AUSTIN POWDER Shock Star User manual

NON-ELECTRIC INITIATION SYSTEM
USER‘S GUIDE
CZECH REPUBLIC  December 2019

Austin Detonator s.r.o., Jasenice 712, 755 01 Vsetín, Czech Republic
Phone: [phone] | Fax: [phone] | Email: [e-mail] | www.austin.cz
PAGE
2
CONTENT
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 3
1 COMPONENTS OF NON-ELECTRIC INITIATION SYSTEM AND THEIR FUNCTION ............... 4
Shock*Star Surface ....................................................................................................................... 4
Shock*Star Bunch ........................................................................................................................ 4
Shock*Star Dual Delay .................................................................................................................. 4
2 OPERATION PRINCIPLE OF A NON-ELECTRIC SYSTEM ....................................................... 5
3 CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF NON-ELECTRIC DETONATORS...... 6
3.1 IN-HOLE DETONATORS ............................................................................................ 6
3.2 Shock*Star Surface ..................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Shock*Star Bunch ....................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Shock*Star Dual Delay ................................................................................................ 9
3.4.1 Bench blast design Using Shock*Star Dual Delay, Shock*Star MS and Shock*Star
Surface ....................................................................................................................... 10
3.5 Shock*Star DC Relay ................................................................................................ 11
3.5.1 Simple blasting pattern using detonating cord and Shock*Star DC Relay ................. 11
4 PRACTICAL USE OF NON-ELECTRIC DETONATORS AND THE BENEFITS OF USE .......... 12
4.1 INSTRUCTION FOR USE OF Shock*Star MS, Shock*Star TS .................................. 12
4.2 USE of Shock*Star MS DETONATORS IN Surface APPLICATION ......................... 13
4.3 INSTRUCTION FOR USE OF Shock*Star Surface .................................................... 14
4.4 ADDED DELAY CREATED BY THE Shock Tube ..................................................... 17
4.5 INSTRUCTION FOR USE OF T-CONNECTOR (“J” HOOK) .................................... 18
4.6 INSTRUCTION FOR USE OF Shock*Star DC Relay ................................................. 19
4.7 NOTES ON DESIGNING BLASTING PATTERNS In surface applications ............... 19
4.7.1 Gradual initiation of blast holes ................................................................................. 19
4.7.2 Coupled initiation blasting pattern ............................................................................. 20
4.7.3 The bench blasting examples .................................................................................... 21
4.8 USING Shock*Star IN UNDERGROUND APPLICATIONS ....................................... 23
4.8.1 Creating the bunch and connection to bunch assembly ............................................ 23
4.8.2 Detonating cord end connection ................................................................................ 24
4.8.3 Always and Nevers when using Shock*Star Bunch................................................... 25
4.9 APPLICATION OF Shock*Star FOR DEMOLITION OPERATIONS.......................... 25
4.10 CONNECTING OF TWO Shock Tubes TOGETHER ................................................ 26
4.11 INITIATION OF NON-ELECTRIC SYSTEM .............................................................. 26
4.11.1 Instruction how to assemble Rock*Star Starter detonator ......................................... 28
4.11.2 Always and Nevers when using Rock*Star Starter .................................................... 30
4.12 REMOVAL OF NON-ELECTRIC INITIATION SYSTEM REMAINS AFTER USE ..... 30
5 PACKAGE, STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE ................................................................................. 31
5.1 PACKAGING ............................................................................................................. 31
5.2 SHELF LIFE AND STORAGE CONDITIONS ............................................................ 32
5.3 STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION CLASSIFICATION ........................................ 32

