EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING
XPLOLOG users can explore specific data on each hole – such as comparing the design depth and charge versus the actual depth and charge , while APIs allow mines to pull down data from XPLOLOG into their own IT infrastructure
Liebenberg highlighted the importance of quick access to data on drill holes , explosives and other blast-related indices to ensure quality blasting on a regular and consistent basis . If blast engineers and management can see the
progress of blast preparation in real time , they can respond quicker to deviations that might compromise the control and fragmentation of each blast .
“ The new generation of XPLOLOG – part of our Blast Alliance suite of digital blasting tools – builds on our cloud-based data storage principle , giving users quick and detailed insight into all critical aspects of blast block preparation ,” he said . “ From hole depths and priming to charging and stemming , this data can be logged on an Android tablet and sync to a cloud database .”
This ground-up redesign has been carried out in collaboration with a technology partner who conducted one-on-one feedback sessions with existing users . This systematic approach has allowed customer priorities to be built into the design , BME says .
“ We were able to finetune our improvements by understanding what users want when navigating the app or inputting data ,” Liebenberg said .
“ Specialised design validation techniques using cameras were also applied to assess the user experience at different stages in our development process .”
With the Android device provided by BME , users log a range of data from the blast block . Starting with the drilled depth of the hole , the app is populated with data on priming , charging and stemming . There are also various scenarios that the app accommodates to trigger the relevant action . Where water is identified in a hole , for instance , a sleeve may need to be inserted . Unplanned holes may also need to be drilled where rock hardness or a collapsed hole prevents continued operations on the original planned hole .
“ As data is being input , XPLOLOG is doing the necessary calculations in the background ,” Liebenberg said . “ If a hole has been over-drilled , for example , the app will calculate the new volume of explosive required to be pumped by the mobile manufacturing unit .”
If the device is within range of a Wi-Fi signal – or has a SIM card linked to a cellular signal – the data can be uploaded to the cloud instantly . This feeds into a redesigned and enhanced XPLOLOG dashboard other users can access on their mobile devices or computers that gives up-todate progress on work being conducted on the blast block .
“ Users can explore specific data on each hole – such as comparing the design depth and charge versus the actual depth and charge ,” Liebenberg said . “ The reporting function has also been upgraded considerably , giving users customised reports that save them time and are readily shared with others .”
There are default templates available , and users can also configure their own reports – saving their preferences for future use . This makes for higher productivity for blast engineers and management , and delivers professionally designed reports ready for presentation , BME says .
The dashboard ’ s summary view gives users a high-level perspective of all key features of the block . This includes outlining all the holes that have been drilled – and their tolerances – as well as which holes have been charged and stemmed .
Another new feature is a cross-sectional view of each hole , giving insight into the progress on a specific hole . This includes the amount of charge and the stemming length .
The user management functionality has also been revisited , giving mines the ability to manage their own users , allowing mine administrators to quickly add or change user details .
The upgrading of XPLOLOG has also brought closer alignment with other tools in the Blast Alliance suite . BLASTMAP blast design software can , for instance , export the block design seamlessly to XPLOLOG .
“ While this is not a new feature , we have
Safe ANFO loading
Underground mining equipment supplier Getman is doing its bit when it comes to improving safety in the explosives loading process by eliminating a potential tripping hazard caused by trailing pneumatic remote air lines .
The Getman ProCharge™ ANFO Remote System is designed to improve site safety and boost efficiencies associated with underground
The Getman ProCharge ANFO Remote System can be added to new Getman ANFO trucks , existing Getman machines and any third-party truck mounted ANFO delivery system equipped with air actuated valves pressurised ANFO delivery .
Able to perform two key functions – charging and clearing of boreholes or the loading hose – the system is equipped with safety protocols that ensure it enters “ stop ” mode in the event of outside radio frequency transmissions intercepting the system . At the same time , the remote system “ stop ” button returns all valves to the off position .
The ProCharge ANFO Remote may be added to new Getman ANFO trucks – the ProCharge ANFO 3000 and ANFO 4000 explosive charger units , for instance – as well as being offered as an upgrade to existing Getman machines .
Additionally , it may be installed on any third-party truck mounted ANFO delivery system equipped with air actuated valves .
The system includes : n A lightweight transmitter ( with rechargeable battery ) and receiver with support brackets ; n Enclosure-mounted pneumatic valve assembly with support bracket ; n Electrical harnesses with 24 V DC-in power ; n 2.4 GHz frequency ; n Nylon tubing for air connections with push-lock fittings ; n Toggles that are interlocked to avoid accidental activation ; and n An IP67-level dust / waterproof transmitter .
46 International Mining | AUGUST 2022