Controlling fume generation with TITAN® 9000xero®
Document type: Case Study

Controlling Fume Generation with
 TITAN® 9000xero®

replacing, to ensure that the solution would require minimal
 Project Summary changes from an operational perspective. As the bulk
 additive replacement utilised is also less hazardous and not
 classified as a dangerous good, no alteration to onsite
A LOW FUME BULK EXPLOSIVE IDEALLY SUITED explosive storage limits was required.
TO SOFT WET GROUND

Dyno Nobel developed TITAN 9000xero to provide a
practical, innovative and reliable solution for reducing post
blast fume (NOx) when blasting in wet/damp, soft or
fractured ground conditions. The product is based on TITAN
9000 emulsion with the inclusion of a bulk additive. The key
to the product lies in the replacement of ammonium nitrate
(AN) prill with a functional bulk additive, eliminating the
potential for water damage to AN prill. The result is a high
emulsion content, reduced weight strength bulk explosive.

As the bulk additive has similar handling characteristics to
AN prill, it can be stored and transported in a similar manner No NOx when using TITAN 9000xero
to AN prill. In addition, TITAN 9000xero can be delivered
through a standard mobile processing unit (MPU) into the
blasthole via auger or pump.
 Project Goals
Extensive trials have taken place at three coal mine sites in
Eastern Australia, with extremely positive results. No NOx
emissions have been recorded to date. ACHIEVE ZERO NOX EMISSIONS

The main project goals were to:
 Background
 1. Achieve zero NOx emissions.
 2. Achieve suitable blasting performance.
SOFT, WET AND FRACTURED GROUND LINKED 3. Develop a product that required no alterations to
WITH ELEVATED NOX EMISSIONS storage and handling equipment.
 4. Develop a product that could be delivered through a
Blasting in soft, wet tertiary material has been associated standard MPU.
with elevated NOx emissions within the coal mining industry
for many years. When blasting in these conditions, NOx
emissions can typically vary considerably, even with the
same bulk product type, and thus developing an appropriate
mitigation strategy can be challenging.

The replacement of AN prill with alternative bulking
additives has been used successfully within the industry for
the reduction of fume emissions for many years. However,
in some instances the use of these products has created
operational impediments.

In 2014, Dyno Nobel was approached by an Eastern
Australian coal mine to provide a product solution for
blasting in soft, wet tertiary material. The focus of the
 TITAN 9000xero is based on TITAN 9000 emulsion, with the
project was on incorporating a bulk additive replacement inclusion of a functional bulk additive
that had similar handling characteristics to the AN prill it was

©2015 Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Limited

Controlling Fume Generation with
 TITAN® 9000xero®

Technology Applied Value Added
RIGOROUS PRODUCT TESTING SUPPORTING THE RIGHT TO MINE
Dyno Nobel’s product development protocol requires all The ‘Right to Mine’ is strongly linked to achieving strict
products to be blasted in pipes at our R&D test site prior to environmental objectives, particularly for those mine sites
being fired in the ground. Minimum booster testing and in close proximity to landholders and townships. For these
Velocity of Detonation (VoD) measurement provided sites, control over NOx generation is critical to ensure
important information on the performance of the explosive sustainable production and mine longevity. product. For the onsite verification of the TITAN 9000xero product,
Successful detonation in pipes was achieved, with average areas with high historical NOx emissions were targeted. VoD measurements of between 4,500 – 5,000 m/s These areas typically generated NOx on every blast with
recorded. For ‘in-field’ product verification of VoD, a ratings from Level 1 to Level 5. The product was tested in
ShotTrack® was used to monitor blasthole VoD, with a standard operating environment for the mine site, no
average measurements of between 4,400 – 5,000 m/s modifications to blast design with respect to confinement
being recorded.

r blasthole VoD, with a standard operating environment for the mine site, no
average measurements of between 4,400 – 5,000 m/s modifications to blast design with respect to confinement
being recorded. and timing were implemented and, in addition, standard
 site based loading procedures and sleep times were
Blast chamber testing was conducted at our R&D test
 utilised. The product verification process tracked and
facility in the US to verify the gas components generated
 delivered 35 consecutive NOx free blasts in eastern
by the explosive product. In addition, during field testing
 Australian coal mines. in-field gas monitors were used to collect data. Video
recording was employed to enhance post blast analysis of The testing has confirmed that Dyno Nobel’s TITAN
blast cloud generation. 9000xero is a reliable bulk product solution for soft, wet
 and fractured ground conditions when NOx emissions
 must be controlled.

For more information contact your Dyno Nobel
 representative, visit www.dynonobel.com or call
 1800 251 872.

TITAN 9000xero can be delivered through a standard MPU
into the blasthole via auger or pump
 ®

Disclaimer This case study is provided for informational purposes only. No representation or warranty express or implied, is made or intended by
DYNO NOBEL INC. / DYNO NOBEL ASIA PACIFIC PTY LIMITED or its affiliates as to the applicability of any procedures to any particular situation
or circumstance or as to the completeness or accuracy of any information contained herein and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, each of
them expressly disclaims any and all liability arising from the use of this document or the information contained herein. User assumes sole
responsibility for all results and consequences of such use.
Dyno Nobel Inc. and Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Limited (ACN 003 269 010) are subsidiaries of Incitec Pivot Limited (ACN 004 080 264) Level 8,
28 Freshwater Place, Southbank Vic 3006
® DYNO, GROUNDBREAKING PERFORMANCE, TITAN, 9000xero, DynoConsult and the DC device are registered trademarks of the Dyno Nobel
/ Incitec Pivot Group. SHOTTRACK is a registered trademark of ShotTrack Pty Ltd

©2015 Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Limited