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INTRODUCTION
SHOCK*STAR IS A NON-ELECTRIC INITIATION SYSTEM DESIGNED BY AUSTIN
DETONATOR S.R.O., CZECH REPUBLIC. THIS INITIATION SYSTEM INCREASES SAFETY
AND ENSURES BETTER BLASTING RESULTS. THE SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED TO THE
MARKET IN 1993 AND SINCE THEN HAS SEEN THREE MAJOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE
Surface CONNECTOR WHICH BROUGHT FURTHER RELIABILITY, PRECISION, AND SAFETY
TO BLASTING IN FIELD. THE LAST VERSION OF THE Shock*Star Surface CONNECTOR
BRINGS A NEW OPTIONAL FUNCTION OF SECURING CONNECTIONS BY LOCKING THE
TUBES IN THE BLOCK IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE DISCONNECTIONS IN SOME SPECIAL
APPLICATIONS, E.G. WHEN THE BLASTS NEED TO BE COVERED BY HEAVY MATS. THE
CONNECTOR BLOCK ALSO FURTHER INCREASES USERFRIENDLINESS WHEN MAKING
CONNECTIONS IN TEMPERATURES EXCEEDING - 15°C.
Using of non-electric system for blasting brings a number of benefits including:
 Higher safety of blast work, as the system is immune to initiation by foreign sources of electric
energy (radio frequency, stray currents).
 Higher variability of timing patterns enabling “tailor-made“ blasts corresponding to the conditions
in a given locality.
 More effective work from the point of view of logistics and storage (smaller product range
necessary for achieving a given result).
All the mentioned benefits improve economy of blasting operations. Although the initial cost of
using non-electric system may be higher, the overall economics of blasting and quarrying
operations is more beneficial as opposed to traditional electric system.
The blasting results using non-electric system (fragmentation, vibration control) are much more
positive. Before the non-electric system was introduced, the only way to perform a non-electric blast
was using a detonating cord. The method is now almost abandoned as it has numerous undesired
side effects. When initiating a blast using a detonating cord, the blast hole is opened from the top
which creates excessive fly rock because the stemming is destroyed as the detonation passes
through it. As a result, the energy created by detonation is used less effectively. In addition, when
used to initiate relatively insensitive explosives such as ANFO and certain emulsion explosives, the
detonating cord can cause dead-pressing of the explosive. Further disadvantages of using
detonating cord for initiation include excessive noise. Using of non-electric system enables to
initiate the blast hole from the bottom (see figure 0-1) which ensures better use of the blast energy.
Fig. 0-1 Fig. 0-2
X

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1 COMPONENTS OF NON-ELECTRIC INITIATION SYSTEM AND THEIR
FUNCTION
Austin Shock Tube and all Austin Detonator products using Austin Shock Tube can be initiated by
regular electric, electronic or non-electric detonator, detonating cord, plain detonator, Shock*Star
Bunch, Shock*Star Surface, proper blasting machine (from an open end of the Shock Tube only)
and Rock*Star Starter.
Shock*Star MS-Shock*Star TS-Shock*Star LP
These are in-hole detonators with millisecond
delay (steps 25 ms and 50 ms) and long period
delay (steps 100 ms, 200 ms and 500 ms)
detonators used for initiation of explosive in a
hole. Shock*Star MS is used for surface
applications, Shock*Star TS in underground
tunnel applications where are high accuracy of
delay required. Shock*Star LP is used for
underground mining applications, where is no
emphasis for restriction of seismic impact of
blasting. These detonators can be initiated either
by Shock*Star Surface, Shock*Star Bunch
detonators or by detonating cord. For initiation by
detonating cord they can be fitted with a T-
connector (available on request).
Shock*Star Surface
Shock*Star Surface is a millisecond delay
detonator enclosed in a color coded plastic block.
This detonator has a smaller base charge
designed for initiation of Shock Tube only.
Shock*Star Bunch
The base charge of these detonators is designed
for initiation of a 5 g/m PETN detonating cord,
which is attached to it. The detonator is enclosed
in a plastic block and the detonating cord is
inserted in the plastic block. The detonator is
used for initiation of up to 20 Shock Tubes tied in
a bunch, which is closely described later in this
manual. The detonator is mostly used in
underground applications.
Shock*Star Dual Delay
Shock*Star Dual Delay is composed of
Shock*Star Surface and an in-hole detonator
Shock*Star MS or Shock*Star TS. Dual Delay
detonator is used in the same way as the two
detonators of which it is composed. The benefits
of Dual Delay detonators include faster handling,
easier connections and decrease of excessive
Shock Tube during connecting, thus making it
easier to overview the connections on the blast
site.
Fig. 1-2
Fig. 1-3
Fig. 1-4
Fig. 1-1

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NOTICE
For a successful blast it is necessary that a hole is initiated well before the initiation
network is destroyed by the blast itself. This is ensured by suitably designed blast pattern.
2 OPERATION PRINCIPLE OF A NON-ELECTRIC SYSTEM
The basic principle of initiation in blasting pattern is transferring initiation from Surface Connector to
a detonator in a hole and to another surface connector.
The figure 2-1 shows properly timed blasting pattern - the holes are initiated well before the rock
starts moving.
Fig. 2-1
Fig. 2-2

