MXPA98006590A - Multi-fire explosion method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for causing an explosion of multiple shots is presented and claimed. According to this method, suitable positions for the detonators 14.1-14.8, are determined in place, data related to the position (x; y) is determined automatically for each position using a GPS system, that is to place or donate position global and also data of the identification code of each donor. This data is transferred to a controller 16, through a data capture device 18. The controller establishes a blasting program that includes dilation times in each hole calculated by taking into account the data related to the position, the geological structure, the depth of the hole, the mass of the explosive in the hole, etc. The controller transmits signals that include the delay time data to the detonators to cause their detonation according to the program. 19606677 27565 A balancing control mechanism, to be used with an oscillating movement railway bogie. The control mechanism comprises a tie stop adapted to be connected to the bogie tie. The tie stop includes a convex cylindrical surface having a tip adapted to engage a crosshead stop connected to the bogie cross member to limit lateral movement of the side frames of the bogie. The convex cylindrical surface of the tie stop provides a low point of contact between the tip of the tie stop and the tie stop, thereby reducing the amount of tipping movement created by said tie

Description

DB SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MULTIPLE TRIP EXPLOSION DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: This invention relates to ignition arrangements of explosives and more particularly to explosive ignition systems comprising a plurality of electronic detonators and a contractor for them, the controller, when used , causes the detonators to initiate their associated explosive charges according to a multi-shot blasting program. Ignition systems are known which include a controller that is connectable by electrical wires to a plurality of detonators and wherein each detonator is associated with an individual identification code therefor. When the detonators are used with their associated charges, they are located in pre-planned positions and the electrical connection is made. The precomputed delay time data associated with each detonator is transmitted in conjunction with the identification codes on the wires to the detonators and the delay or delay data associated with each detonator is stored in a memory array of that detonator. When a common ignition signal is received, the detonators meet the relevant delay times and then initiate their associated charges, to cause the blasting of multiple firings. A disadvantage of the previous system is that the exact physical location of the detonators in use and the relevant delay times must be planned and worked on beforehand. The aforementioned system lacks flexibility and does not provide optimal competitiveness with sophisticated blast controllers and computerized control systems that are also adapted to use data with respect to structure and geological formations as an input to calculate procrastination times and they can thus allow changes or modifications in a delay time program, to optimize the program. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system with which the applicant believes that the aforementioned disadvantages can be diminished. According to the invention there is provided a method for causing a blasting of multiple shots, including the steps of: selecting a plurality of spaced positions to locate electronic detonators at a blasting location; , in each position determine the data related to a certain position for that position of the detonator; use the related position data to establish a blasting program; provide signals to the detonators in the detonator positions to detonate them according to the program.

It will be appreciated that the method according to the invention provides greater flexibility since once the detonators are placed, their position data and other data, such as the geological data can be used to compute the time delay data for each position of detonator, to cause a desired sequence and thus a blast front. In addition, according to the invention, the method may include the step of determining the identification code data of each of the detonators before establishing the blasting program. The identification code data may be determined by reading the data electronically from a memory array in the detonator. However, the step of determining the identification code data preferably includes determining the data passively. In this specification "passively determining the data" means that the data is determined without electrically energizing the detonator. For example, the data can be determined passively by reading the identification code data provided in the detonator in the form of a bar code, by means of a bar code reader. The data related to the position can be determined by an absolute position control. , alternatively by a remote related control when determining distances between the positions of the detonators. The data related to the position can be determined automatically using measurement means such as a radio device, acoustic device, an optical device, a device operated with laser. In a preferred form of the invention m the data related to the absolute position is determined by determining the position coordinate data for each position detonator. The position coordinates are preferably determined using a global positioning system (GPS) including a GPS receiver and at least one terrestrial satellite in orbit. In the method according to the invention the data related to the position and those of the identification code can be captured in the positions of the detonators in data reading, storage and download device. The captured data can then be downloaded to a remote central controller to establish the blast program when entering the data in the controller. The step of providing signals to the detonators may include the step of transmitting to each of the detonators, using their respective identification code data as an address, delay issue data relating to a delay time from a power-on signal or common shot, to denote each of the detonators. Further in accordance with the invention and before the delay time data are transmitted to the detonators, the detonators can be energized by transmitting an energizing signal to the detonators. The detonators can be energized by electrical wiring extending between the controller and the detonators.

