AbstractsLaw & Legal Studies

"The introduction of electric blasting caps have delay intervals of the order of one-half to one second proved of advantage in many aspects of underground mining, particularly development work. Their use spread, until they now supersede fuse-and-cap firing wherever possible. Split-second delay electric blasting caps are a comparatively recent development from conventional delay caps. They have been found of practicable use in quarrying operations, and have been applied in many phases of underground mining. While evidence, to show that short-delay firing in quarrying is more efficient than instantaneous firing, is becoming increasingly conclusive, it remains to be proved that split-second delays are more effective than conventional delays in underground operations. Being concerned with the lack of such evidence in favor of split-second delay caps, Mr. F. S. Elfred, Jr., General Manager, Western Cartridge Company, suggested that the testing of these caps be introduced into the research program of the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. As one phase of this program, the author, under the guidance of Dr. J. D. Forrester, carried out a series of tests designed to compare the results of split-second and regular delay firing, at the Experiment Mine of the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy" – Preface, p. iii.