Rotary Drilling and Blasting in Large Surface Mines

In this unique reference volume, rotary blasthole drilling and surface blasting, as applied in large surface mines, are comprehensively covered. Both new and classic concepts, techniques and methodologies are presented, supported by numerous illustrations and practical data. In 26 chapters, drilling, surface blasting, rock, rock mass, machinery, tools and accessories, compressors and air flushing, computing and practice are many other relevant subjects are treated; the first 16 chapters deal with rotary blasthole drilling, and the 10 next chapters with the concepts, theory and practice of blasting. Moreover, the 14 appendices provide vital technical and commercial data, to further support the reader to design, plan, execute and calculate blasthole drilling operations. This volume is intended for professionals and technicians in mining, exploration, geological and mechanical engineering, who are involved with the design, planning and execution of rotary drilling and blasting operations in surface mines.

Table of Contents:
1 Surface Rock Excavation Scenario 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Need for Surface Rock Excavation 1.4 Drill and Blast Operations 1.5 Options to Drill and Blast 1.6 Oilwell Drilling 2 An Overview of Blasthole Drilling 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Basic Concepts of Drilling 2.3 Peculiarities of Blasthole Drilling 2.4 Comparison of Drilling Methods 2.5 Choice of a Blasthole Drilling Method 3 Properties of Rocks 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Earth and Its Interior 3.3 Geological Cycle 3.4 Formation of Rock Mass 3.5 Soils, Rocks and Their Profile 3.6 Occurrence of Minerals 3.7 Rock Specimen Properties 4 Brief History of Rotary Blasthole Drilling 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Era of Shot Hole Drilling 4.3 Rotary Drilling 4.4 Rotary Blasthole Drilling 4.5 Truck Mounted Rotary Blasthole Drills 5 Rotary Blasthole Drilling Bits 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Drag Bits 5.3 Tricone Bits 5.4 Dull Bit Analysis 5.5 Bit Records 5.6 Bit Failure Analysis and Remedy 5.7 Discarding Drill Bits 6 Rotary Blasthole Drilling Accessories 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Drill Pipes 6.3 Stabilizers 6.4 Crossover Subs 6.5 Shock Absorbers 6.6 Miscellaneous Accessories 6.8 Miscellaneous Safety Items 7 Rotary Blasthole Drills 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Assemblies in Rotary Blasthole Drills 7.3 Types of Rotary Blasthole Drills 7.4 Layouts of Rotary Blasthole Drills 7.5 Details of Assemblies 7.6 Extreme Cold Operation Devices 7.7 Comparison of Types of Blasthole Drills 8 Compressed Air and Air Compressors 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Compressed Air 8.3 Flow of Compressed Air 8.4 Compressors Used on Blasthole Drills 8.5 Measurements of Compressed Air 9 Mechanics of Rock Fracture Under a Drill Bit 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Rock Fracture in Drilling 9.3 Basics Theory of Solid Fracture 9.4 Fracture of Rock in Drilling 9.5 Drillability of Rocks 9.6 Estimation of Penetration Rate 10 Flushing the Blasthole 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Why Compressed Air? 10.3 Schematics of Flushing 10.4 Formulation of Desired Bailing Velocity 10.5 Formulation of Compressed Air Pressure 10.6 Choosing a Drill Pipe 10.7 Discarding a Drill Pipe 10.8 Choosing Nozzles for Tricone Bits 10.9 Choosing the Right Compressor 11 Effect of Altitude and Severe Weather 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Atmosphere 11.3 Effect of Scarce Air in Drilling 11.4 Effect of Severe Weather 12 Computers in Rotary Blasthole Drilling 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Drill Operation 12.3 Modes of Blasthole Drill Computerization 12.4 Drilling Knowledge Systems 12.5 Positioning by GPS 12.6 Computerized Drill System 12.7 Hardware for Drill Computerization 12.8 Advantages of Drill Computerization 13 Concepts for Rotary Blasthole Drill Design 