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3 CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF NON-ELECTRIC
DETONATORS
3.1 IN-HOLE DETONATORS
Shock*Star MS (with 25 or 50 ms delay interval)
Shock*Star TS (with 50, 100, 200 and 500 ms delay interval)
These detonators have base charge of
720 mg. The detonators are made of
aluminum shell containing the primary
charge, delay composition system, Shock
Tube, antistatic sealing plug, stopper and
delay tag.
The detonators can be fitted with a T-
connector / “J” hook (see figure 3-2 and 3-3)
for detonating cord compatibility and they
are used to initiate primers (boosters) or
directly commercial cap sensitive
explosives.
The T-connectors are applied only during
production in the factory.
TECHNICAL DATA
Detonator Shell
Material: Aluminum
Marking: nominal delay time
letter „V“ at the shell bottom
Shock Tube
Color: yellow
VOD: 2,000 m/s
Marking: delay tag:
 production series number
 detonator type
 nominal delay time/delay number
 Shock Tube length
 traceability code
Fig. 3-1
Fig. 3-2 Fig. 3-3
T
-
connector
T-connector
Traceability
tag

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IN-HOLE DETONATORS DELAY TIMES
Shock*Star MS Shock*Star TS
Delay
number
Nominal delay
time (ms)
Delay interval
(ms)
Delay
number
Nominal delay
time (ms)
Delay interval
(ms)
00 0000 - 00 0025 02-
01 0025 25 01 0100 75
02 0050 25 011/2 0150 050
03 0075 25 02 0200 050
04 0100 25 021/2 0250 050
05 0125 25 03 0300 050
06 0150 25 031/2 0350 050
07 0175 25 04 0400 050
08 0200 25 041/2 0450 050
09 0225 25 05 0500 050
10 0250 25 051/2 0550 050
11 0275 25 6 0600 050
12 0300 25 061/2 0650 050
13 0325 25 7 0700 050
14 0350 25 071/2 0750 050
15 0375 25 8 0800 050
16 0400 25 081/2 0850 050
17 0425 25 9 0900 050
18 0450 25 091/2 0950 050
19 0475 25 10 1,000 050
20 0500 25 11 1,100 100
21 0550 50 12 1,200 100
22 0600 50 14 1,400 200
23 0650 50 16 1,600 200
24 0700 50 18 1,800 200
25 0750 50 20 2,000 200
26 0800 50 25 2,500 500
27 0850 50 30 3,000 500
28 0900 50 35 3,500 500
29 0950 50 40 4,000 500
30 1,000 50 45 4,500 500
50 5,000 500
55 5,500 500
60 6,000 500
65 6,500 500
70 7,000 500
75 7,500 500
80 8,000 500
85 8,500 500
90 9,000 500
Tab. 1

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NOTICE
The Shock*Star Surface is an
assembly composed of two main parts:
a plastic connector and a small
detonator with a Shock Tube attached.
The plastic connector houses the
detonator. The entire unit is assembled
by the manufacturer and makes a
permanent assembly. The disassembly
may result in damage to the unit.
Surface detonators must not be used to
initiate explosives and detonating cord!
3.2 Shock*Star Surface
The Shock*Star Surface is a highly user-
friendly product bringing substantial time-
savings when connecting initiation network.
The design of the connector virtually
eliminates the shrapnel cut-off concerns, and
makes easier the composition of initiation
network. The connector has 9 delays. Base
charge of Shock*Star Surface detonators is
120 mg. The detonators are composed of an
aluminum shell containing a base charge and
a highly accurate delay composition system,
antistatic rubber plug, Shock Tube fitted with a stopper and a delay tag (see fig. 3-4). The stopper
prevents the tube end from coming out of the connector block. The detonator is enclosed in a color
coded plastic block. These units are specially designed for creating delay patterns and are used to
initiate Shock*Star MS and TS, and to relay the initiation impulse to the next Shock*Star Surface
connector(s) in sequence.
TECHNICAL DATA
Detonator Shell
Material: Aluminum
Connector
Body color: as per nominal delay
Shock Tube
Color: red
VOD: 2,000 m/s
Marking: delay tag:
 production series number
 detonator type
 nominal delay time
 Shock Tube length
 traceability code
NOMINAL DELAYS
Shock*Star Surface
Nominal delay time (ms) Color
0 green
9 brown
17 yellow
25 red
33 grey
42 white
67 blue
100 black
200 orange
Fig. 3-4
Tab. 2
Traceability
tag
Stopper

