In-hole velocity of detonation (VOD) measurements as a framework for the selection type of explosive

Velocity of detonation (VOD) is one of the most important properties of explosives and indicates performances of explosives in real time. With the development of blast monitoring systems, continuous VOD monitoring systems are recently available. The VOD measurement in holes helps in comparing and evaluating relative performances of explosives. The purpose of this paper is a framework for selecting the type of explosives.This paper analyses the results of VOD measurements, carried out at the limestone quarry Črnotiči (Črni kal), Slovenia. Experiments were conducted to measure VOD in blast holes which were loaded with ANFO, heavy ANFO and emulsion explosives. The explosives are produced at the point of use with mobile equipment. In this study, resistance wire continuous VOD measurement system MicroTrap, VODSYS-4 from MREL was used and framework for selection the type of explosives has been suggested.