Failures of detonating cord have been a concern of the mining industry since it was first introduced. These days detonating cord failures are relatively scarce, but when they do occur, there is usually water present in the blasting application. In an in depth analysis, it was found that these failures are often associated with absorbed water through an exposed or open cut end of the detonating cord. To counteract this phenomenon, AEL Mining Services recently unveiled the Powercord^® 8 Premium. AEL explains it is “novel technology that mitigates the absorption of water through an exposed or cut detonating cord.”

According to Christo Peltz, Product Manager at AEL, surface water at the interconnection of the initiating systems, poses a challenge. He explains: “The cut ends of detonating cord have a tendency to absorb water through capillary action. As most detonating cords comprise PETN as the explosive core, it is readily desensitised by the water. Essentially it alters the initiating characteristics of the finished products.”

Mining applications that use detonating cords and where copious quantities of standing water are present, may experience misfires due to the water absorbed by the detonating cord. This is common in surface applications during the rainy season.

Peltz says that while most commercial explosives are impervious to moisture, some are not designed to function in wet conditions. “Mines have little control over naturally occurring phenomena such as rain and rising groundwater, especially in the open pit market. When a hole is filled with water, the blasting personnel have two options. The hole can be pumped out and de-sludged, or if the explosive is waterproof, it may be pumped into a hole and displace the water. In open pit applications this causes a lot of water to be displaced from the hole to the surface, creating a potential area for water contamination.

“AEL’s range of products includes a suite of totally waterproof explosives and initiating systems that can be used effectively in applications where water may pose a concern. The addition of a totally waterproof detonating cord completes the product offering perfectly” explains Peltz.

AEL’s Powercord 8 Premium offers the industry improvements in terms of reliability (especially in wet applications) and safety. It is easy to use and with fewer misfires a mine will enjoy better productivity.