Item: Blasting for Avalanche Control Using Shock-Tube and Non-Electric Detonators
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Title: Blasting for Avalanche Control Using Shock-Tube and Non-Electric Detonators
Proceedings: 2002 International Snow Science Workshop, Penticton, British Columbia
Authors:
- Craig Wilbour [ Washington State Department of Transportation ]
- Lee Redden [ Washington State Department of Transportation ]
- John Stimberis [ Washington State Department of Transportation ]
- Rob Gibson [ Washington State Department of Transportation ]
Date: 2002
Abstract: Explosive manufacturers are increasingly concerned regarding liability from the use and users of their products. Avalanche control blasting has traditionally utilized fuse cap and time fuse for explosive initiation. The rest of the explosive industry has been decreasing their use of cap and fuse in favor of "non-electric" detonators and shock-tube, leaving avalanche control programs in danger of becoming the sole user of cap and fuse. Reliable sources from which to purchase the fuse/cap components are becoming more difficult to find. Non-Electric (Non-el) Detonators are a #8 equivalent blasting cap purchased pre-assembled with a fixed length of shock tube. Shock Tube is a small diameter laminated plastic tube internally coated with a thin layer of aluminum powder and the high explosive HMX. This tube transmits a low energy explosion from the point of initiation to the delay cap at approximately 6500 feet per second. A number of different firing devices are available; ours utilizes a very low cost shotgun primer and is easily cleanable after each session of use.
Object ID: issw-2002-049.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: liability, shock-tube, detonators, blasting, avalanche
Page Number(s): 49
Subjects: avalanche control shock-tube non-electric detonators
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