Apparatus and method for blasting

Abstract

The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method providing a much safer alternative employing a highly confined combustion reaction of a flammable vapor, whereas dynamite is a category 1.1 high explosive imbued with all the attendant safety and security concerns. The method of the present invention provides for an improved and safer method of blasting employing a highly confined combustion reaction of a flammable vapor instead of conventional explosives currently used.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for blasting comprising:
 inserting a plug into a bore hole;   injecting fuel into the bore hole through a channel in the plug via a hollow needle;   inserting ignitor wires into the bore hole via channels drilled through the plug;   igniting the fuel by heating a resistive element attached to the ignitor wires; and   fracturing material surrounding the bore hole.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein injecting fuel comprises completely puncturing the plug with the hollow needle. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising removing the hollow needle and collapsing the channel in the plug and sealing the bore hole. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising creating a highly confined flammable vapor within the bore hole; 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising creating a highly confined combustion reaction of the fuel; and 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising attaching a detonator to one end of the ignitor wires and attaching the resistive element to the other end of the ignitor wires.