Aplicação da espoleta eletrônica no desmonte de rochas com explosivos.

Abstract

Rock blasting using high technology explosives and accessories has progressed, despite its complexity and the small faction of the energy effectively used in fragmentation and the environmental impacts and risks of accidents. New techniques for monitoring are tools that may help to improve fragmentation, rock throw, muck pile shape, and slopes stability, and control undesirable impacts. Tuning of initiation timing and sequencing represents parameters of great relevance in rock blasting process. Presently there are several types of initiators, both instantaneous and with delay elements. Among the initiators types one may cite the following: pyrotechnic, electric, electromagnetic, non-electric and electronic. The electronic initiation system, despite being in its second generation, has been employed in Brazil only after 2002. That system allows greater flexibility in the adjustment of timing (1 to 15,000 milliseconds) and a smaller dispersion, as compared with other types of initiators. Those features allows for a better control of blasting operations. The sequence of detonation and the timing for initiation of explosives charges have an effective participation in the particle velocities and in the fragmentation the results form blasting. The control of those two parameters may turn viable blasting in areas previously interdicted, or even allowing continuity of blasting works in other areas, by attending environmental norms in economically viable ways. The use of electronic detonators has proved that the control f the above mentioned parameters presents positive results in controlling vibrations and fragmentation in rock blasting with explosives. That fact will enhance the horizon for the mining industry.