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The Challenge of Precise Measurement of Precision

Paper by:

Jay Rodgers, John Watson, Kirk Whitaker

The Ensign-Bickford Company, Simsbury, Connecticut, USA

Abstract

The world of blasting and explosive use continues to evolve into one which relies heavily on measurement, quantification, process control, and information feedback as a means of contributing to operational improvements. More than ever good blast performance, once thought to be a result of someone’s "artistic ability", is giving way to "hard science" and measurement techniques. Variability in product performance and process control is becoming less tolerable with increasing environmental issues, regulatory pressure and public awareness.

The Ensign-Bickford Company has directed its research and development effort toward improving blast performance with a shock tube initiated electronic detonator. The inherent precision of a shock tube initiation signal, coupled with an electronic delay detonator, will provide the explosives industry with a practical and "user friendly" approach to precision blasting challenges. Field application of this technology has revealed numerous challenges in the measurement of both product and blast performance parameters. Proper measurement techniques must be employed in all aspects of the detonator and blast performance evaluation if we are to assess the value of precision timing as well as other blast parameters.

This paper will review critical measurement techniques associated with Digidet™ electronic detonator blasts. "Real World" conditions and environments often inhibit the ability to precisely or accurately measure blast parameters. The focus of this paper will be to provide a practical approach to measurement techniques and blast performance assessment. Detonator timing, field controls and fragmentation analysis, as well as loading, hauling, and crusher productivity measurements will be discussed. The pressure environment experienced by initiation products will be mentioned.
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