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Tab. 3
3.3 Shock*Star Bunch
This detonator is fitted with a Bunch Connector with a
5 g/m PETN detonating cord. The detonator base
charge of 160 mg is designed to initiate the attached
detonating cord. Shock*Star Bunch is available in
the following delays: 0, 9, 17, 25, 33, 42, 67, 100,
200 ms.
TECHNICAL DATA
Detonator Shell
Material: Aluminum
Connector
Body color: as per nominal delay
Shock Tube
Color: red
VOD: 2,000 m/s
Marking: delay tag:
 production series number
 detonator type
 nominal delay time
 Shock Tube length
 traceability code
NOMINAL DELAYS
Shock*Star Bunch
Nominal delay time (ms) Color
0 green
9 brown
17 yellow
25 red
33 grey
42 white
67 blue
100 black
200 orange
3.4 Shock*Star Dual Delay
Shock*Star Dual Delay detonator is a
combination of Shock*Star Surface
(nominal delays 25, 100 ms) and
Shock*Star MS or Shock*Star TS (nominal
delays 475, 500, 9,000 ms). Shock*Star
Dual Delay detonators are used in surface
bench blasts and underground blasts.
Their use results in smaller number of
detonators needed for one blast.
Fig. 3-5
Fig. 3-6

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Tab. 4
Fig. 3-7
Use of Shock*Star Dual Delay detonators brings the following advantage:
 reduced handling and storage requirements
 faster composition of initiation network
 reduced number of connections between units
 easier and more reliable visual inspection of connection
TECHNICAL DATA
Shock Tube
Color: yellow
VOD: 2,000 m/s
Marking: delay tag
 production series number
 detonator type
 nominal delay time
 Shock Tube length
 traceability code
Shock*Star Dual Delay
NOMINAL DELAYS
Shock*Star Surface Shock*Star MS
Shock*Star TS
025 ms 475, 500 ms
100 ms 475, 500, 9,000 ms
3.4.1 Bench blast design Using Shock*Star Dual Delay, Shock*Star MS and Shock*Star Surface
Shock Tube color:
• Shock*Star Surface
• Shock*Star MS
• Shock*Star Dual Delay

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Fig. 3-8
3.5 Shock*Star DC Relay
Shock*Star DC Relay detonators are designed
to provide accurate delay timing between the
individual rows of blast holes using detonating
cord as a primary initiation system. They can be
used for developing various delay patterns.
DC Relay consists of a 45 cm Shock Tube, two
detonators and two plastic blocks. The
detonators are attached to each end of the
Shock Tube and are inserted into plastic
connector blocks. The connector blocks are
specially designed for fast and easy detonating
cord connections. This detonator is suitable for
bidirectional use.
TECHNICAL DATA
Detonator Shell
Material: Aluminum
Connector
Body color: as per nominal delay
Suitable for 5 g detonating cord
Shock Tube
Color: red
Detonation velocity: 2,000 m/s
Marking: delay tag:
 production series number
 detonator type
 nominal delay time
 Shock Tube length
 traceability code
Nominal delay (ms) 9 17 25 35 50 65 100 200
Tab. 5
3.5.1 Simple blasting pattern using detonating cord and Shock*Star DC Relay
Fig. 3-9

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Fig. 4-5 Fig. 4-6
WARNING
Non-electric detonators Shock*Star
must not be used in underground
worksites with a risk of ignition of coal
dust and methane atmosphere under
any condition.
Fig. 4-1 Fig. 4-2
Fig. 4-3 Fig. 4-4
4 PRACTICAL USE OF NON-ELECTRIC DETONATORS AND THE
BENEFITS OF USE
Shock*Star detonators are used for initiation of
commercial explosives used for blasting both
surface and underground.
Condition of use:
 temperatures ranging from -30 °C to +60 °C
 in water pressure of max 0.3 MPa / 7 days
Advantages:
 fit for use in wet conditions and under water
 high variability of timing
 highly safe product
 reduction of vibration during blast
4.1 INSTRUCTION FOR USE OF Shock*Star MS, Shock*Star TS
1. Prepare a hole in the middle of primer
towards to center of primer using priming
tool. (Fig. 4-1)
2. Put the detonator into the hole. (Fig. 4-2)
3. Be sure that the detonator is in the correct
position - whole length of shell must be
inside the primer. (Fig. 4-3, Fig. 4-4)
4. Prepare a Shock Tube loop. (Fig. 4-5)
5. Put a loop on the primer and tighten it.
(Fig. 4-6)

