Software updates optimize blast performance

New geological mapping integration allows users to better visualize dips, strikes, seams and voids throughout a drilling pattern. Photo: 3GSM

3GSM made several updates to its BlastMetriX UAV software. 

According to the company, the new version improves communication with smart drills, offers face profiling enhancements and delivers more sophisticated drill pattern analysis.

“3GSM works closely with its blasting customers to adapt to new challenges faced in the field and improve blast optimization,” says Robert McClure, president of Robert A. McClure, a blast and engineering consulting firm providing service, support and training for BlastMetriX UAV. “Customers with an active update license automatically receive these new features inside the BlastMetriX software, or they can be ordered separately.” 

An enhanced drill pattern analysis tool provides heat mapping of drilled borehole deviations for simple visualization of differences between “as planned” and “as drilled” patterns, 3GSM says. Semiautomatic mapping of linear rock mass features is imported into the blast plan. By providing enhanced burden and spacing information, the software allows users to adjust explosive amounts in each borehole to account for irregularities. 

“This is a great tool for a company’s key performance indicator program,” McClure says. “The software captures information from each blast and allows users to go back and review historical data to correct issues in the field.”

Updates to the IREDES (International Rock Excavation Data Exchange Standard) interface improve two-way data communication between BlastMetriX UAV and smart drills, 3GSM says.

Additionally, new geological mapping integration allows users to better visualize dips, strikes, seams and voids throughout a drilling pattern, incorporating the ShapeMetriX system to generate and assess 3D images. The software can characterize irregularities in the face, which are projected back through the borehole. This allows for more precise loading of the borehole and improves blast safety, 3GSM says.