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LAB NO 03:
To summarize the explosives and the accessories manufactured by BIAFO
company.
SCOPE OF THE LAB:
 To explore the history and general information about explosives and accessories.
 To understand the fundamentals of different explosives and accessories manufactured.

BIAFO:
The company was founded on September 7, 1988 and is headquartered in Islamabad, Pakistan.
They are nominated in the top explosive manufacturing industries of Pakistan.

EXPLOSIVES BY BIAFO:
Following are the explosives that are manufactured by BIAFO company:
 Water gel explosives:
 Super blaster.
 Blaster.
 Super breaker.
 Breaker.
 Seismic explosive.
 Pre splitter.
 Coal miner.
 Powder explosives:
 Bio prill (ANFO).
 Bi bulk.

WATER GEL EXPLOSIVES:

1. SUPER BLASTER:

Tovex Super Blaster is a cap sensitive explosive designed for underground and surface blasting
applications. Super Blaster provides excellent performance where medium to high strength
performance product is required. Tovex Super Blaster is being produced in standard diameters
ranging from 25 to 90mm having standard length between 200 to 1000mm. Length of the
cartridges is flexible and depending upon the requirement of the customer.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Density: 1.2g/cc
 Energy: 4.10 MJ/Kg
 Gas volume: 830 liter/Kg
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 Velocity of detonation: at least 4600 m/sec

 Fume class: class1, acceptable for underground use
 Explosive classification: class3, division 1, UN no. 0241 group 1.1D
 Water resistance: excellent (in packing)
 Shelf life: one year from the date of manufacture while properly stored at ambient
temperatures.
 Net weight per box: 25 Kg

2. BLASTER:

Tovex Blaster is a cap sensitive explosive designed for underground and surface applications.
Blaster provides excellent performance where medium to high strength explosive is required for
optimum performance. Blaster is being produced in standard diameters ranging from 25 to 90mm
having standard length between 200 to 500mm. Length of the cartridges is flexible and
depending upon the requirement of the customer.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Density: 1.2g/cc
 Energy: 4.10 MJ/Kg
 Gas volume: 830 liter/Kg
 Velocity of detonation: at least 4600 m/sec
 Fume class: class1, acceptable for underground use
 Explosive classification: class3, division 1, UN no. 0241 group 1.1D
 Water resistance: excellent (in packing)
 Shelf life: one year from the date of manufacture while properly stored at ambient
temperatures.
 Net weight per box: 25 Kg

3. SUPER BREAKER:

Tovex Super Breaker is a cap sensitive explosive being made for underground, surface and
mining applications. Super Breaker provides excellent performance where medium to high
strength blasting is required for better output. It is being produced in standard diameters ranging
from 25 to 90mm having standard length between 200 to 500mm. It is also produced in a special
diameter of 200mm having length of 500mm, which is flexible depending upon the requirement
of the customer. This is very special product that generates large volume of gases, especially
designed for mining products. Upon customer requirement chub having weight of 15Kg can also
be produced with unmatchable consistency.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Density: 1.15g/cc
 Energy: 4.00 MJ/Kg
 Gas volume: 868 liter/Kg
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 Velocity of detonation: at least 3500 m/sec

 Fume class: class1, acceptable for underground use
 Explosive classification: class3, division 1, UN no. 0241 group 1.1D
 Water resistance: excellent (in packing)
 Shelf life: one year from the date of manufacture while properly stored at ambient
temperatures.
 Net weight per box: 25 Kg (25 to 90mm diameter chubs) and 30 Kg (200mm diameter
chubs)

4. BREAKER:

Tovex Breaker is a cap sensitive explosive being made for underground and surface applications.
Breaker provides excellent performance where medium to high strength explosive is required for
optimum performance. Breaker is being produced in standard diameters ranging from 25 to
90mm having standard length between 200 to 500mm. cartridge length is flexible and
customizable depending upon the customer need.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Density: 1.0g/cc
 Energy: 4.60 MJ/Kg
 Gas volume: 850 liter/Kg
 Velocity of detonation: at least 3800 m/sec
 Fume class: class1, acceptable for underground use
 Explosive classification: class3, division 1, UN no. 0241 group 1.1D
 Water resistance: excellent (in packing)
 Shelf life: one year from the date of manufacture while properly stored at ambient
temperatures.
 Net weight per box: 25 Kg

