Abstract: A method for 3-D block modelling of a resource boundary in a post-blast muckpile to optimize destination delineation for resource control is provided. An in-situ pre-blast model of an ore deposit to be mined, movement data, blast design and explosive loading information, and post-blast topographic data are input in to the memory of a general purpose computer. Using the pre-blast block model, movement data, blast design and explosive loading information, and post-blast topographic data a three-dimensional vector field is generated. The method uses the three-dimensional vector field to move a plurality of centroids of the in-situ block model to populate a three-dimensional post-blast location. Then method optimizes the populated three dimensional post-blast location to determine a plurality of sets of optimal dig boundaries.

Abstract: A method of mining in a rock formation, includes drilling blastholes extending into the rock formation. Each of the blastholes has a depth between a first end and a second end. For each blasthole the second end thereof is deeper into the rock formation than the first end thereof. The method further includes loading the blastholes with alternating layers of explosives charges and stemming material to establish a succession of blasting decks or sections extending across and within the rock formation. The rock formation includes at least a first blasting deck or section and a second blasting deck or section.

Abstract: A downhole tool assembly for completing or cleaning a wellbore. The downhole tool assembly may include a perforation gun sub and a laser assembly sub. The perforation gun sub may be used to propagate a shockwave through one or more pre-existing perforations in a formation. The laser assembly sub may be used for treating perforations, e.g. treating the one or more pre-existing perforations. Depending on the parameters of the operation, the treating of the perforations may comprise changing the shape of the perforations and/or making the perforations wider, deeper, or otherwise adjusted.

Abstract: A perforating gun and method according to which a perforating charge of the perforating gun is detonated. Detonating the perforating charge produces shock waves. In some embodiments, detonating the perforating charge also perforates a wellbore proximate a subterranean formation. After detonating the perforating charge, first and second components of a binary energetic of the perforating gun are fragmented by the shock waves, mixed by the shock waves, and activated by the shock waves to increase an internal energy of the perforating gun. In some embodiments, increasing the internal energy of the perforating gun after detonating the perforating charge delays and/or decreases wellbore pressure drawdown.

Abstract: An avalanche control device includes a detonation initiator unit and a bio-degradable linear bag. The initiator unit is elongated and includes an ignition end, an inflation end, and a stepped transition zone in between that gets progressively greater in diameter as it extends from the ignition end towards the inflation end. The inflatable bag is adapted for connection to the inflation end of the initiator unit. The design of initiator unit is fixed and reusable, while the bag dimensions can be tailored to the desired blast strength for the end user, in terms of length, diameter, and mixture ratio.

Abstract: Systems for automatedly delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of automatedly delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of determining an emulsion explosive density profile are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Cold spray devices and systems are disclosed. They include a flowpath having an inlet adapted for receiving communication with two or more inputs and an outlet adapted to discharge the two or more inputs. A discharge nozzle may be included in the flowpath of the outlet and a confluence may be included in the flowpath at the inlet for combining the two or more inputs. A nozzle body houses the discharge nozzle separate and downstream from the confluence of the two inputs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yieldable construction method for early releasing surrounding rock deformation on a weak toppling slope, thereby reducing surrounding rock toppling deformation risk in and after an excavation process and ensuring overall slope stability and safety of a supporting structure. A technical solution of the present invention is as follows: loosing a rock mass through controlled blasting; inducing toppling deformation of the slope by injecting water and softening a blasting relaxation part of the rock mass; determining timing of water injection by monitoring slope surface displacement characteristics of the slope; and performing a normal excavation process of the toppling deformation slope after injecting is completed. The present invention is applicable to design and construction of high slope engineering of a special kind of rocks, i.e., a toppling deformation slope composed of weak rock masses.

Abstract: One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impacts a working face. A downhole end of the tube may be displaced laterally within the hole to change the direction of the hole.