In an alternative embodiment, the detonators can be energized by transmitting a wireless energy signal such as a radio frequency (RF) energy signal to the detonators. The delay time in your data can be transmitted in the electrical wiring that connects the detonators to the central control. In the alternative mode, the data can be transmitted wirelessly. The common ignition signal can also be transmitted on the wire, alternatively wirelessly. Also included in the scope of the invention is a common for timing a multiple shot blasting including the steps of: locating a detonator array which includes a detonator having a preprogrammed identification code, and an associated explosive charge, in each of a plurality of detonator positions; in each position determine the common identification data of the detonator in that position and the data related to the position for that common position; transmit the common identification data of the detonator and the position data to the central controller; computing for each detonator position the respective data at the corresponding delay time from receipt of a common common ignition signal that the detonator at the position must cause its associated charge to explode; using the respective data of the common detonator identification and transmitting the respective delay data to each detonator at the detonator positions; and transmitting a common ignition signal to each detonator, to cause its associated charge to explode common to the computed draw time for that position of the detonator. Also included within the invention is a method for preparing a blasting site, which method includes the steps of: selecting a plurality of spaced locations to locate electronic detonators; in each position determine the position data for that position; and transfer the position data to a central controller. Also included within the scope of the invention is a method for causing a blasting operation of multiple shots of a series of explosive charges spaced apart from one another at a blasting site, the method includes the steps of: automatically determining the related data with the position in each loading place; determine from the position data the necessary ignition sequence; and apply the ignition sequence to the series of charges.

The automatic determination of position data at each loading location can be obtained using: a radio device, a common device, an optical device, a laser operated device; or a global positioning system receiver. The position data can be determined by the absolute position control. Alternatively, the data related to the position can be determined by a remote control. The required ignition sequence can be determined from the position data by a manual or automatic entry of the data into a data warehouse. The data warehouse may be connected or incorporated in a remote controller, which functions to send signals in firing sequence to the individual loads according to the required sequence. Alternatively, the data warehouse can supply ignition sequence data to individual local controllers associated with each load, and common to issue a common ignition signal to the local controls, the sequential ignition of the loads will take place according to the sequence required According to another aspect of the invention, an explosive ignition system is provided which includes: a plurality of detonators; a central controller to control the operation of the detonators; means for determining the data related to the position for each of a plurality of positions suitable for the detonators in a blasting area; the central controller is arranged to use the position data and compute a blast program; means for transferring signals relative to the common program to the detonators to cause them to explode in accordance with the blast program. The controller to compute the blast program, can compute for each position, the data of the delay time referring to the delay from the reception of a common ignition signal of which a detonator in that position must cause an associated load to explode. The system may further include means for entering identification code data associated with each detonator.

The means for entering the identification code data may include a bar code reader for reading a barcode template applied to each detonator. In another embodiment, the identification code data can be read electronically from a memory array that is part of the detonator. The common means of position is preferably an automatic means of determining data and may include a global positioning system (GPS), including a GPS receiver, cooperating with at least one common terrestrial satellite. In other embodiments, the common position means may include a radio device, a common device, an optical device, or a laser operated device. The common position means may be mounted on a hole punching machine, where the detonators and the associated explosive charges are to be placed, alternatively, may be mounted on a vehicle to transport the explosive charges and the detonators. Alternatively, it can be mounted on a carrier or backpack mounted on a person's body to prepare the blasting lug.

