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Developments with Electronic Detonators

Paper by:

John T. Watson

The Ensign-Bickford Company, Simsbury, Connecticut, USA

Abstract

The mining and explosives industry is rapidly adopting technology in all forms in order to improve performance. One such technology that is being developed to improve blasting efficiency and mining economics is the electronic detonator. Currently, there are several types of electronics systems being tested and used in the industry, all of which utilize some type of stored energy device to provide energy for their timing and firing circuits. It is essential that users become fully educated on the products, procedures and recommended practices prior to use.

The Institute of Makers of Explosives (I.M.E.) is a safety association of the commercial explosives industry in North America. It was founded to provide technically accurate information and recommendations concerning explosives materials and to serve as a source of reliable data about their use. The primary concern of the I.M.E. is the safety and protection of employees, users, the public and the environment in the manufacture, transportation, storage, handling, use and disposal of explosive materials used in blasting and other essential operations.

This session will review the basic electronic detonator design concepts currently being developed and used in the industry. A discussion is planned to provide information on the I.M.E.’s (Technical Committee) effort to develop a suggested code of safety regulations and recommended practices for incorporation into the applicable Safety Library Publications (SLPs). The goal will be to help users of electronic detonatorsystems identify key challenges, opportunities and critical components that should be considered for their own "Best Practices" guidelines when using these next generation systems.

I.M.E.’s (Technical Committee) effort to develop a suggested code of safety regulations and recommended practices for incorporation into the applicable Safety Library Publications (SLPs). The goal will be to help users of electronic detonatorsystems identify key challenges, opportunities and critical components that should be considered for their own "Best Practices" guidelines when using these next generation systems.
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