Автор: Ким Койл

Компания

How to Interpret Histogram and Sphericity Lines on the PSD chart

March Newsletter

Introduction

WipFrag software provides detailed fragmentation analysis through histograms and Particle Size Distribution (PSD) charts. These tools help users assess particle size consistency and shape uniformity, which are critical for optimizing blasting and crushing operations. Two among the key elements in WipFrag analysis are the histogram и sphericity lines on the PSD chart.

Interpreting the WipFrag Histogram

The histogram in WipFrag displays the frequency of particle sizes within specific bins, helping to visualize fragmentation trends. Here’s how to analyze it:

  1. X-Axis (Particle Size Ranges): Represents particle size classes based on the sieve analysis standard.
  2. Y-Axis (Frequency or Percentage Passing): Shows the proportion of material in each size class.
  3. Histogram Shape:
    • A normal distribution suggests well-balanced fragmentation.
    • A right-skewed distribution indicates excessive fines.
    • A left-skewed distribution suggests large boulders dominate.

By analyzing the histogram, users can determine whether the blast produced the desired fragmentation or if adjustments are needed in blast parameters.

Understanding Sphericity Lines on the PSD Chart

Sphericity represents the ratio of particle length to width, indicating shape uniformity. WipFrag incorporates sphericity lines on the PSD chart to provide insight into particle geometry:

  • 100% Sphericity: Indicates perfect uniformity (equal length and width).
  • 70-90% Sphericity: Represents well-shaped, near-uniform particles, ideal for crushing and handling.
  • Below 70% Sphericity: Suggests elongated or irregularly shaped particles, which may impact flowability and crusher efficiency.

Why Sphericity Matters

  • Higher sphericity (>70%) improves material flow and crusher compatibility.
  • Lower sphericity (<70%) may cause blockages in crushers and conveyors.
  • Well-distributed sphericity values indicate a good mix of particle shapes.

Interpreting WipFrag histogram and sphericity lines helps assess fragmentation quality and shape uniformity. By understanding these parameters, mine operators can fine-tune their blasting strategies for optimal size distribution and material handling efficiency.

Download WipFrag here: https://wipware.com/products/wipfrag-image-analysis-software/

How to Use WipFrag for Blasting Quality Control (QC)

WipFrag, a leading photoanalysis software, enables real-time fragmentation assessment, helping engineers and operators maintain blasting quality control (QC) and improve efficiency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using WipFrag for Blasting QC

  1. Image Capture and Data Collection
    • Capture high-quality images of the blast muck pile using a UAV (drone), camera, or mobile device.
    • Ensure proper lighting and image clarity for accurate particle detection.
    • Use WipFrag’s Auto Scale feature or place a scale reference in the image for precise measurements.
  2. Image Processing and Fragmentation Analysis
    • Upload images into WipFrag software.
    • Use the Edit Assist tool to refine particle outlines and improve accuracy.
    • Generate a Particle Size Distribution (PSD) curve to analyze the fragmentation results.
  3. Assessing Fragmentation with Histograms and PSD Charts
    • Histogram Analysis: Identify particle size frequency and distribution trends.
    • Specification Envelope: Compare fragmentation results with the desired range for crusher compatibility.
    • Sphericity Lines: Assess shape uniformity to ensure good material flow.
  4. Boulder Identification and Oversize Control
    • Utilize WipFrag’s Boulder Count tool to detect and quantify oversize particles.
    • Identify areas where secondary breakage or blasting adjustments are needed.
  5. Continuous Improvement and Optimizaton
    • Compare multiple blasts using WipFrag’s Merging Feature to track fragmentation trends.
    • Adjust blasting parameters (e.g., burden, spacing, explosive charge) based on data insights.
    • Improve fragmentation efficiency by reducing fines and oversized materials.

Conclusion

WipFrag is a powerful tool for Blasting QC, enabling operators to measure, analyze, and optimize fragmentation performance. By integrating WipFrag into the blasting workflow, mining professionals can achieve better consistency, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall efficiency.

