[Software] Orica launch new AVM software

[#Drennn.]

Latest software release predicts vibration and airblast to protect sensitive structures and maximize blast outcomes

ORICA, the world’s largest manufacturers of commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems, have today announced the global release of their new Advanced Vibration Management (AVM) software that links blast design, modelling and measurement to conserve sensitive structures near quarries and mines.

Continuing their efforts to create safer, predictable and more productive blast outcomes, Orica have added AVM to their integrated BlastIQ digital blast optimization software suite.

AVM accurately predicts blast vibration, allowing maximum productivity while minimizing risk to nearby critical structures. When used in conjunction with the BlastIQ suite, AVM allows customers to seamlessly link blast designs, drilled actuals and vibration measurements, and uses sophisticated modelling to accurately predict blasting outcomes.

Building on the simpler tools historically housed within Orica’s SHOTPlus Premier design software, AVM is said to offer a step change in vibration and airblast management by using cloud computing architecture to deliver reliable and timely data across multiple measurement points throughout the operation.

Orica’s vice-president of digital solutions, Raj Mathiravedu, said: ‘Vibration management is critical to many sites’ ongoing license to operate and can instantly stop the operation if not effectively controlled.

‘The release of AVM is driven by these needs and is the latest tool resulting from our continued investment in developing intelligent and autonomous modelling systems that enable our customers to make informed productivity improvement decisions.’

Vibration and airblast are common outcomes from blasting and can be dangerous and disruptive if not managed effectively; indeed, a site’s social license to operate often hinges on well-managed vibration limits.

The most common route to resolving these issues is to blast at significantly reduced energies, which often comes at a cost to load and haul productivity and can negatively impact downstream production and throughput.

Vibration management using accurate modelling, measurement and site seed-wave analysis is known to improve productivity but is often expensive, time-consuming and performed on a discrete basis.

Orica say their AVM online application provides a simple yet insightful interface to capture and see the predicted and actual results of vibration monitoring, with the power of cloud architecture to drive the modelling from blast design through to execution.

When structures sensitive to vibration and airblast are closely located to an operation, uncontrolled blasting operations can cause significant damage. However, through the use of an advanced prediction algorithm, customers can now access areas of their operations that may have previously been inaccessible or deemed too high risk to blast in, potentially extending the overall life of an operation.