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Primary Requirements of the Drill 13.3 Size and Weight of the Drill 13.4 Rotary Speed and Torque 13.5 Feed Force and Speed 13.6 Pullout Force and Speed 13.7 Breakout Torque 13.8 Hydraulic Leveling Jacks 13.9 Ground Load Bearing 13.10 Compressor Discharge and Pressure 13.11 Engine Power 14 Cost Analysis of Rotary Blasthole Drilling 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Working Pattern of a Blasthole Drill 14.3 Factors Related to Blasthole Drilling Cost 14.4 Owning Cost 14.5 Operating Cost 14.6 Overhead Cost 14.7 Total Blasthole Drilling Cost 14.8 General Considerations in Cost Estimation 14.9 Example of Cost Estimation 15 Procurement of Rotary Blasthole Drills 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Pre Procurement Considerations 15.3 Procurement Methodology 16 Tips for Operating Rotary Blasthole Drills 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Knowing the Environment 16.3 Moving the Rotary Blasthole Drill 16.4 Setting Up the Rotary Blasthole Drill 16.5 Operating a Rotary Blasthole Drill 16.6 Controlling Dust Emission 16.7 Transporting the Drill 16.8 Maintaining Activities 16.9 Periodical Check Ups 16.10 Drilling Records 16.11 Safety Precautions 17 Mechanics of Blast Fragmentation 17.1 Introduction 17.2 Explosion Process 17.3 Formation of a Crater by a Blast 17.4 Blast Fragmentation Mechanism 18 Properties of Explosives 18.1 Introduction 18.2 Explosives 18.3 Properties of Explosives 19 Thermochemistry of Explosives 19.1 Introduction 19.2 Chemical Nature of Explosives 19.3 Reactions of Explosive Chemicals 20 Explosives - Their History and Composition 20.1 Introduction 20.2 Brief History of Explosives 20.3 Types of Explosives in a Blasthole 20.4 Explosive Mixes Used in Mine Blasts 21 Tests on Explosives 21.1 Introduction 21.2 Tests for Measurements of VOD 21.3 Tests for Measurement of Strength 21.4 Tests for Measurement of Sensitivity 21.5 Tests Related to Storage of Explosive 21.6 Miscellaneous Tests 22 Blasting Consumable and Accessories 22.1 Introduction 22.2 Blasting Consumables 22.3 Blasting Accessories 22.4 Blasting Tools and Miscellaneous Items 23 Hazards to and from Blasting 23.1 Introduction 23.2 Hazards to Blasting Process 23.3 Hazards of Blasting Process 24 Properties of Rock Masses 24.1 Introduction 24.2 Rock Specimen Properties and Blasting 24.3 Properties of Rock Masses and Blasting 25 Methods and Patterns of Charging Blastholes 25.1 Introduction 25.2 Mechanized Blasthole Charging System 25.3 Blasthole Charging Pattern 25.4 Drilling and Firing Patterns 26 Design of a Surface Blast 26.1 Introduction 26.2 Blastholes in a Mine Bench 26.3 Types of Blasting in Surface Mines 26.4 What is Involved in Design of a Blast 26.5 Calculation of Burden 26.6 Relationship of Blasthole Parameters 26.7 Design of Conventional Surface Blast 26.8 Design of Other Types of Blasts Appendix No. Appendix Title Page Nos. Appendix 1 Properties of Atmospheric Air at High Altitudes Appendix 2 Air Properties at Various Temperatures Appendix 3 Bailing Velocities in Blasthole Annulus Appendix 4 Air Pressure Loss in Steel Pipes Appendix 5 Air Pressure Loss in Hose Pipes Appendix 6 Air Pressure Loss in Pipe Fittings Appendix 7 A Note on Tungsten Carbide and Other Hard Metals Appendix 8 Scales of Hardness - Measurements and their Conversion Appendix 9 Manufacturers of Rotary Blasthole Drilling Equipment Appendix 10 Details of Rotary Blasthole Drills Manufactured Worldwide Appendix 11 Details of Drill Pipes Used for Rotary Blasthole Drilling Appendix 12 Details of Stabilizers and Other Miscellaneous Items Appendix 13 Details of Shock Absorbers Appendix 14 Properties of Some Rocks Bibliography, Index Bibliography, Index

About the Author :
Bhalchandra V. Gokhale is an experienced professional who has worked both in practice, on mine construction and foundation works, and on the technological side of blasthole drilling equipment. Through this book, he shares his extensive knowledge of the technological aspects of drilling, mining and construction equipment and their application.