rockproducts.com/mag/rock_whats_new_drilling_4/index.ht -
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Published on: 3/29/2007
Last Visited: 3/29/2007
John Floyd, president of Blast Dynamics, a Steamboat Springs, Colo. independent blast consultant, views the electronic detonator with a mixture of optimism and caution.There seems to be little question, he said, that electronic detonators can help operations improve fragmentation and control vibration.However, precise detonation sequences will be of greatest benefit to operations that already employ correct blast design practices.Improving delay accuracy does not improve an incorrect blast design, Floyd said.
The Ensign-Bickford Co., Simsbury, Conn., has supplied blast-initiation systems and accessories since 1836.
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The company provides on-site blast-design consulting, development and performance evaluation and offers training through its Efficient Blasting Techniques seminar series, Floyd said.
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Operations have tried to reduce powder and drilling costs by enlarging the hole diameter and expanding the pattern, according to Floyd.