Understanding blast hole explosive column rise using TITAN® gassing technology
Document type: Case Study

Understanding Blast Hole Explosive Column
 Rise using TITAN® Gassing Technology

Background
CALCULATIONS PROPOSED TO SAVE TIME
AND MONEY
TITAN gassed emulsions have been used in quarries in
the Midwest United States for some time and it has been
the practice to load gassed emulsions to a predetermined
collar height versus loading on a calculated load weight
in the blast hole. The problem with loading in this manner is that it doesn’t
take into consideration emulsion temperatures, gassing
rates or gassing densities. Many believe that loading
in this fashion is much faster so holes are loaded to a Results
column height and when the explosives column reaches
the desired stemming height, the hole is immediately SAVINGS OF ABOUT 50 POUNDS PER HOLE
stemmed. REALIZED
The problem with the process, based on this consultants In the particular pattern where this technology was
observations, was the product never completely gassed demonstrated, 98% of the explosive columns came up
out resulting in higher than expected densities in the to the expected collar height. As a result, each hole
blast hole and higher charge weights than expected. In took approximately 50 lbs less than what normally would
addition, it often resulted in having to suck out excessive have been loaded and the shot results were excellent. product from holes that were not immediately stemmed.

bs less than what normally would
addition, it often resulted in having to suck out excessive have been loaded and the shot results were excellent. product from holes that were not immediately stemmed. The blaster and operator who participated in this exercise
 will be instrumental in helping others in the organization
 better understand the technology. Technology Applied
TITAN CALCULATOR TAKES THE GUESS Next Steps
WORK OUT OF COLUMN RISE
The expected explosives column rise varies considerably TRAINING AND AUDITS
based on hole depth and cup density making it difficult
for most blasters and operators to accurately estimate. After the week spent in the field with different operators
That is why they often apply rules of thumb such as one and blasters an eight hour training session was
foot of rise for every 10 ft of explosives being loaded. conducted focusing on the TITAN Gassing technology. Each blaster was given access to the TITAN Calculator. By utilizing the Titan Calculator, blasters can visually Follow up training and audits will be conducted in the
see what the expected bore hole rise will be based on future. hole depth and density. Based on this technology a
load sheet was created and provided to the operator so ~50lbs
 less explosives
that he could actually load the hole based on pounds per hole
required verses collar height.

Disclaimer This case study is provided for informational purposes only. No representation or warranty 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. User assumes sole responsibility for all results and consequences.
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