Saver Plugs
For Blast Efficiency
Detonation Wave / Borehole Pressure
After detonation, the shock wave causes a very high pressure – peak pressure
Following the shock wave pressure, is the reaction zone. At the end of this zone, the chemical reaction is complete. The explosives energy is now released and contained in the blasthole as a detonation wave. This wave is acting on the walls of the blasthole from the point of detonation to complete failure.
T1 – detonation complete, blast hole expanded, a crush zone appeared and radial cracks have grown.
T2 – expanded blast hole, crush zone has grown, radial cracks are longer and wider, and gasses moved into cracks. All of this results in a drop in pressure in the borehole.
T3 – Borehole disintegrated and gasses released into atmosphere.
The Saver Plug methodology increases the time that energy and gasses are contained in the rock formation.
Conventional
Instantaneous energy release – no energy retention
Detonation path – way of least resistance – upwards direction only
Sub drill needed to achieve desired floor level
The explosives energy released and contained in the blasthole, as a detonation wave, is shortened due to the detonation path design
Impacts on fragmentation, fly rock, vibration, floor condition and bench face stability
Utilizing Energy
How do we then utilize the explosives energy more efficiently, and KEEP THE ENERGY IN THE GROUND FOR LONGER?
​
The methodology entails creating a void in the bottom of a blast hole by inserting a Saver Plug device to reach the bottom of the hole.
When the initiation takes place, it allows the explosives energy to act repeatedly in pulses, instead of instantaneously.
The void then acts as a regulator, retaining some of the energy and sending pulses into the rock formation over a longer period of time. The detonation path is now allowed to react in all directions, and not just upwards as per conventional blasting. The Saver Plug reduces the wastage of the Explosive Energy in excessive crushing and at the same time transfer the remaining Explosive Energy in rock breakage. The net result is, by using 1 meter less explosives per hole, thus reducing the Powder Factor, the same or better result is achieved, confirming the “Less is More” principle.
​
Optimizing Energy Distribution In The Blast Hole
Primary loading pressure still very high, but total time after initiation is MUCH longer.
Energy retention much longer.
The above application results in less fly rock, less vibration, improved fragmentation, wall stability, improved floor conditions and possible reduction in sub drill
Application & Bottom Hole Effect
Bench Preparation
Cost Saving Calculator
Fragmentation Analysis
Improved Floor Control And High Wall Stability