The system may further include a data capture device for receiving position-related data, and identification code data in related positions, which device is connectable to the central controller for driving the data to the central controller. The central controller is preferably adapted automatically to determine the blasting program when entering the data related to the position. The means for transferring time delay data or, an energizing signal or, the ignition signal or signals, may include a wire or fiber communication path, and alternatively may comprise a wireless system more particularly a radio communication system frequency. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described only by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of an open pit mine showing a plurality of perforated holes for receiving loads explosive and with an imaginary super imposed grid, to indicate the position of each hole; FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of an ignition system according to the invention; FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of a detonator that is part of the system; and FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the system according to the invention. An open pit mine is generally indicated by the reference figure 10, in Fig. 1. Blasting or blasting techniques of multiple shots are not only used to break up layers of earth at a level close to a reef or something similar that should be mined, but also to move the broken ground away from the reef and leave it exposed, to do this, the placement of the holes to receive the explosives and the delay times between the holes, that is, the delay times between the shots in the blasting, needs careful planning. In the method according to the invention, the positions of the holes 12.1 to 12.8 are selected on the spot. The holes are then drilled by a suitable drill core to the required depth. The depth of the holes can be different from one to another, depending on the geological structure of the ground below the surface. Then, the detonators 14.1 to 14.8, (shown in Fig. 2), are inserted into holes 12.1 to 12.8, respectively, and the holes are grafted with explosive charges. The detonators are identical except that each one is associated with a pre-programmed and individual identification code (DET # 1 to DET # 8). In an absolute position control of the data related to the position, more particularly data relating to the coordinates of the pits and -, are determined automatically in a known manner using for example, a global positioning system (GPS Global Positioning System), comprising a receiver 19, GPS (shown in Fig. 2), and a network of terrestrial satellites in common. The GPS receiver can be mounted on the drilling machine or on a vehicle carrying the explosive charges and detonators, or on a suitable carrier, or backpack for the receiver, mountable on the back of a person who prepares the holes. In other embodiments, the position-related data may be determined by a control or calculation related to the distance, more particularly by determining the distance data between the pits, using for example, a radio device, a common device, an optical device, or a device operated by laser. In another step, the identification numbers of the detonators 14. 1 to 14.8 in each of the holes 12.1 to 12.8 are determined, for example, by an electronic reading or preferably by reading them passively, for example when reading by means of a code reader. bars 36, a bar code template 34 in a body or a connector (not shown) of the detonator. The detonator identity number, the GPS data of the hole, the data with respect to the depth of the considered hole, the data with with respect to the type and mass of the explosive in the hole and the data with respect to the geological structure are captured in a portable data capture device 18. The device 18 is connectable to the bar code reader 36 to receive the identity number, the GPS receiver 19 to receive the position data and also to the central controller 16, to download the mentioned data. As indicated above, the detonators are identical except for their identification numbers. Therefore only the detonator 14.1 will be described with reference to Figure 3. The detonator 14.1 comprises a memory-only array (ROM) 22 that stores the individual pre-programmed identification code (DET # 1), a local timer 24 for timing a delay time, data with respect to which it is charged and stored in the detonator as will be described later, a capacitor 26 for storing electric charge and a switching arrangement 28, which, when activated by a local controller 30, causes the charge stored in the capacitor to discharge into a fuse head 32, such as a semiconductor bridge (SCB). The local controller comprises temporary access memory (RAM) for storing the aforementioned delay time data associated with the detonator 14.1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the controller 16 is connected by the electrical wires 20 to the detonators 14. the 14.8. As stated above, the data capture device 18 is connectable to the controller 16. The GPS data, the ID code and the other data relating to the previous ones captured on device 18 are led to the controller 16. The controller 16 then uses the GPS data, the ID code and the data regarding the explosive type used, the mass of the explosive per hole, the depth of the hole and the geological data to compute a program of time delay, comprising delay times from a common ignition signal , for each of the hole positions. An energizing signal is transmitted by line 20 to charge capacitor 26 of each detonator. Subsequently, the data regarding the delay times are transmitted by line 20 to the respective detonators in the corresponding holes, using the identification codes of the detonators co or addresses. The time delay data is stored in the RAM of each local controller 30. The next step is to transmit a common ignition signal on line 20 to all the detonators simultaneously. The timers 24 in each of the detonators then measure the delay time stored in the RAM and associated with the detonator, before the local controller causes the switch or switch 28 to close, to cause the load on the capacitor 26 to accumulate in the fuse, to activate the detonator, causing the associated explosive charge to explode as part of the blasting multiple shots. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the electrical communication line 20 is replaced by a radio frequency (RF) link. The controller 116 comprises an RF transmitter (not shown) and the antenna 38 and each detonator 114.1 to 114.8 comprises an RF receiver (not shown) and an antenna 40.1 to 40.8 respectively. In this embodiment, the bar code reader and the data capture device can be incorporated into a single portable unit 36. the unit 36 is connectable to the controller 116 and the GPS receiver 19 is connectable to the unit 36, to send the GPS data. In this mode the energizing signal, the delay time data and the common ignition signal are transmitted over the RF link. In another method mode, the position related data is entered manually or automatically into the central controller. When entering the data, the controller automatically determines the firing sequences and the delay times. The delay times are set by the controller. { which preferably is in a remote location from the detonators and associated loads) and the ignition signals are transmitted in sequence by the controller to the detonators according to the desired ignition sequence. It will be appreciated that there are many variations in detail for the technician without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims (31)