5. SEISMIC EXPLOSIVE:

Tovex Seismic is a water gel explosive especially designed for seismic exploration. It is a cap
sensitive product and need to be initiated with seismic detonator (by virtue applications). Taking
into consideration the indirect comparison to seismographic 60% high velocity dynamite, below
are the advantages it has:
 It is proven to be consistently high performing with far less risk in handling as compared
to any of the class called dynamite.
 Much safer in use, been totally nontoxic fume generator.
 No headache while working with Biafo seismic product which on the contrary is inbuilt
problem of dynamite by virtue of its ingredients.
 Shot hole results reveal its performance better than dynamite for seismic prospecting.
 Seismic explosive club being hermetically produced is particularly well suited for
application as a longer time sleep charge.
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 Excellent resistance to water and thus do not desensitize under high hydraulic pressure in
the bore holes.
 The chubs are exceptionally of high quality material and can be screwed together to form
a string as per desired length by virtue of application.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Plain detonator: no. 8
 Length of Leg wire: 4.5, 7, 15, 20, 25 and 30 meter
 Wire resistance: 0.05 to 0.055 ohms/m (single tin wire PVC coated)
 Maximum no. fire energy: 7 milli Watts/ohm
 Maximum operating energy: 15 milli Watts/ohm
 Water resistance: excellent (in packing)
 Packing: 50 pcs in a card board box and 500 pcs in corrugated carton. 4.5 and 7 meter, 25
pieces in a card board box and 10 card board boxes in a corrugated carton. 20, 25 and 30
meter, 10 spools/pieces in a card board box and 10 card board boxes in a corrugated
carton.
 Heat test: stable at temperature of -70 degree centigrade
 Environmental conditions: stable at temperature of -50 to +60 degree centigrade
 Explosive classification: class 6, division 3, UN no. 0456 group 1.4S

6. PRE SPLITER:

Tovex Pre Splitter is a cap sensitive non- aluminized, smaller diameter explosive which after
intrinsic work has especially been designed for smooth and very controlled facing (wall
formation) applications. Its unique feature is its control over work for optimum desired results.
Pre splitter is readily available in diameters ranging from 25 to 32mm. it can uniquely be
produced in the continuous length of 500 to 5000mm (in coil form).
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Density: 0.9 to 1.00g/cc
 Energy: 4.6 MJ/Kg
 Gas volume: 1000 liter/Kg
 Velocity of detonation: at least 3300 m/sec
 Fume class: class1, acceptable for underground use
 Explosive classification: class3, division 1, UN no. 0241 group 1.1D
 Water resistance: excellent (in packing)
 Shelf life: one year from the date of manufacture while properly stored at ambient
temperatures.
 Net weight per box: 25 Kg

7. COAL MINER:
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Tovex Coal miner is a multipurpose small diameter permissible water gel explosive. Salient
features of this very particular explosive are:
 Specially designed for tough loading and shooting conditions in underground coal and
rock mining applications.
 Tovex Coal Miner being permissible offers excellent fumes and smoke control as
compared to dynamites.
 Energies released are truly comparable statistically to permissible dynamites, without
using nitroglycerine or other headache causing ingredients.
 Very good proportionate outcome of quantity to yield.
 It is available in standard diameter range of 25 to 32mm.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Density: 1.0g/cc
 Energy: 4.6 MJ/Kg
 Gas volume: 1000 liter/Kg
 Velocity of detonation: at least 3300 m/sec
 Fume class: class1, acceptable for underground use
 Explosive classification: class3, division 1, UN no. 0241 group 1.1D
 Water resistance: excellent (in packing)
 Shelf life: one year from the date of manufacture while properly stored at ambient
temperatures.
 Net weight per box: 25 Kg

POWDER EXPLOSIVES:
1. BIO PRILL (ANFO):
Bio prill is a non-cap sensitive blasting agent an intimate bi-bulk mixture of duly proportionate
fuel and oxidizer, which is blend granulated ammonium nitrate prills, fuel oil. It is uniformly
mixed, absorbed and is free running. Bio prill is intended for use as column charge to carry out
open cut blasting work.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Density: 0.85g/cc
 Energy: 4.6 MJ/Kg
 Gas volume: 1000 liter/Kg
 Velocity of detonation: at least 2500 m/sec
 Fume class: class1, not recommended for underground use
 Explosive classification: class2, UN no. 0082 group 1.1D
 Water resistance: poor (totally non water resistant if exposed)
 Primary requirement: since it is non-cap sensitive, so require booster/primer (powerful
shock) for initiation, use recommended grades or water gel for this purpose (blaster/super
blaster)
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 Shelf life: one year from the date of manufacture while properly stored at ambient
temperatures taking necessary precautions
 Net weight per box: 25 Kg poly propylene bag with polythene liner inside. Also available
on customer order in poly ethane tubes of diameter 50mm to 90mm and length 500mm in
net packing of 25 Kg corrugated cartons.