Abstract: A wellbore perforation gun includes a gun housing, a plurality of charges, a first reactive material, and a second reactive material that is reactive with the first reactive material to generate an endothermic chemical reaction to drop the potential energy (in the form of temperature or pressure) of the gun housing. The perforation gun may further include a controller and a release capsule, with the first reactive material being disposed within the release capsule and the second reactive material being disposed within a chamber of the gun housing at a first time. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the release capsule and operable to generate a signal to the release capsule at a second time that is later than the first time. The release capsule may be operable to release the first reactive material into the chamber response to receiving the signal.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to generation of test plans. A list of test case selection criteria can be presented to each of a plurality of stakeholders. At least one user input is received from each of the plurality of stakeholders selecting at least one test case selection criterion from the list of test case selection criteria and, for each selected test case selection criterion, assigning a criterion priority. Test cases, which correspond to the selected test case selection criteria, can be automatically selected to include in a candidate test plan. A candidate priority can be automatically assigned to each test case selected to be included in the candidate test plan. The processor selects the test cases to include in the candidate test plan and assigns the candidate priorities to the selected test cases based on processing the criterion priorities assigned to the selected test case selection criteria by the stakeholders.

Abstract: Applying shock waves using a plasma pulse generation system or other comparable systems, including an acoustic/pressure oscillatory system, would help to enhance the complexity of the far field hydraulic fracture during fracturing shale formation. It would also help in avoiding pre-mature screen out. The critical factor to maximize the desired results is to apply the shock waves at the correct time. By combining shock wave technology with the newly developed fracturing pressure data analysis, it is possible to achieve maximum results.

Abstract: Munitions structures comprising one or more high strength reactive alloys, in particular reactive bulk metallic glasses, have significant amounts of inherent chemical energy. This energy may be discharged by subjection of the munitions structure to rapid impulsive loading and fragmentation in the presence of oxygen and/or nitrogen. A munitions structure can be configured in both large and small penetrators, e.g. warheads and bullets, with increased lethality. The lethality of these munitions structures is augmented by means of rapidly and simultaneously imparting both mechanical energy (kinetic energy through impact and fragmentation) and chemical energy (blast and/or fireball) to a target. A high-strength reactive alloy can substitute at least in part one or both of explosives and inert structural materials in conventional munitions systems to improve performance and reduce parasitic weight of structural casing.

Abstract: A method of producing a reactive powder includes providing a bulk structure of reactive material comprising a first reactant and a second reactant, the bulk structure having a preselected average spacing between the first and the second reactants; and mechanically processing the bulk structure of reactive material to produce a plurality of particles from the bulk structure such that each of the plurality of particles comprises the first and second reactants having an average spacing that is substantially equal to the preselected average spacing of the bulk structure of reactive material. The first and second materials of the plurality of particles react with each other in an exothermic reaction upon being exposed to a threshold energy to initiate the exothermic reaction and remain substantially stable without reacting with each other prior to being exposed to the threshold energy.

Abstract: A production method of a carbon particle by a detonation method includes a step of disposing an explosive substance in a periphery of a raw material substance, and a step of subjecting the explosive substance to a detonation. The explosive substance is a liquid at normal temperature and normal pressure. The raw material substance contains an aromatic compound having 3 or more nitro groups.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting a blast from an explosive (7) comprising the steps of (a) providing a blast inhibiting blanket (1), the blast inhibiting blanket (1) comprising first and second water porous outer layers (2, 3) and an absorbent core /4) sandwiched therebetween, said absorbent core (4) comprising an absorbent crystalline material and an absorbent fibrous material; (b) arranging the blast inhibiting blanket (1) to cover the explosive (7) but spaced apart therefrom; and, (c) wetting the blast inhibiting blanket (1) either before or after arranging the blanket (1) to cover the explosive (7).

