Modern Mining April 2017

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MODERN MINING

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April 2017

he new system also adds con-

siderable value to management

information needs through seam-

less integration with blast design

software and real time data trans-

fer enabling optimised blast designs, efficient

blasting as per design, accurate reporting and

valuable blast analysis.

The system comprises three separate prod-

ucts – the CE4 Commander™, the 4G detonator

and the CE4 Tagger. The CE4 Commander™

is the heart of the system and is a multi-

purpose device that can be used as a Base

Station (in which role it is known as a Base

Commander), as a repeater, or on the bench

(Bench Commander). Up to six Commanders

can be deployed for a single blast using long-

distance RF communication from a blasting

point. Each Commander has four channels that

can connect up to 300 detonators, giving a total

of 1 200 detonators per Commander – which

means that the system can control blasts with a

maximum of 7 200 detonators.

The 4G detonator forming part of the system

is a new generation fully programmable detona-

tor featuring a redesigned Application Specific

Integrated Circuit (ASIC) with 15 times more

memory than its predecessor, the 3G detonator.

It also features a new spooled downline wire

option which is tougher and able to handle

more impact in deep blast hole applications.

Down-hole wire length and other critical infor-

mation is stored in the expanded, non-volatile

memory during detonator assembly. In addi-

tion, a delay time and a unique ID are fed

directly into the detonator during tagging. The

CE4 Tagger, which interfaces with the 4G deto-

nator, is also an entirely new design which can

New electronic initiation system

from

DetNet® is a ‘game-changer’

Preparations for the first CE4 Commander™ trial blast.

South Africa’s DetNet®, a global leader in electronic initiation products used in blasting, has launched

its CE4 Commander™ system, which it says is a breakthrough technology with the potential to take

blasting to the next level. DetNet’s Director of Marketing, Johann Smit, describes the system as a

‘game-changer’ which features advanced microchip (ASIC) design, GPS functionality, wireless acti-

vation and seven times faster autonomous programming delivering ease of use, fast deployment,

enhanced blast efficiency and uncompromising standards of safety.

COVER STORY