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.
