Boulder Handling and Blasting for Greater Safety and Efficiency in Crushers

摘要

A study was carried out to identify and develop improved techniques to alleviate a major cause of accidents and work stoppages when an oversize rock or boulder lodges in the throat of a crusher. The configurations and operations of various crusher types and sources of boulders in a mining operation are described and a detailed review is made of mining, quarrying, and construction regulations for all States, Canada, and the Federal Government for applicable provisions. Representative mines were visited and other operations were contacted to determine boulder handling techniques where it was found that blasting techniques included mudcapping, bombs, and blockholing, often done crudely and inefficiently with poor practices. Various mechanical systems were used such as hooks on overhead cranes, impact hammers, and grapplers.