Detonator System

1. EZ Tronic™ Detonator System
THE SYSTEM
The EZ Tronic™ detonator system provides a unique, easy to
use and fully programmable initiation solution for all mining and
construction blasting applications both underground and on
surface. This system was designed to include all the end user
benefits from the internationally successful EZ Det® nonelectric
blast initiation series.
DESIGN
The EZ Tronic™ detonator system, designed in conjunction with
SASOL Mining Initiators (SMI), featuring state of the art SMI-IN-
IT
®
micro-chip technology, has been designed such that
simplicity, reliability and accuracy are combined to provide the
ultimate in safe and efficient blasting.
DESCRIPTION
The 8D strength EZ Tronic™ detonator contains a 790mg PETN
base charge with a primary charge of 90mg lead azide encased
in a standard Primadet
®
nonelectric delay detonator shell.
Ideally suited for use with all commercially available cap
sensitive high explosives, the EZ Tronic™ detonator is
compatible with all TROJAN
®
Cast Boosters and will provide
direct initiation of ANFO .
A moulded grommet provides the interface between the
detonator shell and signal wires, completely sealing the unit.
PROGRAMMING THE UNITS
Each detonator contains a microchip, which is assigned a
unique serial code during manufacture. A bar code, representing
this serial number is printed, in triplicate, on the inter-hole
connector, enabling a hand held infrared scanner to identify
each individual detonator.
When a unit has been registered, the scanner automatically
assigns it with an incremental time delay in relation to its
predecessor or allows the user to key in a specific delay time.
This information is stored within the scanner, only to be
unlocked by the blasting box prior to taking the shot.
BLAST MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Blast Management System (BMS) allows for centralised
control of whole initiation system. It provides the flexibility to
custom design each blast to suit the particular ground type and
desired result without re-equipping or changing the product.
Individual detonators can be programmed to fire in delay times
ranging from 0 to 25 seconds in millisecond increments at 0.1%
accuracy. Inter-hole delay timing can be automatically increased
by the BMS’s pre-programmed increments or manually keyed in
by a competent person once the unit is in the hole.

2. EZ Tronic™ Detonator System
THE GLOBAL DELAY
If units are not scanned by design the BMS assigns a universal
global delay to each detonator at a nominal time after the last
unit has detonated. Units connected into the blasting circuit
which have not been scanned will automatically fire at this time
after the round is completed leaving no potentially live
detonators in the muck pile.
HOOK-UP OF ROUND
Using customised RCA connectors, hooking up the round is as
simple and reliable as plugging an aerial into the back of a TV
set. The over moulding on the connector is designed to ensure
continuity throughout the circuit and seal the connection from
moisture penetration. Since the hand held scanner holds the
timing information of each unit, the sequence in which each
detonator is connected is irrelevant. As long as the unit is in the
circuit it will fire at the delay time specified by the scanner.
CHARGING PROCEDURES
Primers can be made as normal to allow for either forward or
reverse priming. The PVC coated, solid core, signal wires used
in the construction of the EZ Tronic™ detonator promote the
practice of reverse, toe priming. Since the base charge of the
detonator points towards the explosive column optimum results
are achieved with the explosives being used to their maximum
efficiency.
INITIATING THE ROUND
A dedicated blasting box situated at a designated place of safety
is the only means of initiating the round. When the hand held
scanner is docked into the blasting box’s docking station, the
information held within is transferred to the box. At a designated
time, blasting cables are attached to the box and the firing
sequence is initiated.
COUNTDOWN OR REAL-TIME BLASTING
Depending upon the application and standard working
procedures, the blast box can be programmed to give the final
“fire” command after a set countdown period ranging from
seconds to hours. Alternatively, once the firing sequence is
initiated, the box can be programmed to fire at a set time of the
shift.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
The scanner provides a remote interface between the
detonators and the blast box and stores all the relevant blasting
information such as the date, time, unique site code and
quantity of detonators fired. Downloading this information into a
computer provides an instantaneous record of the daily
operations and production figures.
SAFETY
As with all Ensign-Bickford (South Africa) products, safety is of
paramount importance. Numerous safety features built into
each unit enable the detonator assembly to pass standard
international qualification tests.
The EZ Tronic™ unit is immune to static electricity, external
radio signals, premature detonation and powers down to safety
within minutes.
PACKAGING
Each detonator is a universal unit, which receives its delay
information only after being scanned and connected to the
blasting box. This feature allows for the ordering of a single
multipurpose product, cutting inventory to a minimum.
Standard packaging is as follows:
EZ Tronic™ Product Range
Length Units/case Mass/case
1.5 x 0.7m 200 11.5 kg
3.8 x 0.7m 120 11.0 kg
15.0 x 5.0m 25 10.5 kg
Box dimensions: 580mm x 280mm x 215mm
Customised lengths and packaging are available on request.
The information and recommendations described in this bulletin
are provided for information purposes only and should not be
construed as advice to cover every application of the product or
variation of conditions under which the product is used.
The recommendations herein are based on the manufacturer’s
experiences, research and testing, but no warranties are made,
expressed or implied with respect to merchantability or fitness for
any purpose. Also, the specifications contained herein are all
nominal representing our current production. The product
described may be subject to change without prior notice. Buyers
and users are advised to contact Ensign-Bickford (South
Africa)(Pty) Ltd. for advice on application of the product to suit
the conditions under which the product is to be used.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information please contact:
ENSIGN-BICKFORD (SOUTH AFRICA) (PTY) LTD.
P.O. Box 4195, RANDBURG, 2125
Tel: (011) 329 6850 Fax: (011) 329 6858
The word EZ Tronic™ is trademark name; and Primadet® and Trojan ®
are registered trademark names and the sole property of The Ensign-
Bickford Company.
SMI-IN-IT®
is a registered trademark name and is the sole property of
SASOL Mining Initiators (Pty) Ltd.
Ensign-Bickford (South Africa)(Pty) Ltd. is a licensed user.
© Copyright 1998 Ensign-Bickford (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd.