First peak on the next generation propellant systems

RoyexGeneration II

Thomas Gustavsson

Etken Teknologi Sweden

+46 739 38 18 96

Thomas.Gustavsson@etken.se

Deflagration is a rapid high energy release combustion event that propagates through a gas or an explosive material at subsonic speeds, driven by the transfer of heat.

Deflagration, or Combustion, is different from detonation, which is supersonic and propagates through shock.

Propellant powders have long been used as a rock breaking tool

Deflagration

Any application where rock and ground vibrations must be kept to an absolute minimum

Breaking oversize rock and secondary blasting over and underground.

Oversize

Break rock without closing down traffic or re‐routing to protect from fly rock. Spare road infrastructure from vibrations.

Close to roads

Break concrete or rock in urban areas and spare sensitive structures and conform to local requirements.

In urban areas

To conventionalexplosives in areas where legislation to manage explosives is complicated. 

As an alternative

Current applications

- Breaking of over size under and over ground with minimal gas risk

- Controlled vibration allowes for better wall control

- Lowers dilution in gold, platinum and dimond mining

- Complete 1.4S solution lowers storage and transport costs

Possible Advantages in mining –

Achievable goals

What are the issues we have to address?

To inspire the industry to change, we need to address the old issues and present realistic solutions. 

What advancements has Etken

Teknologi achieved in propellant

powder technology?

Introducing the Royex Generation II rock breaking cartridge

Introducing Royex Generation II‐ New propellant formula – Stronger, 

fully oxygen balanced propellant mix

‐ New modular initiation system with timing – Only available pyrotechnical shock tube system worldwide. 

‐ New cartridge design – New design allows for cable protection in hole

‐ Significantly improved unit pricing –Improvements in production capacity gives better pricing

Introducing the Royex Generation II rock breaking cartridge

Solution to Issue 1: Introducing complete 1.4S world class timing systemIntroducing the Maxclip 1.4S system – separation of cartridge and igniter

‐ NO DETONATORS – in hole and out of hole igniters are 1.4S

‐ BUILT IN TIMING – Only available pyrotechnical shock tube system worldwide. 

‐ VERY SIMPLE TO USE – Connecting the initiation circuit is just following color coding

‐ ELECTRICAL AND SHOCK TUBE AVALIABLE 

Solution to Issue 1: Introducing complete 1.4S world class timing system

Designed for underground and open cast operations

‐ Modular – Use up to four cartridges on the same cable with the 6‐way clip

‐ Timing designed for deflagrating cartridges – Timing designed to work optimal with Royex deflagrating cartridge

‐ System fully waterproof – Use in damp or wet environments without issues.

Tie up and application

First complete pyrotechnicalshock tube / electric system with timing designed for PP cartridges. 

Solution to Issue 1: Introducing complete 1.4S world class timing system -

The Maxfire igniter.

‐ Maxclip Maxfire igniter

‐ Very hot ignition coupled with a strong cascading flame effect enables close to optimal propellant initiation. The Maxfire igniter is the foundation to the Royex generation II system. 

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Solution to Issue 1: Introducing complete 1.4S world class timing system -

Burning front and timing

20 holes burning front

The Maxclip timing enables for a 20 hole burning front to ensure no interference with the initiation circuit. This is sufficient for both surface and underground operations

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Tie up and application

First time ever – pyrotechnical bench blasting with timing

Tie up and application

Maxclip allows for pyrotechnical decking – individual timing of each deck

Trials and performance – Quarry trials

Timing trial

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System CE approved and 1.4S classified

Mixture

Solution to Issue 2: Introducing new formula and quality of mix

Introducing the Royex gen II mix

‐ HIGER DENSITY– Old density max 0.86, new density 0.98 to 1.0 g /cm³

‐ PERFECT OXGYGEN BALANCE – 70% AN, 30% NC gives 100% oxygen balanced mix, no noxious gases on initiation. Ideal for under ground.

‐ COMPONENT DENSITY AND SIZE BALANCE – Both the AN and NC prillare of the same size (0.5 mm) and of same density. No separation.

Production plant built in China

Optimizing resources and production capabilities

‐ Abundance of propellant –Propellant powder mix in surplus in china

‐ Factory built in partnership with large explosive supplierVolume production lowers prices. Factory ISO9000 certified. EU quality standards in place. CE approval granted

‐ Unit price reduced considerably Volume and fast production means unit price has been reduced significantly

Production plant built in China

MaxClip produced in largest detonator factory in the world –

Qinghua – Xian under Etken licenseProduces over 300 million shock tube detonators per year (2014)

Employs over 5000 people

Operates own train network and airport

Outstanding quality processes in place

Trials and performance – Quarry trials

Trial 1

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Trials and performance – Quarry trials

Trial 2

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Trials and performance – Quarry trials

Trial 3

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Taking propellant rock breaking to the next levelUltimate solution for underground gold and platinum

Drill 0.9m at 70ᵒ - CONTINOUSLY

No blowing out holes. Place cartridge system in hole - connect and fire

Complete 1.4S system capable of sequentially firing

No noxious gasses. Most powerful PP available. Simple to use.

Minimal dilution and dust losses

What is the impact of these changes?

&ETKEN TEKNOLOGI’S

SOLUTIONS?

• No working timing system

• The Maxclip system eliminates this problem

• Electric Fuse heads used for timing - 360ºC •• The Maxfire igniter burns vigorously at + 900ºC

• Local R&D has gone as far as it can

• PP’s and AN have been sized and sieved before mixing

• Technical formulation issues

• Royex Gen 2 perfectly oxygen balanced – no noxious gasses

• Unit cost mentality

• Cartridges made in China – Unit cost reduced considerably

• Inadequate stemming technique

• Cartridge loader and stemming material extensively tested• Mechanical solutions in final testing phase

• Safety issues

• Complete 1.4S system, safest system available today

Thank you!Questions or inquiries, please email info@Etken.se

The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence – it is to act with yesterdays logic”

– Peter Drucker