Definition and key technologies of fine blasting in mines

Under the background of rapid development of science and technology in the 21st century, all walks of life are undergoing unprecedented changes. As an important part of the national economy, the mining industry has also ushered in technological innovation and upgrading. Among them, the emergence and development of fine blasting technology not only marks the transition of mining rock blasting operations from traditional "controlled blasting" to a new stage of "fine blasting", but also provides strong support for safe production, efficient mining and environmental protection of mines. This article will conduct an in-depth discussion from multiple dimensions such as the definition, key technologies, equipment application, on-site management and future prospects of fine blasting.

1. Definition and significance of fine blasting

1.1 Definition of fine blasting

The concept of fine blasting was first proposed by Academician Mr.Xie in 2008. It emphasizes the precise control of the release of explosive energy and the crushing and throwing of media through quantitative rock blasting design, careful blasting construction and refined management. This control aims to achieve the expected rock blasting effect, while effectively controlling the harmful effects of rock blasting, ensuring the safety, reliability, advanced technology, green environmental protection and economic rationality of rock blasting operations.

1.2 The significance of fine blasting

The promotion and application of fine blasting technology has far-reaching significance for the mining industry. First, it can effectively improve the safety and reliability of blasting operations and reduce the probability of accidents; second, by accurately controlling the rock blasting process, it can optimize the rock crushing effect and improve mining efficiency; third, fine blasting helps to reduce the negative impact of blasting on the surrounding environment, which is in line with the current concept of green mine construction; finally, from an economic point of view, fine blasting technology can reduce production costs and improve the competitiveness of mining companies.

2. Key technologies of fine blasting

2.1 Quantitative parameter design

Quantitative parameter design is one of the core of fine blasting technology. It relies on the accurate acquisition and processing of basic mine data, including information on topography, rock structure, mining environment, etc. With the application of high-tech technologies such as 3D laser scanning and drone aerial photography, the collection of mine data has become more efficient and accurate. Based on these data, blasting engineers can use intelligent blasting design systems to design and optimize blasting plans. These systems can automatically calculate blasting parameters based on factors such as terrain, ore properties, and explosive performance, and provide engineers with a variety of rock blasting options to choose from, thereby greatly improving the scientificity and feasibility of the design.

2.2 Real-time feedback and adjustment of effects

In the process of fine blasting, real-time feedback and adjustment of effects are also crucial. Through the sensors and monitoring equipment arranged at the blasting site, data such as vibration, sound waves, and shock waves during the rock blasting process can be collected in real time. After processing, these data can be fed back to the blasting engineers in a timely manner to help them evaluate the rock blasting effect and adjust subsequent blasting parameters. In addition, some advanced blasting design systems also have the function of blasting effect prediction, which can predict future blasting effects based on current blasting parameters and monitoring data, providing engineers with more accurate decision-making support.

The blasting operation process is complex and the procedures are numerous. From the preparation of blast-hole drilling before blasting, the cleaning and measurement of the blasting area, to the whistle detonation and various inspections after blasting, fine operations must be carried out. The basic process flow of blasting construction can be formed in chronological order. The establishment of a process flow chart is conducive to the process construction of blasting operations, and is more conducive to the realization of digital blasting design, standardization of rock drilling construction, procedural filling of explosives and gun mud, and standardization of quality and safety inspection, so as to ensure the smooth progress of blasting tasks.

3. Equipment application of fine blasting

3.1 Drilling equipment

Drilling equipment is one of the basic tools for mine blasting operations. With the advancement of technology, modern drilling equipment has achieved a high degree of automation and intelligence. For example, intelligent drilling rigs can greatly improve drilling efficiency, accuracy and quality by integrating advanced drilling rig automatic control systems and drilling navigation systems. At the same time, the equipment also has data collection and analysis functions, which can provide strong data support for subsequent blasting design and construction.

3.2 Detonating equipment

Detonating equipment is a key equipment for controlling the blasting process. In fine blasting, the application of high-precision detonating equipment such as digital electronic detonators is becoming more and more widespread. This detonator has the advantages of high delay accuracy, good safety performance, network detectability, and programmable delay, which can meet the precise control requirements of micro-difference blasting. By reasonably setting the delay parameters of the detonator, the blasting energy can be accurately distributed and utilized, thereby achieving the purpose of optimizing the blasting effect.

3.3 Explosives and charging equipment

Explosives and charging equipment are also an indispensable part of fine blasting. Modern explosives technology has been able to customize explosives with various performances to meet different rock types and blasting requirements. At the same time, the emergence of on-site mixed explosives trucks has further improved the efficiency and safety of charging. This equipment uses a computer digital control system to achieve accurate proportioning and loading of explosives, which can reduce production costs and environmental impact while ensuring the blasting effect.

IV. On-site management of fine blasting

4.1 Fine management concept

The on-site management of fine blasting emphasizes the application of fine management concepts. This includes the reasonable allocation and scheduling of resources such as personnel, equipment, and materials, as well as the standardized and procedural management of blasting operation processes. By formulating detailed blasting operation plans and safety operating procedures, ensure that each link meets the regulatory requirements, thereby ensuring the safety and efficiency of blasting operations.

4.2 Application of information technology

In the on-site management of fine blasting, the application of information technology also plays an important role. For example, by establishing a blasting operation information management system, real-time monitoring and data analysis of the entire blasting process can be achieved. This system can collect and analyze data information from on-site sensors, monitoring equipment and manual input to provide decision support for managers. At the same time, by introducing advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things and cloud computing, remote monitoring and intelligent scheduling of blasting operations can also be achieved, further improving management efficiency and level.

V. Future Prospects of Fine Blasting

5.1 Technological Innovation and Integrated Development

In the future, the development of fine blasting technology will continue to rely on technological innovation and integrated development. On the one hand, it is necessary to continuously explore new blasting theories, methods and technical means to improve the scientificity and accuracy of blasting operations; on the other hand, it is necessary to strengthen cross-integration with other fields, such as the cross-application of multidisciplinary theories such as chemistry, materials science, mechanics, and the integrated development with modern information technology. These will inject new vitality and impetus into the development of fine blasting technology.

5.2 Improvement of Intelligence and Automation Levels

With the continuous development of intelligence and automation technologies, the intelligence and automation levels of mine blasting operations will continue to improve. In the future, we can expect the emergence and application of more intelligent equipment and systems, such as intelligent drilling rigs, intelligent charging vehicles, intelligent monitoring systems, etc. These devices will have higher autonomy and adaptability, and will be able to intelligently adjust and optimize the operation process according to the actual needs of the blasting operation, thereby further improving the safety and efficiency of the blasting operation.

5.3 Green environmental protection and sustainable development

Under the concept of green mine construction and sustainable development, fine blasting technology will also pay more attention to environmental protection and sustainability. In the future, we need to continuously explore and develop more environmentally friendly explosive formulas and detonating equipment to reduce the negative impact of blasting operations on the environment. At the same time, it is also necessary to strengthen the research and application of treatment and utilization technologies for blasting waste residues, wastewater and other wastes to achieve a win-win situation of resource recycling and environmental protection.