WO2006122331A1 - Gestion de commande d'un systeme d'explosion - Google Patents

Gestion de commande d'un systeme d'explosion Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006122331A1
WO2006122331A1 PCT/ZA2006/000050 ZA2006000050W WO2006122331A1 WO 2006122331 A1 WO2006122331 A1 WO 2006122331A1 ZA 2006000050 W ZA2006000050 W ZA 2006000050W WO 2006122331 A1 WO2006122331 A1 WO 2006122331A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
blasting system
blast
detonator
component
energy source
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2006/000050
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Riaan Lingerfelder Van Wyk
Original Assignee
Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd filed Critical Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Priority to ES06760753.1T priority Critical patent/ES2565237T3/es
Priority to EP06760753.1A priority patent/EP1880162B1/fr
Priority to US11/817,579 priority patent/US20080245251A1/en
Priority to CA2606797A priority patent/CA2606797C/fr
Priority to AU2006243909A priority patent/AU2006243909B2/en
Publication of WO2006122331A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006122331A1/fr
Priority to US12/537,530 priority patent/US20090293751A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42D—BLASTING
    • F42D5/00—Safety arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42D—BLASTING
    • F42D1/00—Blasting methods or apparatus, e.g. loading or tamping
    • F42D1/04—Arrangements for ignition
    • F42D1/045—Arrangements for electric ignition
    • F42D1/05—Electric circuits for blasting

