An Empirical Modeling and Evaluation Approach for the Safe use of Industrial Electric Detonators in the Hazards of Radio Frequency Radiation

Abstract

The major causes of radio frequency radiation hazards are the transmitting antennas of radio, TV, radar, cell phones, wireless data acquisition systems and global positioning systems in the new age of communication technology using various modulation schemes such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM) etc. The transmitting antennas of these communication devices generate electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Under such conditions, electric detonator wires work as receiving antenna and pickup sufficient energy from electromagnetic fields to initiate an accidental explosion. There have been several instances of accidental firing of detonators by radio frequency pickup. In this study an attempt has been made to minimize such explosions and to provide a basis for the assessment and simulation of the radio frequency radiation hazard parameters associated with industrial electric detonators. This research examines the radiated powers of various frequency bands to determine the safe distance from transmitting antenna. Two empirical relationships for the estimation of minimum safe distance (MSD) have been suggested based on mathematical simulation. Using these relations desired MSDs have been calculated for the relevant frequency bands. The values obtained have been compared with the experimental values available that demonstrated strong agreement between them. The average percentage deviations of calculated MSDs from suggested relations are found between 0.096% and 10.718%, with regression coefficient 0.970 ≤ R ≤ 1. This reflects the soundness of the proposed empirical relations. The blasting engineers, detonator designers and researchers may use these relations as a handy tool to prevent undesired explosions by maintaining minimum safe distance in radio frequency prone hazardous areas.