ELECTRIC CIRCUITS The different types of wire used in blasting circuits can be divided into three general categories

classified by function: i. Leading or leg wires. These insulated wires (usually made of copper, but sometimes iron) are integral parts of an electric detonator unit. The insulation has been removed from the free end of each lead wire so that they can be connected to other wires to make a circuit. ii. Extension lead, connecting wire or buswire. This

wire (the thickness varying between 21 and 25 SWG) is used to connect two detonators when their lead wires are not long enough to meet. It is also used to connect a circuit to the firing cable. iii. Firing cable. This is used to connect the detonator circuit to the power source, which is generally a portable exploder or mains electricity, and is of heavy duty construction.

Lead wires to power source

Lead wires to power source

Lead wires to power source

Lead wires to power source

Various configurations of a series circuit All electric blasting is done by using one of the three basic circuits. i. Series circuit

All detonators in a series circuit are connected together to provide a single path for the current, and the same amount

of current flows through each detonator. The figure above shows various configuration of a series circuit. This type of circuit is simple to connect and a convenient way to fire a small number of detonators (say, a maximum of 50). The series circuit has the unique advantage that the entire circuit can be tested for continuity and resistance. It is stipulated that the minimum firing current is 1.5 amperes by direct current (DC) or 2.5 amperes by alternating current (AC). Worked example Find the voltage required to fire 30 electric detonators joined to 200 metres of firing cable with 50 metres of connecting wire. The resistances are as follows: an average of 2 ohms per detonator, 0.1 ohm per metre of connecting wire, and 0.05 ohm per metre for two-core firing cable. Suppose a DC power supply is available:

Resistance of detonators: 30 X 2.0 Resistance of connecting wire: 50 x 0.1 Resistance of firing cable: 200 x 0.05 Total resistance of the circuit

= 60 = 5 = 10 = 75

Hence the minimum voltage required is 1.5 x 75 = 112.5 volts DC ii. Parallel circuits In this circuit, one lead wire from each detonator is connected to one conductor, while the other lead wire is joined to the second conductor.

A. Straight parallel

B. Reverse parallel

C. Closed-loop straight parallel

D. Closed loop reverse parallel

Type A causes poor current distribution, whereas type D produces the most even current. Arcing in the detonator may occur in parallel circuit due to heavy current being fed. This causes misfire. Arcing can be prevented in a number of ways, one of which is to select a firing cable and extension lead with high resistance, so that the principal voltage drop will occur within the firing line. Thus the voltage over the last detonator to fire may be limited to between 50 to 60 volts. The average current required is stipulated as 0.7 amps per detonator in the circuit. Parallel circuit is being used in shaft sinking operation. Worked example Find the power requirement and the energy input to a detonator of a parallel circuit with 30 detonators (each with a resistance of 1.5 ohms) with 300 m of twin core firing cable (resistance of 0.0033 ohms m-1)

Solution: Total resistance of detonators = 1.5/30 = 0.05 ohms Resistance of firing cable = 600 X 0.0033 = 2 ohms Hence total resistance of the circuit = 2.05 ohms Now total current required is 0.7 X 30 = 21 amps Voltage required = 21 X 2.05 = 43 volts Power requirement = 43 X 21 = 904 watts Total energy input (usually initiation time is 4 ms) = 904 X 0.004 = 3.6 J Energy input per detonator = 3.6/30 = 0.12 J = 120 mJ iii. Parallel-series circuits