PScale 8-T could be handled precisely with joystick steering to the point where the roof must be scaled . This reduces operation times and allows opening of the gallery faster for the subsequent processes of the mining production cycle .” Additionally , the operator is enabled to do a fast parameterisation of the machine to react to changing conditions .
Underground mining imposes extreme demands which led to a strong design of cylinders with double lip sealings , a tough boom design and high-performance central articulation bearings .
“ The PAUS PScale 8-T supports the operator with intelligent vehicle and service solutions to grant high durability and low life cycle costs . With the support of the PAUS Diagnostic Display , which indicates maintenance intervals or enables the operator to simplify troubleshooting , the already high durability of Paus machines can be increased even more .” Paus Connect also gives customers the necessary connectivity to be always informed about positioning and productivity of the machine with appropriate data . www . paus . de
6 International Mining | JUNE 2021