Explosives and Detonation Process

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What is the primary function of a booster in the detonation process?

To create zones of high energy release along the length of the column (correct)

To reduce the initiation energy required for the detonation process

To provide a stable condition for the detonation process

To initiate the main column in the blasthole

What type of explosive is commonly used to initiate the main column in a blasthole?

Low-strength, sensitive explosive

High-strength, sensitive explosive (correct)

High-strength, insensitive explosive

Low-strength, insensitive explosive

What is the minimum requirement for initiating ANFO in blastholes under 10m in length and kept dry?

One bottom primer and one booster

One bottom primer (correct)

Two bottom primers and one booster

Two boosters and no primer

What is the risk of separating the explosive column during charging in blastholes that pass through zones of different lithological characteristics and fracture frequency?

Drill cuttings and loose rock can fall into the blasthole Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a primer in the detonation process?

To initiate the main column in the blasthole Signup and view all the answers

Why have various theories been developed on initiation since the seventies?

To create confusion amongst operators Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of placing a weight or heavy rock on the end of the detonating cord?

To ensure the boosters are correctly placed at the calculated depth Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to prepare the downline for multiple priming outside the hole in certain cases?

To prevent the primers from floating or being pushed upwards Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using watergels and emulsions as blasting agents?

They have high water resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for initiating charges in blastholes with diameters under 150 mm?

Multiple initiation system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of increasing the recommended weight of the primers in blastholes with diameters under 150 mm?

To compensate for the smaller diameter of the blasthole Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential problem that can occur when using watergels and emulsions as blasting agents?

Desensitization by the downline Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended priming approach to eliminate the risk of incomplete detonation in any of the holes?

Multiple priming with an initiator every 4 or 5 m Signup and view all the answers

What determines the efficiency of a primer in the priming of ANFO?

Detonation pressure, dimensions, and shape Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a detonation pressure less than a certain value on the detonation velocity of ANFO?

It produces a partial reduction in the detonation velocity Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum diameter of the primer required to eliminate low VD zones in ANFO?

Above 2 times that of the charge Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical run-up distance for a slurry to reach the detonation velocity regime?

3 to 6 times that of the charge Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the minimum dimensions of pentolite boosters shown in Table 14.1?

To determine the minimum dimensions for different blasthole diameters Signup and view all the answers

Explosives and Detonation Process

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