2. BI BULK:
Bi Bulk is a non-cap sensitive blasting agent and intimate of ammonium nitrate prills, fuel oil,
aluminum and other supporting ingredients. Presence of aluminum in this product produces more
heaving effect, thus higher volume of gaseous expansion generated resulting in better rock
breakage and movement. Bi bulk is used for column charge to carryout open cut blasting work.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Density: 0.96g/cc
 Energy: 4.6 MJ/Kg
 Gas volume: 1000 liter/Kg
 Velocity of detonation: up to 3000 m/sec
 Fume class: class1, not recommended for underground use
 Explosive classification: class2, UN no. 0082 group 1.1D
 Water resistance: poor
 Primary requirement: since it is non-cap sensitive, so require booster/primer (powerful
shock) for initiation, use recommended grades or water gel for this purpose (blaster/super
blaster)
 Shelf life: one year from the date of manufacture while properly stored at ambient
temperatures taking necessary precautions
 Net weight per box: 25 Kg poly propylene bag with polythene liner inside. Also available
on customer order in poly ethane tubes of diameter 50mm to 90mm and length 500mm in
net packing of 25 Kg corrugated cartons.

BLASTING ACCESSORIES BY BIAFO:

Following are the blasting accessories that are manufactured by BIAFO company:
 Plain detonator
 Electric detonator-instantaneous
 Seismic electric detonator
 Delay electric detonator
 Non-electric delay detonator (Binel)
 Two-way delay relays
 Biafo cord
 Safety fuse

1. PLAIN DETONATOR:
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A Plain detonator or blasting cap is a small sensitive primary explosive device generally used to
detonate a larger, more powerful and less sensitive secondary explosive (Commercial or
Military). Plain Detonator is used for general engineering & construction purposes. It can
reliably initiate all cap sensitive explosives & detonating cord. This type of detonator is used
with safety fuse & also with shock tube under relatively dry conditions, preferably where a single
or multiple charges are to be fired. Plain detonator is made of Aluminum sheet, lead azide, lead
styphanate (10) and PEN (20). Detonator can be employed to initiate Tovex Water Gel.
Dynamite, Emulite, Detonating cord and other cap sensitive explosives.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Tube length: 46mm
 Designated initiating power: no. 8
 Tube material: aluminum alloy
 Composition: PETN, AS-compo
 Packing: 100 in card board box 1000 in corrugated box.
 Maximum energy: 1272 calories
 Abel heat test: stable at temperature of +70 degree centigrade.
 Environmental conditions: stable at temperature of -50 to +70 degree centigrade.
 Explosive classification: class 6, division 3 UN no. 0455 1.4S

2. ELECTRICAL DETONATOR- INSTANTANEOUS:

An instantaneous Electric Detonator detonates without delay on application of the required
electric firing current. The wires pass through a molded PVC plug which is then duly crimped
into the open end of detonator tube. All electric detonators have shunts on the free ends of the leg
wires to help protect against unwanted current flowing through the bridge circuit, as a mandatory
safety precaution. Our product generally fulfills all the international safety & technical aspects
by virtue of s make & application.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Plain detonator: no. 8
 Length of Leg wire: 4.5, 7, 15, 20, 25 and 30 meter
 Wire resistance: 0.05 to 0.055 ohms/m (single tin wire PVC coated)
 Maximum no. fire energy: 7 milli Watts/ohm
 Maximum operating energy: 15 milli Watts/ohm
 Water resistance: excellent at +100psi
 Packing: 50 pcs in a card board box and 500 pcs in corrugated carton. 4.5 and 7 meter, 25
pieces in a card board box and 10 card board boxes in a corrugated carton. 20, 25 and 30
meter, 10 spools/pieces in a card board box and 10 card board boxes in a corrugated
carton.
 Heat test: stable at temperature of +70 degree centigrade
 Environmental conditions: stable at temperature of -50 to +70 degree centigrade
 Explosive classification: class 6, division 3, UN no. 0456 group 1.4S
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3. SEISMIC ELECTRICAL DETONATOR:

