An end of hose mixing system for development charging may include a static mixer disposed near the end of a delivery apparatus. The mixing system may include a mixing tube with a central bore, and the mixing tube is coupled to an outlet of a delivery hose. The mixing tube includes a static mixer disposed within the central bore of the mixing tube. The spray nozzle system further includes a nozzle with a central bore, and the nozzle is coupled to the mixing tube outlet. The static mixer may be disposed within a delivery hose itself. The static mixer may be disposed a predetermined distance from a distal end of the delivery apparatus to establish laminar flow of an emulsion after the emulsion is mixed with a sensitizing agent by the static mixer. The sensitized emulsion may be expelled from the delivery apparatus at an angle less than 45 degrees.

An end of hose mixing system for development charging may include a static mixer disposed near the end of a delivery apparatus. The mixing system may include a mixing tube with a central bore, and the mixing tube is coupled to an outlet of a delivery hose. The mixing tube includes a static mixer disposed within the central bore of the mixing tube. The spray nozzle system further includes a nozzle with a central bore, and the nozzle is coupled to the mixing tube outlet. The static mixer may be disposed within a delivery hose itself. The static mixer may be disposed a predetermined distance from a distal end of the delivery apparatus to establish laminar flow of an emulsion after the emulsion is mixed with a sensitizing agent by the static mixer. The sensitized emulsion may be expelled from the delivery apparatus at an angle less than 45 degrees.

Methods for using a single explosive material whose specific volume energy can be controlled for use in at least a segment of a borehole. Alternatively, or additionally, methods for using mixtures of one or more explosive materials and one or more non-explosive energetic materials whose specific volume energy can be controlled for use in at least a segment of a borehole. Such methods include determining a target specific volume energy required for the explosive/energetic materials in the segment of the borehole and selecting a product mixture for that segment of the borehole which will produce the required target energy.

Methods for using a single explosive material whose specific volume energy can be controlled for use in at least a segment of a borehole. Alternatively, or additionally, methods for using mixtures of one or more explosive materials and one or more non-explosive energetic materials whose specific volume energy can be controlled for use in at least a segment of a borehole. Such methods include determining a target specific volume energy required for the explosive/energetic materials in the segment of the borehole and selecting a product mixture for that segment of the borehole which will produce the required target energy.

Controllers and methods of bulk explosive loading systems are disclosed. A controller of a bulk explosive loading system includes a communication interface configured to communicate with a human-machine interface (HMI). The HMI is configured to execute a software program configured to enable the HMI to receive user inputs from a user. The controller also includes control outputs to output control signals to electrically controllable components. The controller further includes sensor inputs configured to receive sensor signals from sensors configured to monitor the bulk explosive loading system. The controller also includes a processor configured to process recipe information received from the HMI, generate the control signals based on the recipe information to control the electrically controllable components to blend the mixture, process the sensor signals received during blending of the mixture, and transmit blending information to the HMI device. The blending information includes information regarding the blending of the mixture.

Controllers and methods of bulk explosive loading systems are disclosed. A controller of a bulk explosive loading system includes a communication interface configured to communicate with a human-machine interface (HMI). The HMI is configured to execute a software program configured to enable the HMI to receive user inputs from a user. The controller also includes control outputs to output control signals to electrically controllable components. The controller further includes sensor inputs configured to receive sensor signals from sensors configured to monitor the bulk explosive loading system. The controller also includes a processor configured to process recipe information received from the HMI, generate the control signals based on the recipe information to control the electrically controllable components to blend the mixture, process the sensor signals received during blending of the mixture, and transmit blending information to the HMI device. The blending information includes information regarding the blending of the mixture.

A blasthole guard may include a conduit and a cap. The conduit is sized and shaped to allow a hose to pass through. The cap comprises a funnel that narrows to an open end of the conduit. A slot continuously extends from the conduit through the cap such that the slot forms an opening that extends along an entire length of the device.

A blasthole guard may include a conduit and a cap. The conduit is sized and shaped to allow a hose to pass through. The cap comprises a funnel that narrows to an open end of the conduit. A slot continuously extends from the conduit through the cap such that the slot forms an opening that extends along an entire length of the device.

The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method providing a much safer alternative employing a highly confined combustion reaction of a flammable vapor, whereas dynamite is a category 1.1 high explosive imbued with all the attendant safety and security concerns. The method of the present invention provides for an improved and safer method of blasting employing a highly confined combustion reaction of a flammable vapor instead of conventional explosives currently used.

The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method providing a much safer alternative employing a highly confined combustion reaction of a flammable vapor, whereas dynamite is a category 1.1 high explosive imbued with all the attendant safety and security concerns. The method of the present invention provides for an improved and safer method of blasting employing a highly confined combustion reaction of a flammable vapor instead of conventional explosives currently used.