Rock types that spontaneously combust, or catch fire in nature only require atmospheric oxygen for this to occur. A number of coal seams around the world have caught fire in this manner. Other rock types require the rock mass to be fractured - allowing atmospheric oxygen entry before they will react.

One effect of spontaneous combustion is the heating of the rock mass in excess of 600°C at a reaction site with elevated temperatures extending many meters from each site.

A blast hole drilled near a reactive zone may have elevated temperatures which will cause any explosive loaded into the blast hole to   prematurely detonate. Also, anomalously high temperatures further away from the reaction may combine with explosive ground reactivity to cause premature detonation.

If the drilled rock mass is composed of a rock type that is ready to react, then the addition of an explosive composed of powerful oxidisers acts as a catalyst to the explosive rock reaction. As the reaction progresses, it liberates heat  until a premature detonation occurs.

Although there are several strategies to deal with these problems, the first step is to accurately assess the temperature profile of a blast area. 

Using the infrared sensors is by far the fastest detection method.

As there is no warm-up time required with the infrared sensors, as soon as the unit is switched on the sensor head can be lowered into the blast hole, providing instant and continuous readings of the rock surface that are far faster and more accurate than using a thermocouple.

Two sensors are used to ensure accuracy and to provide comparative readings from opposite sides of the hole.

 

Specifications
  • Sensor head: 2 x M100 Infrared sensors set at 180°to each other in machined aluminium housing
  • Instrument case with 2 x panel metres providing continuous readouts
  • Temperature range: 0 - 260°C
  • Internal ambient temperature range: 0 - 50°C
  • 80°C rated cable
  • Sensors are fitted with replaceable lenses for ease of servicing and reduced cost
  • Rechargeable batteries and charger
  • Sensor head size: 40mm diameter x 230mm long
  • Sensor weight: 500g
  • Instrument case size: 250mm x 200mm x 100mm
  • Instrument case weight: 2kg
  • Aluminium case to carry reel, readout unit and sensor head
  • Total weight: 12kg
Features
  • Instant Response
  • Simple to use
  • Non-contact
  • Water Resistant
  • Recharging time: 12 hours
  • Continuous Use: 75 hours
  • Target Ratio: 3 to 1 - for example - 25mm diameter spot target at 75mm from lens
  • Lens and protective cover are easily serviced
  • Stable, long life electronics

 AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURED

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