Electronic Delay Initiation Systems

The most recent development in blasting initiators is the electronic delay blasting cap. These devices allow for more accurate and precise timing than can be achieved with other initiation systems. Electronic detonators contain an integrated circuit chip and a capacitor that control the initiation time and provide voltage to the bridge wire. This provides the blaster much better control over ground vibration, flyrock, air blast, and fragmentation. These initiators virtually eliminate the problems of cap scatter times, inaccurate firing, and out-of-sequence shooting. The systems allow for both very small delays with an accuracy of ± 1 ms and for long delays up to 20,000 ms. These systems have been used on surface, underground, mining, and demolition projects. These systems also allow for the blaster to simultaneously initiate two or more primers in a single column.

Electronic systems can allow a blaster to set delay timings that may be contrary to regulatory intervals (<8 ms) and regulations that control at a site should be consulted before these timings are used. Additionally, these short delay times should only be used with caution and where the blaster has significant experience with these systems and tight delays. More sophisticated blast analysis tools are also recommended where very short delays are used.

However, communication within the system can be disrupted due to stray current, leakage, or static electricity. This can result in failed or incorrect communications or commands. Low battery levels are a particular problem and should be avoided. Manufacturers often require training and certification before these systems can be used to minimize these kinds of problems and troubleshooting can be difficult for untrained personnel.