Рефлекс

WipWare Photoanalysis System FAQs

WipWare Photoanalysis logo, black background, FAQ with question marks in the center

We’ve put together some photoanalysis systems FAQs based on questions from our customers.

Does WipWare Technology give Real Time analysis results?

WipWare Image Analysis Systems produce real-time 24/7 results that allow personnel to identify, evaluate, and optimize troublesome areas of their process while maintaining production.
Our systems are installed in many different applications around the world. These applications vary from analyzing wood chips to detecting oversize material or contamination in diamond mines. The applications are endless.
From Mine to Mill
The term Mine to Mill highlights the importance of fragmentation data on both the blasting and processing end of operations. This term applies well to WipWare line of products from the muckpile after a blast to analyzing material on the conveyor.
Mine-to-mill technology takes the entire system into account, from the blasting process to the comminution circuit. This optimization provides a complete fragmentation and size reduction solution to maximize benefit.
Программное обеспечение для анализа изображений WipFrag
WipWare’s WipFrag 4 Image Analysis Software effectively analyzes data from a recent blast and produces results of the blast material on-site in minutes.Man holding iPad tablet at rock face
Рефлекторная система анализа автомобиля
From there, as the trucks haul the material to the primary crusher, you can detect oversize material or contamination and divert the material accordingly.Truck going under an arch on a sandy gravel road
Once at the primary crusher, our Reflex systems can detect oversize material, contamination or give full particle size distribution analysis as the material is dumped.
Система анализа одиночного конвейера
After the material has gone through this process our systems can continue to analyze the material on the conveyor belt.

At this stage, you can determine what is the most important information you want to retrieve: detect oversize, divert material, identify contaminated material or receive full Particle Size Distribution data 24/7 in real-time.

Now, here’s the cool part: our WipFrag software is also the HMI (Human to Machine Interface) for our systems. Not only can you use our software separately to analyze your blast material, but the same software is also used to analyze your material all along its journey from Mine to Mill.


What are the benefits of WipWare products? 

Many potential customers ask this very question about the benefits of WipWare products. Well, here’s the answer.
WipWare offers industry-leading photoanalysis technology for accurate, real-time fragmentation assessment, optimizing blasting, crushing, and grinding operations. With features like deep learning, auto-scaling, GIS compatibility, and orthomosaic analysis, WipWare ensures precise measurement and continuous improvement. The software’s specification envelope, histogram reporting, and boulder counting enhance decision-making, reducing downtime and costs. Additionally, WipWare provides flexible pricing, cross-shipping warranties, and expert support, making it the top choice for efficient mining and aggregate operations.
Furthermore, our online Systems provide data to the customer 24/7 to identify troublesome areas of your process from Mine2mill.
In conclusion, our Соло Basic or Complete, Рефлекс Basic or Complete and WipFrag software can drastically lower energy, and maintenance costs, as-well as cut equipment downtime and aid in quality control.

Как работает функция объемного измерения WipWare и как она может сэкономить вам деньги?

WipWare использует лазеры для точного определения глубины ленты для обнаружения обоих
A) Пустые ремни, как и в предыдущих моделях Solo.
Б) Глубина материала на конвейерной ленте
When you tie the material depth information with the conveyor belt speed and your belt weightometer reading, you are able to extract the specific gravity of the material passing. Having the specific gravity information will allow you to determine whether the material passing is waste or ore-bearing material. 
В ходе предварительных испытаний на известняковой фабрике WipWare удалось достичь корреляции 94% между объемными вычислениями и показаниями ленточного весоизмерителя.
Операция может использовать эту информацию для предотвращения попадания отходов в процесс дробления, что позволяет сэкономить значительные суммы денег на техническом обслуживании и затратах на электроэнергию.
Volumetrics users have the added benefit of receiving accurate particle sizing results as well as another new feature allowing you to detect contamination.
Благодаря тому, что данные о размере, форме, объеме и обнаружении загрязнения непрерывно передаются в реальном времени, автоматизированные технологии WipWare обеспечивают в три раза более точные показатели данных, чем у конкурентов.


