FORConnect Initiation System wireless initiation for non electric shock tube detonators

Authors: Singh, N; Halme, T; Lehto, J; Halonen, T; Nilsson, N Download Paper

Cite As:
Singh, N, Halme, T, Lehto, J, Halonen, T & Nilsson, N 2024, 'FORConnect Initiation System wireless initiation for non electric shock tube detonators', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 804-810.



Abstract:
As we know drill & blast method of rock excavation is still considered as most cost-effective way of excavation. The cycle of operation with drill & blast methodology in underground mining or tunneling follows a well-defined pattern i.e., scaling, rock-reinforcement, drilling, charging, blasting, ventilation, loading and haulage of material. Over the years with developments in the mechanization and autonomous technology some of the activities in the above referred cycle of operation has been fully mechanized or automated e.g. drilling, material haulage. Although there has been lot of technological advancements in the industry but dream of having a complete operational autonomous cycle in mining or tunneling is still to be realized. One of the bottlenecks in operation cycle is manual explosive charging, connection of shock-tubes (or bunching) and blasting activities. With recent developments in mechanized, semi-automated explosive charging equipment, it would be possible to remove explosive charging crew from hazardous operation. But still the connection of charged holes, bunching of non-electric shock tubes needed to be performed manually. It exposes the blasting crew to high risks and dangers of rock-fall, rock-burst at unsupported working face in tunnels, mines. FORCIT Explosives realized these challenges faced by blasting crew and with its deep knowledge, understanding of customers’ needs in Nordic mining, tunneling operations, it has developed a wireless initiation system for shock-tube detonators, it is called FORConnect Initiation System (FIS)*. In authors view FIS* will support mining and tunneling company’s vision of complete autonomous operation cycle at working face. In this paper we are presenting the FORConnect Initiation System (FIS)*, a wireless initiation solution for non-electric shock-tubes. FIS* will eliminate manual connection or bunching of shock-tubes, it will minimize the risks exposure of the blasting crew members at unsupported hazardous working face in underground mines, tunnels.