6. Mine Blasting

Question 1

What has the greatest impact on the success of a blast?

Answer 1

rock properties

Question 2

VOD

Answer 2

Velocity of Detonation; the speed at which detonation waves travel through a column of an explosive

Question 3

Critical Density

Answer 3

the maximum density up to which an explosive will perform properly

Question 4

Explosive Density

Answer 4

mass of explosive per volume

Question 5

Cartridge Stick Count

Answer 5

number of sticks of product at its diameter and in 25kg

Question 6

Sensitivity

Answer 6

ease at which an explosive will explode

Question 7

Sensitiveness

Answer 7

distance through air that a primed half-cartridge will detonate an unprimed half-cartridge

Question 8

Water Resistance

Answer 8

the number of hours an explosive can be submerged in water and still reliably detonate

Question 9

Weight Strength

Answer 9

energy output (heat) per unit weight

Question 10

Absolute Weight Strength

Answer 10

explosive energy per unit weight

Question 11

Relative Weight Strength

Answer 11

ratio of absolute weight strength of explosive to ANFO

Question 12

Absolute Bulk Strength

Answer 12

the heat of reaction in each cm3 of material

Question 13

Relative Bulk Strength

Answer 13

ratio of absolute bulk strength of explosive to ANFO

Question 14

What are the 3 basic forms of commercial explosives?

Answer 14

1. granular
2. gelatin
3. slurry/emulsion

Question 15

What is meant by chemical stability?

Answer 15

the ability of an explosive to remain chemically unchanged with stored

Question 16

Powder Factor

Answer 16

the weight of explosives per tonne of blasted rock