What has WipWare technology been used for?

В WipWare мы часто называем себя поставщиком технологий для майнинга и агрегирования, поскольку эти две отрасли составляют большую часть нашего бизнеса. Прелесть технологий фотоанализа в том, что с подходящим изображением наши продукты могут анализировать все, от микронного материала до планет. Все мы знаем, что автоматическое определение размера частиц является важной частью горнодобывающей и агрегатной промышленности, но, как вы увидите, размер материала важен не только для горных пород. Вот несколько интересных приложений, с которыми мы имели удовольствие работать:
 Pebbles with a ruler to measure size in the bottom left corner
Марсоход Curiosity: There may not be any mining on Mars (that we know of), but the Curiosity rover is taking pictures that are being analyzed for oversized obstacle detection. What a great way to identify and steer clear of obstacles and keep Curiosity roaming.
Яичница-болтунья. That’s right, I said scrambled eggs. A food supplier from the US contacted us looking to optimize the fluffiness and fragmentation of the scrambled eggs they use. I’ll never look at scrambled eggs the same way ever again.
Кимберлит обработанный: Getting out of our chef’s apron and putting our hard hats back on, we have been working very closely with multiple diamond companies around the world to accurately analyze the process kimberlite material on their conveyor belts. What’s so incredible about this application? Well, it’s pretty normal, except for the fact that the material ranges from as low as 1.2mm (0.0472440″ for our Imperial friends). Once again, if a suitable image can be captured, WipWare can analyze it.
…And of course, we work with hundreds of applications that deal with broken screen detections, contamination, quality control procedures, pre- and post- crusher optimization and SAG mill throughput applications.


How can I see analysis (the) data?

Both Delta (Solo 6 and Reflex 6) and WipFrag produce a percentage passing curve visible after each virtual sieve analysis. It also saves the data to a CSV (comma-separated values) file. Each sieve analysis produces a new line in the CSV file that represents the results from the sieve.
Этот CSV-файл содержит:
– Timestamp (Year/Month/Day/Hour/Minute/Second)
– D-values (XX% passed the specified size – Ex. 90% of the material passes 13.87 inches[352.30mm])
– User specified size classes (% passing or retained at the specified size)
– Block (amount of particle detected)
– Min, Max, Mean, St. Dev, Mode
– Sphericity (The shape of the material – 0=Linear Objects 1=Perfectly Round)
– Coverage (How much of the image is used)
– Calibration Values (b, Xmax, X50, Xc and n)
– EDP values (Edge Detection Values)
– Calibration factors
– System info (CPU temp, Board temp, Voltage checks)
– System uptime
– Camera setting at the time of the image.
– Modbus and OPC poll rate
– Vehicle Identification Information (Reflex Only)
Delta (Solo 6 and Reflex 6) can e-mail these CSV files automatically as well as an average of the entire day on one passing curve. It also has a trending graph in the lower section of the software interface which trends the data for the current day.
Кроме того, Delta имеет возможность выводить аналитическую информацию, используя соединение Modbus или OPC, для передачи информации в ваш архиватор, PLC или HMI.Chart with rocks on the left, chart on the right, System analysis at the bottom


Какое регулярное обслуживание требуется для систем фотоанализа WipWare?

