1. First peak on the next generation propellant systems
Royex
Generation II
Thomas Gustavsson
Etken Teknologi Sweden
+46 739 38 18 96
Thomas.Gustavsson@etken.se

2. Deflagration is a rapid high energy release combustion event that propagates
through a gas or an explosive material at subsonic speeds, driven by the transfer of
heat.
Deflagration, or Combustion, is different from detonation, which is supersonic and
propagates through shock.
Propellant powders have long been used as a rock breaking tool
Deflagration

3. Any application where rock and ground vibrations must be kept to an absolute minimum
Breaking oversize
rock and secondary
blasting over and
underground.
Oversize
Break rock without
closing down traffic
or re‐routing to
protect from fly rock.
Spare road
infrastructure from
vibrations.
Close to roads
Break concrete or
rock in urban areas
and spare sensitive
structures and
conform to local
requirements.
In urban areas
To conventional
explosives in areas
where legislation to
manage explosives is
complicated.
As an alternative
Current applications

4. - Breaking of over size under and over ground with minimal gas risk
- Controlled vibration allowes for better wall control
- Lowers dilution in gold, platinum and dimond mining
- Complete 1.4S solution lowers storage and transport costs
Possible Advantages in mining –
Achievable goals

5. What are the issues we have to address?

6. To inspire the industry to change, we need to
address the old issues and present realistic
solutions.
What advancements has Etken
Teknologi achieved in propellant
powder technology?

7. Introducing the Royex Generation II rock breaking cartridge
Introducing Royex Generation II
‐ New propellant formula – Stronger,
fully oxygen balanced propellant
mix
‐ New modular initiation system with
timing – Only available
pyrotechnical shock tube system
worldwide.
‐ New cartridge design – New design
allows for cable protection in hole
‐ Significantly improved unit pricing –
Improvements in production
capacity gives better pricing

8. Introducing the Royex Generation II rock breaking cartridge

9. Solution to Issue 1: Introducing complete 1.4S world class timing system
IntroducingtheMaxclip1.4Ssystem–separationofcartridgeandigniter
‐ NO DETONATORS – in hole and out
of hole igniters are 1.4S
‐ BUILT IN TIMING – Only available
pyrotechnical shock tube system
worldwide.
‐ VERY SIMPLE TO USE – Connecting
the initiation circuit is just following
color coding
‐ ELECTRICAL AND SHOCK TUBE
AVALIABLE

10. Solution to Issue 1: Introducing complete 1.4S world class timing system
Designed for underground and open cast operations
‐ Modular – Use up to four cartridges
on the same cable with the 6‐way
clip
‐ Timing designed for deflagrating
cartridges – Timing designed to
work optimal with Royex
deflagrating cartridge
‐ System fully waterproof – Use in
damp or wet environments without
issues.

11. Tie up and application
First complete pyrotechnical
shock tube / electric system with timing
designed for PP cartridges.

12. Solution to Issue 1: Introducing complete 1.4S world class timing system -
The Maxfire igniter.
‐ Maxclip Maxfire igniter
‐ Very hot ignition coupled with a
strong cascading flame effect
enables close to optimal propellant
initiation. The Maxfire igniter is the
foundation to the Royex generation
II system.
Click on image to show video controls.

13. Solution to Issue 1: Introducing complete 1.4S world class timing system -
Burning front and timing
20 holes burning front
The Maxclip timing enables for a 20
hole burning front to ensure no
interference with the initiation circuit.
This is sufficient for both surface and
underground operations
Click on image to show video controls.

14. Tie up and application
First time ever – pyrotechnical bench
blasting with timing

15. Tie up and application
Maxclip allows for pyrotechnical
decking – individual timing of each deck

16. Trials and performance – Quarry trials
Timing trial
Click on image to show video controls.

17. System CE approved and 1.4S classified

18. Mixture

19. Solution to Issue 2: Introducing new formula and quality of mix
Introducing the Royex gen II mix
‐ HIGER DENSITY– Old density max
0.86, new density 0.98 to 1.0 g /cm³
‐ PERFECT OXGYGEN BALANCE – 70%
AN, 30% NC gives 100% oxygen
balanced mix, no noxious gases on
initiation. Ideal for under ground.
‐ COMPONENT DENSITY AND SIZE
BALANCE – Both the AN and NC prill
are of the same size (0.5 mm) and of
same density. No separation.

20. Production plant built in China
Optimizing resources and production capabilities
‐ Abundance of propellant –
Propellant powder mix in surplus in
china
‐ Factory built in partnership with
large explosive supplier
Volume production lowers prices.
Factory ISO9000 certified. EU quality
standards in place. CE approval
granted
‐ Unit price reduced considerably
Volume and fast production means
unit price has been reduced
significantly

21. Production plant built in China
MaxClip produced in largest detonator factory in the world –
Qinghua – Xian under Etken license
Produces over 300 million shock tube
detonators per year (2014)
Employs over 5000 people
Operates own train network and
airport
Outstanding quality processes in place

23. Trials and performance – Quarry trials
Trial 1
Click on image to show video controls.

24. Trials and performance – Quarry trials
Trial 2
Click on image to show video controls.

25. Trials and performance – Quarry trials
Trial 3
Click on image to show video controls.

26. Taking propellant rock breaking to the next level
Ultimate solution for underground gold and platinum
Drill 0.9m at 70ᵒ - CONTINOUSLY
No blowing out holes. Place cartridge system in
hole - connect and fire
Complete 1.4S system capable of
sequentially firing
No noxious gasses. Most powerful PP
available. Simple to use.
Minimal dilution and dust losses

27. What is the impact of
these changes?
&
ETKEN TEKNOLOGI’S
SOLUTIONS?
• No working timing system
• The Maxclip system eliminates this problem
• Electric Fuse heads used for timing - 360ºC
•
• The Maxfire igniter burns vigorously at + 900ºC
• Local R&D has gone as far as it can
• PP’s and AN have been sized and sieved before mixing
• Technical formulation issues
• Royex Gen 2 perfectly oxygen balanced – no noxious gasses
• Unit cost mentality
• Cartridges made in China – Unit cost reduced considerably
• Inadequate stemming technique
• Cartridge loader and stemming material extensively tested
• Mechanical solutions in final testing phase
• Safety issues
• Complete 1.4S system, safest system available today

28. Thank you!
Questions or inquiries, please email info@Etken.se
The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence – it is to act with
yesterdays logic”
– Peter Drucker