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a blasting system and more particularly is concerned with the safe management of power delivered to detonators or equipment in a radio frequency or remote wired blasting lead-in system.
  • a remote blasting system for example a system which uses radio frequency to control and initiate a blast, normally employs an electronic or software system, with or without encryption techniques, to fire the blast.
  • a blast energy source which can be found in a downstream communication unit, is physically connected to detonators in the system which therefore relies only on logic and software security techniques to ensure that the blast is not initiated prematurely nor without upstream control.
  • a difficulty with this type of remote blasting system is that if a problem is encountered in the blasting area there is often uncertainty as to whether or not the blast energy source is connected to the detonators. This uncertainty means that the blast system cannot unequivocally be declared to be safe nor can it be said with greatity that personnel are free to enter the blast site.
  • a further risk which can exist is that, once a downstream control unit is connected to the detonators, an immediate or premature initiation of the system, during power up or connection of a detonator harness, can only be stopped by an electronic command signal. This carries with it the consequence that firmware, software or specific electronic failures can initiate an unplanned blast.
  • the invention is concerned with a blasting system which at least partly acidress-es the aforementioned problems and which provides for the safe management of power to detonators in the blasting system.
  • the invention provides a blasting system which includes at least one detonator, a blast energy source, a connection between the blast energy source and the at least one detonator, and control equipment for controlling initiation of the at least one detonator by causing energy from the blast energy source to be supplied to the at least one detonator, and wherein at least one component of the blasting system is physically movable from an operative position to a safe position, which is visible by an operator, at which blast energy from the energy source cannot be supplied to the at least one detonator.
  • the component may be selected from the blast energy source and a link in the connection.
  • the component may be moved, or be caused to move, in any appropriate way.
  • the component may for example be movable by means of a biasing mechanism which is held in a first state when a first acceptable set of conditions pertains in the blasting system and which is released to a second state when an unacceptable condition arises in the blasting system. In the second state the component is in the aforementioned safe position.
  • This movement of the component to the safe position may be caused or initiated by at least one of the following: a) after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a given starting time - the starting time may for example be a time at which the component was moved from the safe position to the operative position; b) after communication was established on the connection by means of the control equipment followed by a malfunction; and c) if a malfunction of part or all of the control equipment occurs.
  • the control equipment may include an upstream control unit and a downstream control unit, the latter unit being closer to the detonators than the former unit and wherein the downstream unit is incapable of generating a blast command signal but can receive a blast command signal from the upstream control unit and transfer the blast command signal to the at least one detonator.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a blast system according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a downstream blast control unit included in the blast system of the invention.
  • Figure 3 illustrates the construction of a mechanism for moving a link in the blast system between an operative position and a safe position
  • FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a blast system 10 adcordirvg to the invention which includes a plurality of detonators 12 which are connected to a harness 14, a downstream blast control unit 16, an upstream blast control unit 18, a connection 20 between the upstream unit and the downstream unit, and additional or optional control equipment 22.
  • the detonators are installed in a defined blast pattern, in blast holes, as desired.
  • connection 20 may be effected via a wired connection i.e. by means of a conductor 24, or wirelessly through the medium of a radio system 26 which includes two transmitting/receiving antennas respectively connected to the units 16 and 18.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates, enclosed in dotted outline, the construction of the downstream blast control unit 16 which is connected via the harness 14 to the detonators 12.
  • a blast energy source 30 can be a power source such as a battery, or a voltage step-up circuit with a voltage level which is capable of energising a detonator to set off a blast.
  • this source can be ejectable from an operative to a safe position.
  • a similar effect can be achieved by ejecting a connection, not shown, which connects the blast energy source to equipment which controls the application of energy from the blast energy source to the detonators, from an operative position to a safe position, upon the occurrence of an unsafe or potentially unsafe situation.
  • the unit 16 includes first and second timers 32 and 34 which control respective switches or links 32A and 34A 1 a voltage monitor 36 which has an audio output 38 and a visual output 40, a link 42 the physical construction of which is shown in further detail in Figure 3, and a control circuit 44 which is responsive to a receiver and transmitter 46.
  • the control unit and the receiver/transmitter may be duplicated, as is indicated in dotted outline in Figure 2, for redundancy purposes.
  • the link 32A is independently operated by the timer 32 which is activated automatically upon start up of the downstream blast control unit 16. At start up the link 32A is closed and it is opened automatically after a predetermined period which is measured by the timer 32. This period is independently fixed and it is not dependent on any component of the system 10. The function of the timer 32 is to ensure that the system returns to a state of safety after the predetermined time period.
  • the timer 32 may be electronic or mechanical but, preferably, the timer is not microprocessor-based i.e. it is not dependent on software or software routines.
  • the link 34A is also in the blast energy path between the blast energy source 30 and the detonators and, like the link 32A, it is activated upon start up of the downstream blast control unit 16. On start up the link is opened and it is closed after the timing period of the timer 34. The function of this link is to provide a safety or grace period before the system can be armed, during which personnel who armed
  • the blast system are able to leave the blast site under safe conditions.
  • the monitor 36 monitors the voltage on the line downstream of the link 34A. Detection of a voltage on the line is indicative that the link 34A is closed and then, to ensure safe operation, the link 42 must not be closed. If a voltage is detected on the line then the audio and visual alarms 34 and 40 respectively are energised.
  • One embodiment of the link 42 is shown in Figure 3.
  • the link can take on a variety of forms (see Figures 4 and 5) but it should provide a visible indication, ascertainable from a safe distance, that it is in an open or closed state, as the case may be.