Единственное регулярное обслуживание, необходимое для наших систем, - это обеспечение чистоты линз и светильников с минимальным количеством пыли и грязи.
Частота очистки системы будет зависеть от среды, в которой она работает:
ОКРУЖАЮЩАЯ СРЕДА / ЧАСТОТА 
Очень пыльно 1-3 недели
Умеренная пыль 2-6 недель
Небольшое количество пыли или ее отсутствие 4-8 недель
Метод 1: водяной шланг 
The first method is the most common. Using a water hose, simply spray down the system ensuring the lens is clean and free of any noticeable dust or dirt. If possible, use a squeegee to remove any droplets that may remain on the lens. Doing this helps prevent dust from collecting in the droplets that remain which could leave deposits on the lens that interfere with image capture. Since our systems are completely waterproof this method is usually the easiest and most effective way to clean the lens. It can also be done without having to shut down the conveyor belt.
Метод 2: чистая влажная ткань / бумажное полотенце. 
Другой вариант - использовать чистую влажную ткань или бумажное полотенце, смоченное водой или Windex. Идеально было бы использовать чистую ткань из микрофибры, но ее может быть трудно найти на рудниках. Старайтесь не нажимать слишком сильно при протирании объектива, скопившаяся пыль может оставить царапины на объективе, если приложить слишком большое давление. Примечание. При температурах ниже нуля воздержитесь от использования воды или Windex, так как они замерзнут на линзе и вызовут неадекватное качество изображения. Мы рекомендуем использовать стандартные омыватели ветрового стекла, рассчитанные на правильную отрицательную температуру.
Метод 3: сжатый воздух 
It’s also acceptable to use compressed air from a can or hose to dust off our systems. This method works well but will kick up a lot more dust than the liquid methods. We recommend using a dust mask when using compressed air to clean off out systems.


Can Delta (Solo 6 and Reflex 6) store the images captured by automated systems?

Простой ответ - да.
The computer can store up to 1000MB worth of images without any issues. Once beyond this point the hard drive could start having problems accessing the image folder causing the computer to run slower than normal, so the oldest images are overwritten automatically.
Примечание. Все данные о размере частиц хранятся в файле CSV, который имеет гораздо меньший размер и позволяет хранить данные на более длительной временной шкале.
В большинстве наших систем используется камера с разрешением 1,2 мегапикселя, и размер изображений в среднем составляет 180 КБ каждая, поэтому в 1000 МБ памяти можно разместить примерно 5600 изображений.
Running 24 hours per day the system can roughly save the following number of images:
Если вы делаете 1 изображение каждые 20 секунд, у вас будет 4320 изображений в день. ~ 31,2 часа
Если вы делаете 2 изображения каждые 20 секунд, у вас будет 8640 изображений в день. ~ 15.5 часов
Если вы делаете 3 изображения каждые 20 секунд, у вас будет 12 960 изображений в день. ~ 10,3 часов


When should I apply Calibration to my analysis?

To calibrate, or not to calibrate; that is the question. And it’s an important question to ask prior to installing your online bulk material analysis system, regardless of the industry you’re in. Let’s help you figure out why calibration may or may not be your best bet, and whether you will see value in calibrating your system.
Одним из недостатков технологии анализа фрагментации горных пород на основе изображений является невозможность анализа нижележащего материала, движущегося по конвейерной ленте. Таким образом, в нормальных условиях без калибровки мелкий материал обычно недостаточно представлен при использовании анализа изображений. То же самое можно сказать и об анализе фрагментации взрыва, но я коснусь этого чуть позже в статье.
Если технологии фотоанализа представляют материал на верхнем слое и не представляют нижележащий материал, операция может компенсировать этот недостаток путем калибровки. (Руководство по калибровке можно найти по этой ссылке).
The way I see it, without sounding too much like a broken record, calibrated photo analysis technologies take the best of both worlds: Quantity and quality.
Take the following scenario as an example: Company ABC wants to adjust the SAG feed based on particle size analysis. By doing so, they need to know when to draw fine material from the stockpile and when to draw coarser material. Calibration allows for the proper “mix” of bulk material in order to optimize the process.
The Swebrec and Rosin-Rammler functions are great for adjusting the distribution curve to accurately compensate for fine material… But what if you are looking strictly at the coarse sizes, say, for oversize detection?
If this is the case, you may want to reconsider the calibration process.
Allow me to explain:
A calibrated system is making certain assumptions about material underneath the top layer and may even bias your coarse material fractions when trying to adjust the distribution curve. So, if you are planning on having a conveyor belt shut down if it detects material over x size, you may want to reconsider taking the chance of biasing your results. Instead, an uncalibrated system is going to get you very useful data that will allow you to stop/start/act on out-of-spec readings and optimize your process.
What are other reasons why clients don’t calibrate?
Когда материал слишком большой, гораздо труднее вручную отобрать образец материала, а это может быть недешево. Эта проблема чаще всего возникает на этапе взрывных работ, когда оптимизация взрывных работ в значительной степени зависит от обнаружения относительных изменений в размере материала.
Для анализа после дробления некоторые клиенты обнаруживают износ футеровки по относительному увеличению размера материала, поэтому калибровка не требуется.
Таким образом, калибровка, безусловно, находит свое применение в горнодобывающей и агрегатной промышленности, а точнее, когда более мелкие размеры материалов являются необходимой частью затруднительного положения; однако некалиброванные системы по-прежнему очень полезны для оптимизации вашего процесса и отслеживания относительных изменений.


