Exploder is a device that triggers detonators by generating electric current in order to initiate firing of explosive charges. It is also called blasting machine which helps in safe and controlled blasting to avoid the chances of misfire. It has vast applications in rock excavation in mines, road and other construction activities as well as demolition activities.
Different types of exploder available in the market are found unsafe, when the unauthorized person handles it. To control misuse and increase safety during blasting, a biometric-based exploder has developed by CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR), Dhanbad. It can only be operated by those persons whose fingers are registered in the particular biometric device of the exploder. The device comprises of an embedded microcontroller, converter circuit, rectification circuit, safe discharge circuit, authentication circuit and display unit. The fingerprint scanner with the help of embedded micro-controller registers authorized personnel using their fingerprint up to 20 numbers. Once registered, no other person can use these devices. Two types of exploder have been developed, one for underground mines and another for opencast mines. CSIR-CIMFR has transferred the technology to M/s Pranay Enterprises, Hyderabad for manufacturing and commercialization of the patent application filed product.
