Problems with Gasbags and Decking Systems

• Their instability in hot conditions where the danger is associated with gas canisters exploding with great force posing a significant risk to operators.
• Decking systems currently on offer lack versatility and operator control.

Benefits of Airbag Systems

• The Airbag systems give the operator full control to guarantee accurate placement.
• Assured retention whilst boasting a quick operation of less than a few seconds for conventional void blocking, decking, dewatering etc.
• In wetter conditions where slippage can be a problem extra air can be added at the operators discretion to ensure a sufficient grip.
• Technical calculations coupled with experimental testing have demonstrated that an airbag will support the weight of a 45m water column in an 89mm hole at an initial bag pressure of 5psig.
• Air is no longer supplied by an aerosol can but instead is introduced into the bag via an airline which is used to lower the bag down to the required depth or push the bag up in underground applications.
• When the bag is in place it is inflated and the airline is detached with a quick pull leaving the plug in situ as depicted below by an inflated Airbag.

Safety

Airbags can be stored in extreme high or low ambient temperatures without effecting performance or compromising safety. They do not contain aerosol cans or flammable gas and are not classed as hazardous goods.

Productivity

Airbags can be quickly inflated to pressure at a time suitable to the operator. Typical inflation speeds are 76mm - 2 sec, 165mm - 7 sec, 311mm - 9 seconds. Time is also saved when placing the bag at the correct depth as there is no need to measure and tie string to the bag. The bag is simply clipped into connector and lowered to the required depth marked on the dropline.

Cost

The cost savings of Airbags are twofold. Firstly bags are cheaper than the equivalent aerosol product and secondly, they are not classed as hazardous goods and their weight and size per unit is less than conventional gasbags, therefore freight costs are reduced.

Contamination

As there is no aerosol canister there are no residual aerosol can fragments to contaminate ore or coal.

Stock Control

A one size fits all approach that is possible with Airbags means reduced stock holdings on different size bags. Alternatively if a smaller size bag is out of stock the larger size can be used in its place.

Images

Multimedia

1. Open Pit Catalogue (1854KB)
2. Underground Catalogue (1558KB)
3. Decking Calculator (224KB)

Literature

1. BlastBag Aero Flyer (230KB)
2. Inflation Solutions OP (434KB)
3. Inflation Solutions UG (391KB)

See our inflation Solutions