What is WipWare’s warranty policy?

WipWare Inc. provides a one-year limited warranty on all products, including components and software. To offer customers peace of mind, WipWare also offers an annual service contract, which includes exclusive technician service rates, monthly check-ins, extended system warranties, and more.
With the purchase of any WipWare photoanalysis product, the warranty covers cross-shipping for any defective product under the WipWare Limited Warranty, ensuring minimal downtime for customers.
Полную информацию об ограниченной гарантии WipWare см. здесь.


Как WipWare способствует обучению работе с уникальными продуктами?

WipWare goes above and beyond to ensure that not only customers, but any individual or company who may show interest in a WipWare product has the utmost training and confidence when it comes to utilizing our extensive line of photoanalysis systems. WipWare offers free training to individuals, companies, colleges, and universities interested in learning about our products. We recently conducted on-campus workshops for mining students at Queen’s University (Kingston), Laurentian University (Sudbury), and ÉTS University (Montreal). In addition to in-person sessions, we provide virtual training and have a library of training videos available for easy access.Mining students in photo learning WipFrag
For more information about WipWare training please contact support@wipware.com

For more information about our systems, please visit our YouTube channel.

WipFrag

WipFrag 4 FAQ!

We’ve put together some FAQs for WipFrag 4 image acquisition based on questions from our customers.

Я приобрел программное обеспечение WipFrag, и у меня есть несколько вопросов о том, как правильно получать фотографии для использования с этим программным обеспечением?

For accurate fragmentation analysis with WipFrag, follow these key guidelines when capturing images:
Proper Scaling – Use a scale object (e.g., a known-sized object) in each image to ensure accurate measurements unless using auto-scaling.
Good Lighting – Avoid shadows and overexposed areas to maintain clear rock particle visibility.
Correct Angle & Distance –Stand at any distance where the biggest particle occupies 20% of the image.
Sufficient Coverage – Capture multiple images to represent the entire fragmentation distribution, avoiding overly distant shots. WipFrag has the merging feature to help combine all the images in a single result.
High Resolution – Use a good-quality camera to ensure sharp images with clear particle edges.
The expert photographers and software designers here at WipWare have put together a helpful and insightful document correctively named “The Sampling and Analysis Guide”.
This document is available in the Products and Services section of the WipWare website (download here: https://wipware.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sampling-and-Analysis-Guide-2021.pdf)


Когда лучше всего фотографировать уличный материал?

Avoid capturing images early in the morning or late in the evening, as the low sun creates long shadows around particles, particularly oversized ones. This can make it difficult to identify an EDP and increase manual editing time.
For optimal results, take images late in the morning or early in the afternoon, especially on overcast days. The even lighting during these times produces soft, uniform shadows, making EDP detection easier and significantly reducing the need for manual adjustments.


