Lab#5

Objective:
To draw the diagram of a blasting cap used in conjunction with safety fuse showing the
explosive train. Also practice the assemblage of blasting cap and safety fuse making the
proper setting of safety fuse in the cap and cramp it with the help of crimper at proper place.

Apparatus:
Blasting cap
Safety fuse
crimper

Related theory:
Initiation Systems
An initiation system performs the functions of transmission and control of the firing signal to each
explosive charge in a blast and can be defined as, A means of starting a detonation in an explosive,
from a safe distance, reliably and at the designed time and in a predetermined sequence. There
are two basic types of initiation systems.
1. Non-Electric Initiation
Cap and fuse
Nonel
Detonating cord
2. Electric Initiation
Safety Fuse:
It is a cord of black powder wrapped in envelope made up of various layers of textile yarn & water
proofing material. The black powder contains potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal, (75%, 15%,
10%). It does not require air to burn and burns at a rate of 40 ft/sec. It was invented by William
Bickford in 1831.

Blasting cap
A blasting cap is a small sensitive primary explosive device generally used to detonate a larger,
more powerful and less sensitive secondary explosive such as TNT, dynamite, or plastic explosive.
Blasting caps come in a variety of types, including non-electric caps, electric caps, and fuse caps.
They are used in commercial mining, excavation, and demolition. Electric types are set off by a
short burst of current conducted from a blasting machine by a long wire to the cap to ensure safety.
Traditional fuse caps have a fuse which is lit by a match.
Cap-and-Fuse - A cap-and-fuse assembly can detonate explosives that are sensitive to a No. 6 cap
However, in severe winter weather, some primers with low proportions of sensitizers may require
a No. 8 cap or larger. Blasting caps are susceptible to accidental ignition from excess heat, friction,
or static electricity and should be handled with great care. Where adverse conditions are expected
(static electricity), other techniques should be used or the blasting operation should be shut down.

The highest quality safety fuse should be used. The fuse length depends on the time needed to
escape the blasting location. Always add a margin of safety. After a new roll of fuse is purchased,
a test segment should be ignited and the burning rate should be timed. Under no circumstances
should a fuse be cut to a length that allows fewer than 120 seconds burning time or less than state
law allows.

Procedure:
1. Inspect the blasting cap to insure that it is clear of any foreign martial
2. Gently slip the blasting cap over the fuse so that the flash charge in the cap is in contact
with the end of the fuse. Do not force it in the cap.
3. After seating the cap, crimp it 3/8 inch from the open end of the cap with the help of a cap
crimper.

(a)

(b)

Precautions:
Safety fuse should be stored, uncoiled, and assembled to the cap at room temperature under
controlled conditions. Fuse should be cut squarely and inserted in the blasting cap immediately. A
clean, square cut allows proper assembly. Cutting on the slant prevents seating. Under no
circumstances shall an igniter be placed on the fuse until the charge is to be detonated.

Fig. Making connection of cap and fuse

References:
Chapter 11 specialized blasting techniques
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasting_cap
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_fuse