Biafo Seismic Electric Detonator is a special fast functioning high strength & result oriented
instantaneous Blasting Cap that detonates in less than one millisecond after required current
flows through its bridge wire. It has been designed specially to meet the rigid requirements and
severe environmental conditions associated with geophysical exploration. It is intended primarily
for single shot firing but can also be used effectively in pattern firing applications. The most
important part of Biafo Seismic Electric Detonator is its fuse head. It consists of a strong non
conducting material which is electroplated with a fine layer of copper on both surfaces. It is cut
into small strips and bridge wire is soldered to the conducting surfaces for a reliable connection.
Leg wires of the Seismic Detonator are drawn from pure copper and tinned for further protection
before coating with plastic insulation. The leg wires are insulated with a sheath of antistatic
plastic. This is not only very robust and absolutely watertight but also non inflammable. The
wire insulation is resistant to abrasion both under dry and wet conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Plain detonator: no. 8
 Length of Leg wire: 4.5, 7, 15, 20, 25 and 30 meter
 Wire resistance: 0.05 to 0.055 ohms/m (single tin wire PVC coated)
 Maximum no. fire energy: 7 milli Watts/ohm
 Maximum operating energy: 15 milli Watts/ohm
 Water resistance: excellent at +100psi
 Packing: 50 pcs in a card board box and 500 pcs in corrugated carton. 4.5 and 7 meter, 25
pieces in a card board box and 10 card board boxes in a corrugated carton. 20, 25 and 30
meter, 10 spools/pieces in a card board box and 10 card board boxes in a corrugated
carton.
 Heat test: stable at temperature of +70 degree centigrade
 Environmental conditions: stable at temperature of -50 to +70 degree centigrade
 Explosive classification: class 6, division 3, UN no. 0456 group 1.4S

4. DELAY ELECTRICAL DETONATOR:

High precision electric detonators are used in vide variety of applications. These are available in
various standard wire lengths and in two different delay series (Milli Second and Half Second).
The detonators can be deployed easily and have several features that is simply blast connections,
field checks and initiation. Biafos electrical detonators features equal fragmentation and
vibration.
 Milli Second detonators have standard delay numbers ranging from period # 1 to 20
(25ms to 500ms) with nominal time intervals of 25ms between successive delay numbers.
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 Half Second detonators have standard delay numbers ranging from period # 1 to 10
(500ms to 5000ms) with nominal time intervals of 500ms between successive delay
numbers.
The non-electric delay detonators, whose lengths and delay times vary are well suited for use in
surface and underground blasting. These are factory-assembled units with the following main
components:
 Shock tube to transmit a signal to the delay Blasting Cap. The shock tube is a 3mm
diameter plastic laminated tube, coated inside with a thin layer of High
Explosive/Aluminum dust, which reliably transmits a low energy signal/ pressure wave
up-to 2000 m/s from one point to another to initiate the detonator. The core of the tube
works on the principle of Deflagration. By virtue of the nature & unique application of
shock tube, the low energy signal will propagate through sharpest bends, knots and kinks
that may occur in the shock tube (some time in field via application). The outer surface of
the tube remains intact during and after functioning. The distinguishable tough outer
jacket gives excellent abrasive, oil resistant and tensile properties.
 A precise in-hole detonator containing integral delay elements, anti- static protection and
other patented safety devices. This detonator initiates all compatible cast boosters and
cop sensitive explosives.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Plain detonator: no. 8
 Length of Leg wire: 3.5 and 5 meter
 Wire resistance: 0.05 to 0.055 ohms/m (single tin wire PVC coated)
 Maximum no. fire energy: 7 milli Watts/ohm
 Maximum operating energy: 15 milli Watts/ohm
 Water resistance: excellent at +100psi hydrostatic pressure
 Packing: 50 pcs in a card board box and 500 pcs in corrugated carton.
 Heat test: stable at temperature of +70 degree centigrade
 Environmental conditions: stable at temperature of -50 to +70 degree centigrade
 Explosive classification: class 6, division 3, UN no. 0456 group 1.4S

5. DELAY ELECTRICAL DETONATOR:

Non Electric Delay Detonators (Binel) detonators in the name of Binel in two different delay
series (Milli Second and Half Second). Binels are widely used in open cut and underground
mines and tunnels, drifts and shaft sinking and in quarries where multishot rounds are required.
Similarly, these detonators are utilized in civil engineering and demolition applications. Biafo's
non-electrical detonators features equal timing accuracy for improved fragmentation and
vibration.
 Milli Second detonators have standard delay numbers ranging from 1 to 20 (25ms to
500ms) with nominal time intervals of 25ms between successive delay numbers.
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 Half Second detonators have standard delay numbers ranging from 1 to 10 (500ms to
5000ms) with nominal time intervals of 500ms between successive delay numbers.
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Plain detonator: no. 8
 Length of Leg wire: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16, 20, 25 and 30meter
 Wire resistance: 0.05 to 0.055 ohms/m (single tin wire PVC coated)
 Maximum no. fire energy: 7 milli Watts/ohm
 Maximum operating energy: 15 milli Watts/ohm
 Water resistance: excellent at +100psi hydrostatic pressure
 Packing: 50 pcs in a card board box and 500-2500 pcs in corrugated carton.
 Heat test: stable at temperature of +70 degree centigrade
 Environmental conditions: stable at temperature of -50 to +60 degree centigrade
 Explosive classification: class 6, division 3, UN no. 0456 group 1.4S

