Benefits
Better fragmentation
The technique of air decks is currently used in many open pit blasting operations around the world. Studies have demostrated that with the creation of an air deck between the explosive column and the stemming in the blasthole, the effect is similar as in a clogged artillery cannon, considerably increasing the internal pressures of the hole generated by the explosion.
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HELIXPLUG® is ideal for creating air decks accurately at any depth of the hole. Its conical shape also creates a wedge effect that directs a significant part of the energy towards the walls of the borehole instead of upwards, so that it improves fragmentation even when using less explosive.
Significant explosive savings
HELIXPLUG® achieves significant savings in the amount of explosive used while maintaining or even improving rock fragmentation.
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Depending on the characteristics of the rock, at least savings of 10% of the explosive normally consumed can be achieved. Greater savings have been documented by placing an air deck at the bottom of the borehole and another one above the explosive column.
Advantages
Quick and easy installation