Initiation Systems

The initiation system transfers the detonation signal from hole-to-hole at a precise time and the selection of an initiation system is critical for the success of a blast. The initiation system not only controls the sequencing of blastholes, but also affects the amount of vibration generated from a blast, the amount of fragmentation produced, as well as the backbreak and violence that will occur.

Although the cost of the system is an important consideration, it should always be a secondary consideration, especially if the most economical initiation system causes problems with back- break, excessive ground vibration, or fragmentation. Often these negative issues can be much more costly than the savings that might be realized with using the cheaper system. An initiation system should be chosen first to achieve the needed results in the blasting program and only after that on comparing costs.

Initiators can be broken down into two broad classifications: electric and non-electric. Electric initiators use an electric charge to initiate the detonation. Non-electric (NONEL) methods include the use of blasting caps, detonating cord, delay primers, shock tubes, and boosters.

Electric and Electronic Initiation Systems. There are several different types of electric and electronic initiation systems: (1) electric blasting caps without delay, (2) electric blasting caps with delay, (3) electronic delay systems, and (4) the sequential blasting machine.