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to generation of test plans. A list of test case selection criteria can be presented to each of a plurality of stakeholders. At least one user input is received from each of the plurality of stakeholders selecting at least one test case selection criterion from the list of test case selection criteria and, for each selected test case selection criterion, assigning a criterion priority. Test cases, which correspond to the selected test case selection criteria, can be automatically selected to include in a candidate test plan. A candidate priority can be automatically assigned to each test case selected to be included in the candidate test plan. The processor selects the test cases to include in the candidate test plan and assigns the candidate priorities to the selected test cases based on processing the criterion priorities assigned to the selected test case selection criteria by the stakeholders.

Abstract: A bladder for tamping explosives, the bladder having a reservoir with a sealable opening at a top end thereof, the reservoir being configured to hold an incompressible liquid, and an explosive retaining member disposed on a rear side of the reservoir, the explosive retaining member being configured to hold one or more explosives against the rear side of the reservoir.

Abstract: The detonation of one or more explosive charges and propellant charges by a detonator in response to a fire control signal from a command and control system comprised of a command center and instrumentation center with a communications link therebetween. The fire control signal is selectively provided to the detonator from the instrumentation center if plural detonation control switches at the command center are in a fire authorization status, and instruments, and one or more interlocks, if included, are in a ready for firing status. The instrumentation and command centers are desirably mobile, such as being respective vehicles.

Abstract: A rock-fracturing mining explosive element; said explosive element subjected to an initial spreading against a target surface on impact of said explosive element with said target surface; said explosive element so constructed as to control the rate of spreading and compression against said surface prior to detonation.

Abstract: Structures and methods of manufacturing utilizing direction of force loading or shock induced deformation of structures including microstructures produced in accordance with embodiments of the invention are provided. In one example, a method of manufacturing and structure including providing a metallic plate; forming said plate such that an original longitudinal direction of rolling the plate is perpendicular to a long direction of the plate, thus a force load on the plate would then be distributed over the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method of blasting plural layers of material in a blastfield that reduces the amount of mechanical excavation required to expose a lower layer of material. The method includes using rows of equally spaced blastholes that pass through all of the layers and additional intermediate rows of blastholes that pass down only through the top layer. Each blasthole is capped with stemming material and includes one or more decks of explosive material and detonators, which air decks or inert stemming separating adjacent explosive decks. The detonators in layer are detonated first in order from row rearwards to throw a substantial amount of the blast material from the layer forwardly of free face onto the floor. In the same blasting cycle and within seconds of the throw blast, explosives materials in layers are detonated in a stand-up blast in which material in layers are broken up but otherwise are minimally displace or thrown forwardly.

Abstract: A double safety firing system comprises: a firing line, wherein an end of the firing line is directly or operatively connected to an electrically-activated initiator; a first safety sub-assembly, wherein the first safety sub-assembly is connected to the firing line and comprises: a first shunting line; and a first shunt disabler, wherein the first shunt disabler disables the first shunting line when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the first shunt disabler; and a second safety sub-assembly, wherein the second safety sub-assembly is connected to the firing line and comprises: a second shunting line; and a second shunt disabler, wherein the second shunt disabler disables the second shunting line when a predetermined amount of electric current is applied to the second shunt disabler, wherein after the first and second shunting lines are disabled, electric current flows through the firing line and activates the initiator.

Abstract: A method and system for handling granular material, such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing in well drilling, is provided. In an operational configuration, a delivery module having conveyors receives and conveys granular material to a delivery location, and one or more mobile storage modules receive, hold and dispense granular material downward to the delivery module. The mobile storage modules comprise a raised, angular container portion for holding granular material. Each mobile storage module may comprise a rock-over chassis for support against ground. A remote control module provides centralized, remote control of the system. Mobile support unit modules may also be provided as a remotely controlled vehicle capable of providing power, control, heating, and the like to other modules. Mobile in-feed elevator modules may also be provided as a remotely controlled vehicle for feeding granular material to mobile storage modules. In a transportation configuration, each module is separately transportable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing explosions, including a pressure-resistance container having a main explosion chamber introduced therein, further including a supply line for supplying a flowable explosible material, and a drain opening for the directed drainage of gas pressure caused by the ignition of the explosible material. The drain opening is closed directly by a closure means, preferably a plunger, which is pressed against the drain opening using a gas spring and held closed substantially up to the time of ignition. Before the actual main explosion, the closure means is moved by the igniting and the pressure force of an auxiliary explosion, thereby exposing the drain opening.