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Fig. 4-7
Fig. 4-8
6. Use double loops for longer primers
(≥700 mm). (Fig. 4-7)
4.2 USE of Shock*Star MS DETONATORS IN SURFACE APPLICATION
The explosive in the blast hole is usually
initiated by two in-hole detonators
Shock*Star MS. One detonator is located at
the bottom (lower) part of the drill hole. The
other detonator is positioned at the top
(upper) part of the drill hole, under the
stemming. Normally, a 475 ms detonator is
used at the bottom and a 500 ms detonator at
the top of the drill hole.
Detonators should be positioned such, that
the detonator bottom is directed towards the
longer part of the explosive column.
The lower detonator should point upwards and
the upper detonator should point downwards. The
in-hole detonators are initiated by Shock*Star Surface.
The initiation of explosive in this fashion brings the most effective consumption of energy
released during explosion.
The detonation velocity of the Shock Tube impulse is 2,000 m/s. The Shock Tube then presents a
delay of 1 ms / 2 m of tube. The delay caused by Shock Tube therefore needs to be taken into
consideration when designing the blasting patterns. See chapter 4.4 for more information. Where
detonators of identical nominal delay time in drill hole are used, the explosive in the drill hole is
initiated from the top causing less effective consumption of energy released during explosion.
PRECAUTIONS
 The detonator bottom must be directed towards the longer part of explosive
charge column.
 When designing a blast pattern, a Shock Tube added delay time of 1 ms / 2
meters must be taken into consideration.
 With drill holes longer than 10 m, two priming assemblies should always be
used. If the drill hole is shorter than 10 m, only one priming assembly may be
used provided the drill hole walls are smooth and the risk of interruption of
explosive column during charging is eliminated.
 The minimal length of the Shock Tube coming out of priming assembly and out
of the drill hole is 0.6 m.
 Make sure that connector-to-connector distances are identical in aII
connections.
 Do not cut short the Shock Tube. Water or humidity may make the Shock Tube
non-functional. Cut only the Shock Tube immediately prior the blast for testing
the blasting machine and for the blast itself.

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Fig. 4-9 Correct way to pull the tube
4.3 INSTRUCTION FOR USE OF Shock*Star Surface
CONNECTING
Prepare a loop a shown in the picture.
When connecting the tube in the connector, always pull the tube in the direction towards the middle
of the connector block cavity for tubes. This method puts the least demand on strength needed for
making a connection.
If needed, it is possible to lock the tubes in to secure the connection. The connector is however fully
functional in both locked and unlocked position provided the tubes are inserted properly.
NOTICE ON THE SAFETY OF SHOCK TUBE
Snap & Shoot Effect
 In the history of use of the non-electric (Shock Tube) initiation system, there
occurred several instances of accidental tube initiation when the tube was
pulled till its breakage. The instances were recorded during tubing production,
detonator manufacture and also charging operations in the field.
 Based on the recorded events, a study was performed and published in the
SAFEX newsletter No. 38, 3rd Qtr. 2011, where the phenomenon is reported in
detail and is confirmed as existing.
 We advise the customers to study the phenomenon in that document, be
aware of it and take all safety precautions to prevent the tube from SNAP
(being pulled till breakage) and potential SHOOT (initiation by this breakage) or
any other impact that might resemble this kind of condition during their
operations.
 For advice or if in doubt, please contact us using the below mentioned contacts
for technical support.
 It will be noted that this phenomenon is inherent in any Shock tubing from any
manufacture and is not related to any particular Shock Tube brand of
manufacture method.