6. TWO WAYS DELAY RELAY:

Two Way Delay Relays Detonators are especially designed to provide accurate delay timing
between the individual rows of blast holes using detonating cord as primary initiation system.
They can be used for developing various delay patterns as deemed fit. Delay Relay consists of a
50cm shock tube, two detonators and two color coded plastic blocks, the detonators are attached
to each end of the shock tube and are inserted into plastic connector blocks. The connector
blocks are specially designed for fast and easy detonating cord connections. There are 4 different
delays available from 25ms to 100ms. (consecutive jump of 25 ms).
 800 mg PETN base charge ensures reliable initiation of 10g detonating cord
 Connector blocks are color coded according to the delay time of the detonators.
 Delay tag is attached that shows/lists delay time.
 Easy & Safe Bidirectional use
SPECIFICATIONS:
 Plain detonator: no. 8
 Length of Leg wire: 4.5, 7, 15, 20, 25 and 30 meter
 Wire resistance: 0.05 to 0.055 ohms/m (single tin wire PVC coated)
 Maximum no. fire energy: 7 milli Watts/ohm
 Maximum operating energy: 15 milli Watts/ohm
 Water resistance: excellent at +100psi hydrostatic pressure
 Packing: 50 pcs in a card board box and 500 pcs in corrugated carton.
 Heat test: stable at temperature of +70 degree centigrade
 Environmental conditions: stable at temperature of -50 to +70 degree centigrade
 Explosive classification: class 6, division 3, UN no. 0456 group 1.4S

7. BIAFO CORD:
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Biafo cord is a flexible cord containing a core of high explosive PentraErythritol-Tetra Nitrate
(PETN), which is covered with combination of various yarns and finally with an PVC/ LDPE
coating. This process protects Biafo cord from extreme temperatures, water, oil or other elements
and provides essential feature as tensile strength, flexibility and other handling characteristics. It
can be initiated by use of a plain or an electric detonator.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Requirements Specific value Test value
Base charge PETN PETN
Charge weight 10gm/m. min 10gm/m.min
Inner construction textile Textile
Finish layer Polyethylene coating Polyethylene coating
Diameter 5.5mm 5.2mm
Breaking strength 55Kg.F.min 100Kg.F
Detonating velocity 6000m/s.min 7000m/s
Explosive classification Class 6 division 2 UN no.
0289 1.4D
Flame sensitivity The detonating cord shall not Pass
detonate
Impact sensitivity The detonating cord shall not Pass
detonate through end of
samples
Waterproofness Detonating cord shall Pass
withstand immersion in water
for not less than 72 hours and
should function satisfactorily
Flexibility The plastic coating shall not Pass
crack

8. SAFETY FUSE:
Safety Fuse is a flexible cord containing a core of Explosive Black Powder which is covered
with combination of various yarns and finally with PVC/LDPE coating. This process protects
Safety Fuse from extreme temperature, water, oil or other elements and provides essential feature
of tensile strength, flexibility and other handling characteristics. It can be initiated with hot
object or open flame.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Requirements Specific value Test value
Base charge Black powder Black powder
Charge weight 5.5gm/m 6gm/m.min
Inner construction textile Textile
Finish layer Polyethylene coating Polyethylene coating
Diameter 5.5mm 5.2mm
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Breaking strength 55Kg.F.min 100Kg.F

Burning rate 100-120m/s 110m/s
Explosive classification Class 6 division 1.4 SUN no Pass
0105
Flame sensitivity Yes for open and exposed end Pass
Impact sensitivity Pass Pass
Waterproofness Shall be initiated and Pass
immersed in water 1m in
depth for 2 hours
Flexibility Flexible at normal conditions Pass
COMMENTS:
In this job, we have learned about different explosives and accessories manufactured by BIAFO
industry. Some technical specifications of explosives and accessories are studied as well. This
can be helpful to increase our general knowledge about explosives.

REFERENCE:
 https://www.biafo.com/