Abstract: A method of mining a mineral deposit includes setting a plurality of explosive charges at spaced pre-blast locations in the deposit, wherein at least selected pre-blast locations also carry respective markers that are such that the post-blast location of at least a useful proportion will be detectable after explosion of the charges. After the charges are exploded to fragment the deposit, the post-blast locations of certain of the markers are detected to obtain an indication of the relative positions of selected components of the mineral deposit after the fragmentation of the deposit by the exploding of the charges. Also disclosed is a method utilizing a plurality of markers arranged to emit a detectable signal after blast fragmentation, and detecting the post-blast locations by triangulation techniques employing a plurality of receiver detectors. A further aspect proposes the use of secondary explosive charges as post-blast markers.

Abstract: This invention is related to a controlled expanding chemical (CEC) and its activation system.

Abstract: For use in a blasting system (10), a visible, throw-away, safety lockout device (30) which operates automatically, to interrupt power to the blasting system (10), upon the occurrence of one or more defined fault conditions.

Abstract: A blasting cartridge includes a generally cylindrical blasting container, a blasting substance filled in the blasting container, a pair of leadwires contained in the blasting container, and a single thin metal wire connected to tip portions of the pair of leadwires. The leadwires and the thin metal wire are positioned within the blasting substance within the blasting container. The blasting substance is nitromethane, and the thin metal wire is formed of tungsten. With an electric discharge impact blasting apparatus, since the thin metal wire has a higher heating value than a copper wire because of its higher resistance and vaporizes at higher temperatures, it is possible to obtain a greater blasting force at lower voltages than with a blasting apparatus using a copper wire.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising a liquid energetic material and sensitizing voids, wherein the sensitizing voids are present in the liquid energetic material with a non-random distribution, wherein the liquid energetic material comprises (a) regions in which the sensitizing voids are sufficiently concentrated to render those regions detonable and (b) regions in which the sensitizing voids are not so concentrated and wherein the explosive composition does not contain ammonium nitrate prill.

Abstract: An explosive cartridge comprising: an explosive composition; a deactivating agent that is capable of desensitising the explosive composition; and a barrier element that prevents contact between the explosive composition and the deactivating agent and that is adapted to be at least partially removed on use of the explosive cartridge.

Abstract: Blasting apparatuses are disclosed that include enhanced security features, including biometric analysis of specific biological features of a candidate blast operator, thereby to generate a biometric signature. Other corresponding methods relate to cross-referencing of biometric signatures between components of the blasting system. Additional security features of the blasting apparatuses, and corresponding methods of blasting employing the blasting apparatuses, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cartridge for breaking rock which includes a tubular housing in which is formed a first compartment. The cartridge includes a first energetic composition inside the first compartment and a primer which is exposed to the first energetic composition. The cartridge includes a second compartment inside the tubular component and a plunger inside the tubular component which is movable under explosive force towards the primer. The cartridge still further includes a second energetic composition inside the second compartment and an actuator and a fuse for initiating the second energetic composition. The actuator has an area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the plunger and is movable, by movement of the plunger, towards the primer, and in that the primer is initiated by the actuator only when liquid fills a volume enclosed at least partly by surfaces of the actuator and of the primer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the oil and gas industry and to exploration and production of water resources, in particularly, for stimulation of fluid flow to the well, e.g., for higher oil production, productivity index, and recovery factor. The disclosed device and method can be used for higher permeability of the pay zone due to creation of a network of microcracks in the bottomhole formation zone and facilitates to increase the flow of oil, or other fluids, from the reservoir to the well. Generation of cyclic pressure pulses with varied amplitude and time parameters and proper localization of pulses in space through mechanism of convective combustion provides a “soft” impact upon the wellbore without risk of damage or formation consolidation; the said impact is achieved by using a device which is a downhole cyclic pressure generator operating by a consecutive combustion of layers of compositions having different combustion rates.