  • the link should include at least one component which physically moves, and the position of which is indicative of the state of the link.
  • the normal state of the link 42 is open and an active action is required to place the link in a closed state.
  • the link is designed to be responsive to any undesired condition in the blast system, for example a power failure or malfunction in the control unit 44 or the timer 32. These events are given only by way of example for the link, as stated, could be responsive to any other condition or parameter which can be monitored.
  • the Figure 3 embodiment of the link 42 includes a housing 50 with a close fitting cup-shaped plunger 52.
  • Lower ends of the plunger include contacts 54 and 56 respectively which, when the plunger is inserted to a maximum extent into the housing, are brought into direct electrical contact with corresponding contacts 58 and 60 respectively fixed to an inner surface of the housing at a lower end thereof.
  • Conductors 62 and 64 extend from the contacts 58 and 60 and, as shown in Figure 2, go to the link 34A and a link 66 which is controlled by the control unit 44.
  • a spring or any equivalent biasing mechanism 70 is inside the housing and normally urges the plunger 52 away to extend out of the housing.
  • a conductor 72 is embedded in the plunger and extends between the contacts 54 and 56.
  • Two metal slugs 74 and 76 are fixed to an inner surface of the plunger and oppose solenoids 78 and 80 mounted to a base 82 of the plunger. If the solenoids are energised and the plunger is pushed inwardly then the solenoids exert sufficient attractive forces which act on the metal slugs 74 and 76, to keep the plunger in a retracted position. If the power supply to either solenoid is interrupted then the attractive force is at least halved or, if both solenoids are de-energised, the attractive force is reduced to zero.
  • the biasing force of the spring 70 is then such that, automatically, the plunger is pushed out of the housing 50 to a position which is clearly visible and which indicates to an observer that the electric connection between the conductors 62 and 64 is broken.
  • the downstream blast control unit is under the control of the control unit 44.
  • the control unit 44 will only close the link 66 if a valid command is received from the upstream blast control unit 18 which is under operator control.
  • a valid signal can be generated by and transmitted from the additional control unit 22.
  • communication from the upstream unit to the downstream unit can be established via a physical hard wire connection 24, or wirelessly over the antenna system 26.
  • the antenna which is shown in Figure 1 as being connected to the downstream blast control unit 16 is connected to the receiver/transmitter unit 46 of Figure 2.
  • the control unit can be responsive to a command instruction from the upstream unit 18 to interrupt the power supply to one or both the solenoids 78 and 80 thereby to cause the link 42 to be activated whereupon the plunger 52 is substantially ejected from the housing 54. A similar process takes place if the control unit establishes that the integrity of any component or module in the blast system has been compromised.
  • the redundancy circuits, marked 44A and 46A are essentially duplicates of the modules 44 and 46 respectively and function in the same way to ensure that backup is automatically provided upon failure of either module.
  • One or both of the circuits can be coupled to the link 42 and cause activation of the link, thereby placing the system in a state of safety, if a circuit malfunction occurs.
  • the transceiver 46 does not take part in any interlocking or blasting decisions. Its function is to channel the data stream between the upstream and downstream control units.
  • the link 32A automatically opens. When this occurs the link 42 is also opened to provide a visual indication that the system has been returned to a safe state.
  • the link 34A is opened for a predetermined time period, set by the timer 34, during which all personnel should leave the blast site.
  • the link 34A is closed and the detonators can be armed and thereafter fired with a blast command signal generated by the control equipment.
  • the timer 34 provides a grace period during which personnel can leave the blast site with safety before the electronic control system takes control of the detonators.
  • Figure 4 shows a component 42A which can be used in place of the link 42 shown in Figure 3.
  • the component includes opposed solenoids 84 and 86 each of which acts on a respective latch 88 and 90, mounted for pivotal movement about a respective axis 92 and 94.
  • Structure 96 which, according to requirement, carries a visible blast energy source (eg. a battery), blast energy converter or a connector, designated 98, is held in an operative position (as shown) by the latches 88 and 90.
  • a command instruction is received from the upstream unit 18 or if a malfunction is detected then the power supply to one or both solenoids is interrupted.
  • a spring 100 on a plunger 102 of a de-energised solenoid then rotates the respective latch in the direction of an arrow 104 or 106, as the case may be.
  • a spring-loaded member 108 then forces the structure 96 upwardly to provide a visible indication of
  • FIG. 5 shows another possible form of the link 42.
  • a component 42B includes structure 96B, which can carry a blast energy source or converter, or a connector link, and which is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis 110.
  • a solenoid 84B acts on a latch 88B which moves about a pivot 92B and which can retain the structure in an operative position, as shown.
  • a coil spring not shown, centred on the axis 110, is biased. If for any reason, e.g. a malfunction occurring in the blasting circuit, the solenoid is de-energised, the spring causes the structure to pivot upwardly, about the axis 110, in the direction of an arrow 112. A cam formation 114 on the structure then acts on a spring-loaded plunger 116 and breaks an electrical connection or connections in the blasting circuit which is thereby rendered safe.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Safety Devices In Control Systems (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
  • Laser Surgery Devices (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
  • Power Sources (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'explosion dans lequel des détonateurs sont connectés à une source d'énergie d'explosion à l'aide d'un composant faisant partie du système d'explosion et physiquement amovible sur une position de sécurité, pouvant être visuellement distinguée par un opérateur, et sur laquelle l'allumage du détonateur ne peut se produire si une condition non désirée ou dangereuse se produit dans le système d'explosion.
PCT/ZA2006/000050 2005-05-09 2006-04-04 Gestion de commande d'un systeme d'explosion WO2006122331A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES06760753.1T ES2565237T3 (es) 2005-05-09 2006-04-04 Gestión de potencia de sistema de entrada de explosión
EP06760753.1A EP1880162B1 (fr) 2005-05-09 2006-04-04 Gestion de commande d'un systeme d'explosion
US11/817,579 US20080245251A1 (en) 2005-05-09 2006-04-04 Power Management Of Blasting Lead-In System
CA2606797A CA2606797C (fr) 2005-05-09 2006-04-04 Gestion de commande d'un systeme d'explosion
AU2006243909A AU2006243909B2 (en) 2005-05-09 2006-04-04 Power management of blasting lead-in system
US12/537,530 US20090293751A1 (en) 2005-05-09 2009-08-07 Power management of blasting lead-in system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2005/03721 2005-05-09
ZA200503721 2005-05-09

