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FOR
AMMONIA CONTROL IN BLASTING
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BRZ™ (Bear River Zeolite) 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. BRZ™ is one of the best
zeolites in the world because (1) it contains
more than 90% clinotilolite and therefore it
holds a high amount of ammonia, (2) it contains
very little sodium, which is toxic to plants,
and (3) it contains no crystalline silica and is
not a cause for silicosis. BRZ™ is a natural
cation exchange agent that is inexpensive.
BRZ™ 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 and ammonium. BRZ™ is an excellent
desiccant. In this case the cations are more
loosely held and are water-soluble. Four hundred
and fifty tons of BRZ™ were used to clean up the
largest spill of anhydrous ammonia gas in the
history of the United States (Canadian Pacific
Railroad, Minot, North Dakota, January 18, 2002,
where 200,000 gallons of ammonia were released,
13 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 affects a man’s ability to work. In
higher levels it can cause lasting
respiratory and other medical problems.
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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.
BRZ™ FOR AMMONIA CONTROL
IN BLASTING (Patent Pending)
It has
been found that applying about 30% of the
weight of the ANFO as 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, fewer 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.
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.
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.
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 to mitigate
nitrous oxide.
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