Abstract: A die set for forming explosive charge liners from powdered material comprises a die block defining a basin and a punch shaped to interact with the basin. The die block and the punch are configured to exclude powdered material from a center axis of the basin. An apparatus comprises a deep-penetrating explosive charge liner formed of powdered material held together by green strength having a hole in a narrow end of the liner.

Abstract: A blasting method for beneficiating minerals comprising mining of a geological body (10) including a value portion (20) having at least a threshold content of a mineral to be extracted and a waste portion (30) relatively lean in content of a mineral to be extracted wherein mining comprises controlled blasting of the geological body (10) such that the value portion (20) fragments differently than the waste portion (30), the difference in fragmentation between the value portion (20) and the waste portion (30) enabling separation of a mineral stream concentrated in the mineral to be extracted from the waste portion (30).

Abstract: A remote initiator breaching system for initiating breaching charges over a short range requiring no physical link between the breacher and the demolition charge. The remote initiator breaching system has at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, at least one shock tube connectable to a breaching charge and a power source for each of the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is able to generate and transmit a coded signal. The transmitter has an input for inputting operational commands into the transmitter for generating the coded signal, The transmitter has a plurality of channels representing different frequency bands, and multiple addresses for each channel such that transmission of the coded signal from the transmitter to the receiver is possible per individual addresses or all addresses simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating drill pattern parameters such as burden, spacing, borehole diameter, etc., at a blast site are disclosed. One method involves accumulating the burden contributed by successive layers of rock and matching the accumulated rock burden to a target value for a borehole having a length related to the average height of the layers. Another method relates to varying drill pattern parameters and characteristics to match blast design constraints, including the substitution of one explosive material for another by the proper balance of materials and/or output energies to the associated rock burden. Analysis of deviations from target rock burdens and corrective measures are disclosed, as well as cost optimization methods. The various methods can be practiced using an appropriately programmed general purpose computer.

Abstract: A blank (1) of stiff resilient sheet is folded along transversely extending fold or score lines (10) and fixed into open ended triangular cylinder shape by means of tab (7) and slot (8). A shaped charge (15) can be positioned in opening (5) and held in place using elastic cord (12). This provides a compact, lightweight and easy to assemble disposable weapon stand.

Abstract: A remote firing system for remotely detonating explosive charges includes features that provide safety and efficiency improvements. These features include safety communication among multiple remote devices and multiple controller devices, a polling functionality permitting rapid deployment of system devices, electronic key systems, programmable remote devices for easy replacement of failing remote devices, and an event history log for the remote devices for efficient diagnostic evaluation.

Abstract: A detonator includes a high voltage switch, an initiator and an initiating pellet. The detonator also includes a low voltage to high voltage firing set coupled to the switch and initiator such that the detonator includes a high voltage power source and initiator in an integrated package. The detonator may also include inductive powering and communications, a microprocessor, tracking and/or locating technologies, such as RFID, GPS, etc., and either a single or combination explosive output pellet. The combination explosive pellet has a first explosive having a first shock energy and a high brisance secondary explosive in the output pellet having a second shock energy greater than the shock energy of the first explosive. Systems are also provided for facilitating fast and easy deployment of one or more detonators in the field.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for an explosive access tool using one piece charge of explosive sheet in the form of a simple geometric shape, a disk shaped booster charge, a blasting cap, and inert materials. The one piece charge of explosive sheet, envelopes an inert tamper block with its apexes meeting on the top side of the block facing away from the target. A smoothing layer, preferably in a mostly square shape, is placed between the target and the explosives covering the bottom side of the tamper block. An initiating means is connected to the apexes of the explosive charge so that upon initiation, a series of detonation waves are generated to meet in a manner that result in a plurality of petals cantilevered that are formed in the target material, substantially between the intersections of the meeting shock waves, to define a near fragment-free opening in the target material.