What is False positive in Image analysis?

A false positive occurs when your analysis contains either a fusion or disintegration error. A fusion error happens when two or more particles are mistakenly merged into one, while a disintegration error occurs when a single particle is incorrectly fragmented into multiple pieces.


What is the recommended way to manually edit analysis on WipFrag?

We recommend that you first use the deep learning EDP.
To improve the particle delineation, activate the edit assist tool, to show you the 50 biggest particles.
1. При обнаружении ошибок дезинтеграции у вас есть два варианта:
a. Use the ‘Lasso Delete & Outline’ tool (Tool No. 5) to trace around the entire particle. This tool will delete any net within the shape you drew and will draw net along the line you traced.
b. Use the ‘Block Delete’ tool to quickly delete unnecessary net without deleting the net that is correctly surrounding the particle. This can usually be faster than tracing the entire particle using ‘Lasso Delete & Outline’.
Rocks showing edge detection
c. When you find a fusion error, use the ‘Free Draw’ tool to draw a line along missing edges.
Simply repeat the above until satisfied.


Как WipWare способствует обучению работе с уникальными продуктами?

WipWare goes above and beyond to ensure that not only customers, but any individual or company who may show interest in a WipWare product has the utmost training and confidence when it comes to utilizing our extensive line of photoanalysis systems. WipWare offers free training to individuals, companies, colleges, and universities interested in learning about our products. We recently conducted on-campus workshops for mining students at Queen’s University (Kingston), Laurentian University (Sudbury), and ÉTS University (Montreal). In addition to in-person sessions, we provide virtual training and have a library of training videos available for easy access.Mining students in photo learning WipFrag
For more information about WipWare training please contact support@wipware.com


Can WipFrag 4 be used for simple Drill and Blast simulation?

Yes. WipFrag 4 has a module called BlastCast using KCO model for simulation of blast parameters. This model used both controllable and uncontrollable parameters to predict PSD.

The easiest way to obtain particle size distribution data from a photograph is to download WipFrag 4 on your mobile device. Simply open the app, capture an image of the material, analyze it using WipFrag’s advanced processing tools, and receive accurate size distribution results within minutes.


How can I analysis large blasting with WipFrag 4?

There are two methods for analyzing large blasts using WipFrag 4. The first method involves using drone images, where the software generates an orthomosaic from UAV-captured images. orthomosaic image of blasted rock with generated blue net around the particles
The second method allows you to capture multiple images and merge them within WipFrag 4, providing an average result across all images for a comprehensive analysis.


Can I compare multiple blast results on WipFrag 4?

Yes, select all blast images in the WipFrag workspace, click the three dots in the upper corner, and choose “Merge and View Chart” to display the PSD. The software will present all blast PSDs on a single chart for easy comparison.

For more information about WipFrag, please visit our YouTube channel. Tutorial videos are available on a variety of WipFrag topics.

Конференции

Trade Show Season is Upon Us Again

WipWare Inc. kicked off our 2025 trade show season with the Конференция Международного общества инженеров по взрывчатым веществам (ISEE).

This conference was held in Cherokee North Carolina from January 21-26th . 

PDAC and CIM

Next on the trade show season journey will be the Конвенция Ассоциации геологов и разработчиков Канады (PDAC) in Toronto, Ontario. The location is at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre March 2-5th. WipWare is proudly a part of the Выставка горнодобывающей промышленности Северного Онтарио located in the Trade Show North Exhibition.

We will be attending The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia.

We will be at Booth #1 in the NOMS Pavilion 6501N from May 4-7th.

Fragblast 2025

We are very excited to be participating in Fragblast 2025 with our Value-Added Reseller Alper Onen with Elite Enerji Sistemleri AS

Come and visit Alper and our WipWare team at his booth April 7-10th in Antalya Turkiye.

