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BRZ™ is a naturally
occurring volcanic rock that contains the
zeolite mineral called “clinoptilolite”. The
rock is drilled, blasted, crushed and screened
to a granular size (14 x 40 mesh) that is not
dusty and flows well. It contains no crystalline
silica and is not a cause for silicosis. BRZ™ is
a natural cation exchange agent that is
inexpensive. It has two ways of holding cations
(positive ions such as ammonium, calcium,
sodium, and potassium). The first way is in its
crystal lattice where the ammonium (the product
of ammonia and water) is exchanged instantly.
The second way is in its channel-ways where BRZ™
can hold up to 55% of its weight in water. BRZ
is an excellent desiccant. In this case the
cations are more loosely held and are
water-soluble. BRZ was used to clean up the
largest spill of anhydrous ammonia gas in the
history of the United States (Canadian Pacific
Railroad, Minot, North Dakota, 2001, where 12
railcars ruptured, 80 people were hospitalized
and one was killed).
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PROBLEMS WITH AMMONIA GAS |
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The first problem with ammonia is that
it is a health hazard than can be lethal
to humans. In low levels it severely
effects a man’s ability to work. In
higher levels it can cause lasting
respiratory problems. High
concentrations of ammonia combine so
rapidly with tissue water in the lungs
that it can cause death by drowning.
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Ammonia quickly becomes ammonium in
water and this oxidizes to nitrites and
nitrates that contaminate the water
table and make water undrinkable. It is
one of the most major environmental
problems in the world.
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BRZ™ FOR AMMONIA CONTROL IN
BLASTING (Patent Pending)
It has been found that applying about
30% of the weight of the ANFO used in
the form of BRZ™ significantly reduces
ammonia after loading and shooting. The
weight of the BRZ™ must be determined on
a case by case basis. The product is
sold in 25 kg plastic bags for easy
application, 1 metric tonne totes, and
in bulk. The ammonia is a result of
incomplete detonation, spillage, and
fugitive dust from loading operations.
Reducing the ammonia after shooting
means getting back to the face faster,
less health problems, and greater
production.
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SHAFTS AND WINZES
BRZ™ is sprinkled around the blast area
prior to loading. The product can also
be used to top dress the muck pile. It
has reduced ammonia from 180-220 ppm to
less than 20 ppm.
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DRIFTS, SCRAMS, STOPES, RAMPS,
RAISES
BRZ™ is spread on the floor in front of
or under the drilled area prior to
loading, and it can also be used to top
dress the muck pile.
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OPEN PIT OPERATIONS AND SEISMIC
BLASTING
Here human health is not as critical as
in underground mining, however, the
environmental impact of the ammonia can
be mitigated by applying BRZ™ around the
drill holes or as stemming in the drill
holes. The product should not be mixed
with the ANFO because it will become
saturated with ammonium and will loose
its effectiveness.
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BRZ™ FOR AMMONIA CONTROL IN
MAGAZINES AND STOCKPILES
ANFO is hygroscopic. As it pulls water
from the atmosphere, the ammonia quickly
forms ammonium that leaks from the
stockpile or magazine area. This creates
environmental and health problems. BRZ™
can be applied on the floor around the
stockpile, in a trench outside the
storage area, or in various other
configurations.
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BRZ™ AS A DESICCANT AND FLOW AGENT
BRZ™ is an effective desiccant that can
mixed in small amounts in fine particle
sizes (minus 40 mesh) to keep ANFO dry
and easily flowing. It will prevent
caking and clumping.
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BRZ™ FOR CONTROL OF NITROUS OXIDE
The surface of the zeolite can be
modified to a positive charge so that it
will adsorb NO3 and NO2 gas. This is
referred to as an “SMZ” (surface
modified zeolite). Testing will be
necessary to determine the best
application method, but top dressing the
blast area should be adequate.
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