ZETLAB Group of Companies and EVOBLAST Group of Companies have developed an instrument for measuring volume seismic waves in the rock mass

A new instrument has appeared in Russia that allows to record the velocity of rock particles displacement in the unbroken part of the rock massif.

As a result of technological cooperation between ZETLAB and EVOBLAST Groups of Companies, an advanced instrument, Inhole Geophone, was developed to measure volume seismic waves in the rock mass.
Measurement data make it possible to correct calculations in the design of drilling and blasting operations and minimize the seismic impact on the massif back-break. This increases the stability of the mine walls and the safety of mining operations.

The assessment process of the seismic impact from blasting in a rock mass includes the analysis of seismic in the near, middle and far zones. The near field is a radius of 5 – 40 m from the sensor to the end hole charges. The difficulty of data collection within this zone lies in the lack of specific equipment on the Russian market that allows to exclude the influence of surface seismic waves, but at the same time withstand the impact and record the peak values of volume seismic waves.

The developed Inhole Geophone includes such parameters as the measurement accuracy, the equipment reliability, its resistance to difficult working conditions in quarries and at the construction sites, as well as ease of use and the ability to transfer data for further analysis.

As one of the key components of seismic measurement equipment, the Inhole Geophone is highly sensitive and has a wide range of frequencies, which makes it possible to ensure accurate measurement and capture of all peak values of rock particle displacement velocities in the data capture area. In addition, it is compact and easy to install into the hole at the blast site.
Another equally important component is the data collection and processing system. The data is collected by a recorder and transferred to a computer for further analysis. The software makes it possible to process and interpret the obtained data, identify trends and assess the mass blast environmental impact.

"The continuous development of modern technologies and industry leads to an increase of the blasting operations volume in mining and construction industries. This has a seismic impact on the infrastructure of enterprises, as well as on rock massif. Thus, seismic monitoring becomes increasingly important to prevent the destruction of foundations, buildings and structures, as well as to reduce the risks of benches and pit walls collapse. Jointly with ZETLAB, we managed to create a completely local and import-independent solution in the field of seismic impact measuring and forecasting," said Vyacheslav Grinin, Director for Development and Innovation of EVOBLAST Group.