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/537,530 Continuation US20090293751A1 (en) 2005-05-09 2009-08-07 Power management of blasting lead-in system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006122331A1 true WO2006122331A1 (fr) 2006-11-16

Family

ID=36950273

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ZA2006/000050 WO2006122331A1 (fr) 2005-05-09 2006-04-04 Gestion de commande d'un systeme d'explosion

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (2) US20080245251A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1880162B1 (fr)
AR (1) AR056659A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2006243909B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2606797C (fr)
ES (1) ES2565237T3 (fr)
PE (1) PE20061472A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006122331A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA200704583B (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101813445A (zh) * 2009-08-21 2010-08-25 北京维深数码科技有限公司 一种爆破系统及其起爆时间控制方法
WO2012034137A1 (fr) * 2010-09-09 2012-03-15 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Limited Agencement de sautage
WO2012034138A1 (fr) * 2010-09-06 2012-03-15 Ael Mining Services Limited Allumeur de tube à chocs
WO2015039148A3 (fr) * 2013-09-03 2016-02-11 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Limited Identification d'un détonateur et attribution de temps

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10468788B1 (en) * 2017-08-16 2019-11-05 National Technology & Engineering Solutions Of Sandia, Llc Multi-dimensional cable shorting tool

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4325304A (en) * 1979-02-03 1982-04-20 The Solartron Electronic Group Limited Pyrotechnic devices and systems and firing circuits therefor
US6374739B1 (en) * 2000-06-16 2002-04-23 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Lockable electro-optical high voltage apparatus and method for slapper detonators
US6490977B1 (en) * 1998-03-30 2002-12-10 Magicfire, Inc. Precision pyrotechnic display system and method having increased safety and timing accuracy
US6732656B1 (en) * 2002-09-16 2004-05-11 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force High voltage tolerant explosive initiation

Family Cites Families (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4727809A (en) * 1985-12-06 1988-03-01 The Marconi Company Limited Detonation safety mechanism
US4884506A (en) * 1986-11-06 1989-12-05 Electronic Warfare Associates, Inc. Remote detonation of explosive charges
GB8901081D0 (en) * 1989-01-18 1989-09-20 Marconi Co Ltd Explosive mine
SE515809C2 (sv) * 2000-03-10 2001-10-15 Dyno Nobel Sweden Ab Förfarande vid avfyring av elektroniksprängkapslar i ett detonatorsystem samt ett detonatorsystem innefattande elektroniksprängkapslarna

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4325304A (en) * 1979-02-03 1982-04-20 The Solartron Electronic Group Limited Pyrotechnic devices and systems and firing circuits therefor
US6490977B1 (en) * 1998-03-30 2002-12-10 Magicfire, Inc. Precision pyrotechnic display system and method having increased safety and timing accuracy
US6374739B1 (en) * 2000-06-16 2002-04-23 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Lockable electro-optical high voltage apparatus and method for slapper detonators
US6732656B1 (en) * 2002-09-16 2004-05-11 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force High voltage tolerant explosive initiation

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101813445A (zh) * 2009-08-21 2010-08-25 北京维深数码科技有限公司 一种爆破系统及其起爆时间控制方法
WO2012034138A1 (fr) * 2010-09-06 2012-03-15 Ael Mining Services Limited Allumeur de tube à chocs
WO2012034137A1 (fr) * 2010-09-09 2012-03-15 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Limited Agencement de sautage
WO2015039148A3 (fr) * 2013-09-03 2016-02-11 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Limited Identification d'un détonateur et attribution de temps
US9671207B2 (en) 2013-09-03 2017-06-06 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd (Za) Detonator identification and timing assignment
AU2014318380B2 (en) * 2013-09-03 2018-05-10 Detnet South Africa (Pty) Limited Detonator identification
EA030112B1 (ru) * 2013-09-03 2018-06-29 Детнет Саус Африка (Пти) Лимитед Идентификация детонатора и назначение времени выдержки

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20090293751A1 (en) 2009-12-03
AR056659A1 (es) 2007-10-17
CA2606797A1 (fr) 2006-11-16
AU2006243909B2 (en) 2011-03-10
PE20061472A1 (es) 2007-01-16
AU2006243909A1 (en) 2006-11-16
EP1880162B1 (fr) 2016-01-13
EP1880162A1 (fr) 2008-01-23
ZA200704583B (en) 2008-08-27
CA2606797C (fr) 2012-08-21
US20080245251A1 (en) 2008-10-09
ES2565237T3 (es) 2016-04-01

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