Here is an innovative technology that will solve some of a blasters most troublesome problems. This is a non-explosive breaking tool that can be used for fragmenting rock or concrete in confined areas where conventional explosives aren't allowed or appropriate. The secret is in the controlled use of propellant energy, (gunpowder) as the power source.
In use, expanding gases from shotgun shell size cartridges generate a rapid pressure impulse upon a column of water in a drill hole. This effect causes controlled tensile fracturing in rock or concrete. The device is placed in a water filled drill hole, held down with a flexible mat, and mechanically initiated with a short lanyard. It's safe to use in close quarters since fly rock is negligible, noxious fumes are non-existent, and ground vibrations are minimal. In many situations, it enables simple breaking operations to be carried out without the hassles and restrictions placed on conventional explosive use in crowded areas.

BENEFITS
• Safe and simple to operate
• Energy efficient
• Won't harm structures or equipment
• Very low concussion
• Insignificant toxic gasses
• Minimal low velocity fly rock
• No blasting license required
• No difficulties storing cartridges
• Cost effective

APPLICATIONS
• Secondary oversize breakage
• Utility trenching applications
• Civil construction
• Concrete demolition
• Site clearing
• Trail work and facility improvements
• Roadway ditches
• Oversize breaking in slide removal
• Farming operations

In a nutshell, we've determined that this tool can do anything a small diameter blasthole charged with conventional explosives can do, but in a more controlled manner. The biggest difference seems to be that it splits the material rather than shatters it. It'll break the rock ledges and shiners encountered in ditches or excavation projects, with the energy that's contained in one or several shotgun shell size cartridges. The device works on the principle of breaking rock, (or similar structural materials) in tension, through energy transfer to the non compressible water from rapidly expanding gas pressure. The pressure wave forces the water into existing micro-cracks resulting in tensile fracturing of the material.

Any trained operator with knowledge of the safety aspects of the tool and an understanding of it's basic principles can operate it. An explosives users license is not required. The application is simple and straightforward; just drill an 1-1/2" diameter hole to the center of the mass, fill it with water, place the device in the hole and the mat or some sandbags over the device, load the cartridge and set it off by pulling a lanyard from a distance of 7 meters. It is not necessary to evacuate personnel or shut down other activities when using the tool. 10 meters is an adequate safety zone in the immediate area where the tool is being used. The device can be used safely around buildings, machinery, people and utilities, because when it's used properly, there's no throw and the noise and vibration levels are negligible. Best of all, there aren't any storage or transportation restrictions on the tool or the cartridges

The price of a single complete unit, which includes the main tool, spare parts, a small tool kit, the rubber mat, an operation manual, and a comprehensive training program is $4,000.00. click here for a secure online store for complete units, cartridges and parts.