1. RE I V I ND I CAC I ONE S 1. - A method for causing an explosion or blasting of multiple shots, including the steps of: selecting a plurality of spaced positions to locate the detonators at a blasting site; in each position, determine the data related to the position for that detonator position; use the data related to the position to establish a blasting program; and providing signals to the detonators in the detonator position to cause their detonation according to the program.
2. 2. A method according to claim 1, which includes the step of determining the identification code data of each of the detonators before establishing the blasting program. 3. - A method according to claim 2, wherein the giving of the identification code data is determined by reading the data electronically from a memory array that is part of the detonator. 4. - A common according to claim 2, wherein the identification code data is passively determined. 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the identification code data is provided in the form of a bar code template in the detonator and wherein the barcode template is read by a code reader of bars. 6. - A method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the position data is determined by determining the distances between the positions of the detonators. 7. - A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the data related to the position are determined when determining the data of the position coordinates for each position of the detonator. 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the coordinates of position data are determined using a global positioning system (GPS) that includes a GPS receiver, and at least one terrestrial satellite in common. 9. - A method according to one of the claims 2-8, wherein the position data and the identification code data are captured in a data reading, storage and downloading device. 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the captured data is conducted to a central controller to establish the blast and blast program. 11. - A method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the step of providing signals to the detonators includes the step of transmitting to each of the detonators using their identification code data as address, the data of the delay in reference to the delay time from a common ignition signal for each of the detonators to explode. 12. A method according to claim 11, wherein before the detonator data are transmitted to the detonators, the detonators are energized by transmitting an energizing signal to the detonators. 13. A method of arranging in time an explosion or blasting of multiple shots that includes the steps of: locating a detonator array that includes a detonator that has a previously programmed identification code, and an associated explosive charge in each of a plurality of spaced detonator positions; in each position, determining the respective data of the identification code with respect to the detonator in that position and the related position data for that position of the detonator; transferring the respective data of the detonator identification code and the data related to the respective position to a central controller; computing for each detonator position, the data relating to a respective delay time from the receipt of a common common ignition signal from which the detonator in that position must cause its associated charge to explode; use the respective data of the detonator identification code and transmit the respective data of the delay time to each detonator in the respective positions; and transmitting a common ignition signal to each detonator to cause its associated charge to explode common from the respective delay time computed for that detonator position. 14. A method for preparing an explosion site, which method includes the steps of: selecting a plurality of spaced locations to locate electronic detonators; in each position determine the data related to the position for that position; and transfer the data related to the position to a central controller; 15. - A method to cause a blasting operation or explosion of multiple shots of a series of explosive charges separated from each other, in a blasting site, the method includes the steps of .- automatically determine the related data of position in each place of cargo; determine from the position data the correct ignition sequence; and apply the ignition sequence to the series of charges. 16. - A method according to claim 15, in which the automatic determination of position-related data at each loading location is obtained using: a radio device, a common device, an optical device, a laser-operated device, or a global positioning system receiver. 17. A method according to claim 16, in which the position related data is determined by an absolute position control. 18. A method according to claim 16, in which the data related to the position is determined by a control performed with the distance. 19. - A common according to one of claims 15-18, in which the required sequence of ignition is determined from the position data by the manual or automatic application of the data to a data warehouse. 20. A method according to claim 19, in which the data warehouse is connected to is incorporated in a remote controller that functions to send ignition signals in sequence to the individual loads, according to the ignition sequence that is required 21. A method according to claim 19, in which the data store provides respective data of the ignition sequence to individual local controllers each associated with a load, and by issuing a common ignition signal to the local controllers , the ignition is carried out in sequence of the loads, according to the ignition sequence that is required. 22. An explosive ignition system that includes: a plurality of detonators; a central controller to control the operation of the detonators; position determining means for determining the data related to the position for each of a plurality of positions suitable for the detonators in a blasting area; the central controller is arranged to use the data related to the position to compute a blasting program; means for transferring signals related to the blasting program to the detonators to cause detonation of them, according to the blasting program. 23. A system according to claim 22, wherein the controller in computing the blasting program computes for each position the delay time data referring to the delay time from the reception of a common ignition signal of which a The detonator in that position must cause an associated charge to explode. 24. A system according to claim 22, 23, which also includes means for applying or entering the identification code data associated with each detonator. 25. A system according to any of claims 22-24, wherein the means determining the position include a GPS global positioning system, which includes a GPS receiver, cooperating with at least one terrestrial satellite in common. 26.- A system according to any of claims 22-25, which also includes a device for receiving data related to the position and identification code data in the position of the detonator and for downloading or conveying that data to the central controller. 27. A system according to any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the signal transfer means includes a wired communication path between the controller and the detonators. 28. A system according to any of claims 22-26, wherein the signal transfer means includes a radio frequency link between the controller and the detonators. 29.- A method to cause an explosion of multiple shots basically as described, with reference to the attached diagrams. 30.- A method for disposing in time a blast or explosion of multiple shots substantially as described with reference to the attached diagrams. 31. - An explosive ignition system basically as described, with reference to the attached diagrams.