This is an important international scientific platform where companies share the latest developments in blasting and explosive engineering. The primary goal of the symposium is to share scientific research in the field of blasting with the industry, practical applications and experiences in the industry with the academic community, and to encourage a deeper understanding of all aspects of explosive-rock interactions.

We are excited to be presenting a paper at Fragblast 2025 as well.

We look forward to fruitful exchanges of theoretical and practical experience.

Всемирная конференция EFEE

The 13th World Conference on Explosives and Blasting will be held in the city of Krakow from September 20-23rd ICE. The Всемирная конференция EFEE on Explosives and Blasting is one of the key international blasting events, drawing attention from explosives users, manufacturers and drilling equipment operators, as well as researchers and professionals involved in the construction and mining industry.

We are excited to be attending this excellent conference showcasing our products and services as well as presenting a paper at the conference.

Компания

Social Media Connections with WipWare

Thumbs up technology chip image

Are you looking for our social media connections and information about WipWare’s products and services? Well look no further. There are several places you can find out all about us.

For WipFrag information, you can connect with our technical specialist Blessing (Giant Miner). Blessing posts interesting and informative articles about WipFrag. He is also available to assist you with any questions or schedule WipFrag training and seminars.

Giant Miner’s social media connections: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, а также X

Also, we have our website to provide you with information about our products and services:

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Effect of Excessive Burden Distance on Blasting Result – Part 3

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Blast Design

What are the causes of Excessive burden in blast design and how to identify blast fragmentation that result from excessive burden or other ill blast design using WipFrag 4.

Starting with this quote from Singh et al. (1998), the mentioned that “Drilling errors are frequent but undesirable occurrences in mining operations and are composed of collaring, alignment, trajectory and length errors. Improved drilling accuracy has tremendous monetary benefits in terms of optimum fragmentation, reduced dilution, higher ore recoveries and less need for redrilling.”

Poor Drilling Operations Result

Going forward, the large effect of poor drilling operations on excessive burden creation necessitates a comprehensive assessment of blasting practices. Each mine requires a robust methodology for bore hole and blasting result assessment as this is essential for improving the predictability and overall efficiency of mining operations.

Considering the heterogeneous state of rock mass and the varying conditions of human operators and drilling machinery, below are some of the factors that contribute to excessive burden distance in blast design:

Factors that Contribute to Excessive Burden Distance in Blast Design

1. Rock Mass Variability: Differences in rock strength, density, and structure can lead to uneven excessive burden creation.

2. Blast Hole Deviation and accuracy: The deviations in drill holes from their intended (design) paths due to rock anisotropic characteristics can create inconsistencies in burden and spacing (Bradley, 1975).

3. Explosive Distribution: Considering the explosive energy per meter along borehole wall, Uneven distribution or incorrect loading of explosives can lead to improper energy release, affecting burden distance at detonation.

4. Rock Mass Discontinuities: The Presence of joints, faults, and fractures can also influence blast outcomes, causing uneven burden distribution.

5. Blasting Practices: Variations in blasting techniques and practices, including timing and sequence, can impact burden and fragmentation.

6. Equipment Performance: Drilling Equipment Wear and tear, maintenance issues, and technological limitations are one of the well known factor that affects drilling precision and blast outcomes.

7. Human Factors: Operator skill, experience, fatigue, and adherence to procedures play a significant role in achieving accurate drilling and blasting.

8. Environmental Conditions: Weather, ground conditions, and water presence can affect drilling performance and blast effectiveness.

One of the significant evidence of blasting with excessive burden distance is having oversize accumulation in blast result along throw path.

The video attached shows how to assess this using WipFrag 4 software:

In the Part 4 of this article, I will discuss some of the ways to avoid excessive burden effect on blasting fragmentation.

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Missed Part 1 and 2? Here you go:

Part 1: Effect of Excessive Burden Distance on Blasting Result – Part 1

Part 2: https://wipware.com/effect-of-excessive-burden-distance-on-blasting-result-part-2/

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