Abstract: A method of mining a mineral deposit includes setting a plurality of explosive charges at spaced pre-blast locations in the deposit, wherein at least selected pre-blast locations also carry respective markers that are such that the post-blast location of at least a useful proportion will be detectable after explosion of the charges. After the charges are exploded to fragment the deposit, the post-blast locations of certain of the markers are detected to obtain an indication of the relative positions of selected components of the mineral deposit after the fragmentation of the deposit by the exploding of the charges. Also disclosed is a method utilizing a plurality of markers arranged to emit a detectable signal after blast fragmentation, and detecting the post-blast locations by triangulation techniques employing a plurality of receiver detectors. A further aspect proposes the use of secondary explosive charges as post-blast markers.

Abstract: A system that may be used as an initiation disruption system (IDS) according to one embodiment includes an explosive charge; a plurality of particles in a layer at least partially surrounding the explosive charge; and a fire suppressant adjacent the plurality of particles. A method for disabling an object according to one embodiment includes placing the system as recited above near an object; and causing the explosive charge to initiate, thereby applying mechanical loading to the object such that the object becomes disabled. Additional systems and methods are also presented. A device according to another embodiment includes a plurality of particles bound by a binder thereby defining a sidewall having an interior for receiving an explosive; and a fire suppressant adjacent the plurality of particles and binder. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: An electrically initiated security device includes a first energetic sheet, a second energetic sheet, and a corrugated energetic sheet disposed between the first energetic sheet and the second energetic sheet. A first surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel and a second surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel. The electrically initiated security device further includes a first constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the first surface and a second constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the second surface. The first constituent portion and the second constituent portion, when mixed, comprise an energetic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an explosive device comprising an explosive material, and at least one igniting stimulus configured to ignite the explosive material when activated. The explosive device further comprises a sheet of material provided with at least one hole at least partially filled with the explosive material, each hole forms an opening in a first side of said sheet material and said at least one igniting stimuli is arranged on said first side. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an explosive device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating biomass that may include introducing a biomass to a chamber; exposing the biomass in the chamber to a shock event to produce a shocked biomass; and transferring the shocked biomass from the chamber. In some aspects, the method may include pretreating the biomass with a chemical before introducing the biomass to the chamber and/or after transferring shocked biomass from the chamber.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a method, device and/or system of deploying a payload. In some demonstrative embodiments, the system may include an invertible sleeve capable of being expanded in an inside-out manner, wherein first and second surfaces of the sleeve, which face outward and inward, respectively, when the sleeve is at an unexpanded state, face inward and outward, respectively, when the sleeve is at an expanded state; a payload conveyer to convey the payload, wherein the payload conveyer is detachably connectable to a first end of the sleeve; and a pressurizer to expand the sleeve by applying a pressure through a second end of the sleeve. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying any one or more of a plurality of blast holes in a drill pattern. The method involves providing each blast hole in a drill pattern with an individually identifiable first identifier and a GPS device capable of relaying identification and location data for the respective blast hole. A data reception system is provided to receive the data and store it in a database for processing purposes. The information may be later used to correlate any one or more of the blast holes with a corresponding detonator.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the carry-off of entrained airborne material and an apparatus for carrying out the method are provided that are particularly suitable for deployment in an open pit mining operation in which cyclic blasting operations create debris that, by virtue of its very small (particle) size and weight, is susceptible to being carried beyond the open pit mining location and deposited in adjacent communities. The method and apparatus of the present invention beneficially minimize the “carry-off” risk of such debris without substantially interfering with the blasting and material handling and transport operations of an open pit mining operation.