Issue:
It is currently not knownTwhether concentrations of noxious gases persist for times significant enough to affect the safe operation of ore handling after the blast, or if concentrations of noxious gases are significant enough to have long term health effects on mine workers.
Objectives:
The objectives of the study are to obtain explosive gas concentrations as a function of time, explosive type and confinement. The work will be done in two stages. In the first stage, gaseous release in the muckpile will be simulated by the injection of a known quantity of toxic gas and its concentration in the chamber will be measured as a function of time. In the second stage, detonations will be conducted to examine the actual problem in laboratory conditions. In it, three different explosives, two different charge diameters and three different confinements provided by steel, aluminum and cardboard pipes will be used.
Anticipated Results:
The investigation aims at improving the understanding of the factors responsible for the presence of detectable concentrations of fumes in blast sites and suggesting appropriate steps in eliminating potentially dangerous working environments.The result of the work will show if concentrations of noxious gases persist for times significant enough to affect the safe operation of ore handling after the blast or if concentrations of noxious gases are significant enough to have long term health effects on mine workers.
Investigators:
Panagiotis Katsabanis (Queen’s University)