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Fig. 4-10 Locking the tubes into connector
CAUTION
During connection make sure that the tubes are properly inserted into the
connector block and that they are not crossed inside the connector block.
Each side of the connector block can hold up to 4 tubes; the total
capacity of the block is 8 tubes.
Fig. 4-11 Correct way to insert the tubes into the connector
CAUTION
Do not use any version of „double hooking“ as a safety precaution
against preventing the Shock Tube from slipping out of the Shock*Star
connector. For this purpose, every Shock Tube is fitted with a plastic
sleeve (the stopper) at its end. Double hooking is a nonstandard
connection not compliant with the design of the Shock*Star product, and
it may result in improper function.
Fig. 4-12 Nonstandard connection of „double hooking“
X

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CAUTION
Connect, place the connector at the distance at least 60 cm from the next
connector or in-hole detonator. (Fig. 4-13, 4-14)
Fig. 4-13
Fig. 4-14
Fig. 4-15 Correct way to disconnect the tubes
DISCONNECTING
Hold the loop as when connecting and pull the tube out from the connector block.
X

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4.4 ADDED DELAY CREATED BY THE Shock Tube
As described Austin Shock Tube has velocity of detonation 2,000 m/s. This speed creates delay of
1 ms per every 2 m of Shock Tube. From this reason it is necessary to count with added delay by
the Shock Tube and its variation based on place where connection to the Shock*Star Surface
connector is been made. Practical examples are presented in figures below.
In the case of figure 4-16 the delay for top initiation is 527.5 ms and for bottom initiation 536.5 ms
instead of theoretical 525 ms (connector plus in-hole detonator delay). This will cause the hole to be
started from the top.
Figure 4-17 display fragment of one row of 19 m long holes and variation in connection points of
Shock*Star MS and Shock*Star Surface detonators. Such a connection has influence on final
detonator timing as indicated in the table 6.
Hole num
b
er
Theoretical delay
Real
delay
1 525 ms 534.5 ms
2 550 ms 563.5 ms
3 575 ms 591.5 ms
Fig. 4-16
Fig. 4-17
Tab. 6

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Fig. 4-18 Correct way to connect Shock*Star detonators equipped by T-connector
(“J” hook) to detonating cord
NOTICE
Make sure that the detonating cord is straight in the T-connector
(“J” hook) and well fixed. Do not connect the detonating cord twice or
bent it in any way in the connector.
Fig. 4-19 Examples of incorrect connection of T-connector (“J” hook) to the detonating
cord
4.5 INSTRUCTION FOR USE OF T-CONNECTOR (“J” HOOK)
Steps to follow to make proper CONNECTION
1. 2.
3. 4.

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NOTICE
For easy connection it is important to have a clean cut of the detonating
cord. Place the cord on a wooden plate and cut the cord at right angles
using a sharp knife.
Fig. 4-20 Correct way to connect Shock*Star DC Relay
4.6 INSTRUCTION FOR USE OF Shock*Star DC Relay
Steps to follow to make proper CONNECTION
4.7 NOTES ON DESIGNING BLASTING PATTERNS IN SURFACE APPLICATIONS
4.7.1 Gradual initiation of blast holes
Very frequently, the blast pattern is designed such that rows are initiated from one side as shown in
figure 4-19. This method brings time savings during connecting the blast pattern. The method has
disadvantage however. If initiation is stopped in a row, the entire initiation process is not stopped
but continues. Problem which results from an undetonated row in an otherwise finished blast could
be costly.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.

Austin Detonator s.r.o., Jasenice 712, 755 01 Vsetín, Czech Republic
Phone: [phone] | Fax: [phone] | Email: [e-mail] | www.austin.cz
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Fig. 4-21
Fig. 4-22 Three-row one-side-initiated bench blast delay pattern
Fig. 4-23 Blasting pattern with coupled initiation
Austin Detonator, on the other hand, recommends designing the blasting pattern in such a way, that
if in one element, the initiation is stopped, entire initiation process is stopped and only properly
initiated holes blast. This method is shown in figure 4-22 and is considered by blasters as an
important preventive measure which could be taken to avoid problems with removing misfires.
4.7.2 Coupled initiation blasting pattern
Another means of ensuring a successful blast is a blasting pattern is using initiation of a blast hole
from two sources of initiation (two connectors). This blasting pattern can be used when two detonators
are used in a hole. The initiation impulse is brought to the hole from two sources, bringing extra
ensuring feature to blasting operations.
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