Success Stories Agile and safe solution for hydropower plant
Concrete blasting with DaveyTronic® Detonators
Contingency Measures
A hydropower plant located in São Francisco de Paula, in the South of Brazil, faced an emergency situation due to damages in its structure. With the imminent risk of rupture, the client urgently sought a viable solution to empty the dam and ensure the safety of both the structure and the local community. After deciding on the contingency plan, various blasting procedures were defined to remove the concrete plugs, allowing for the opening of the dam gates. Additionally, it was determined that a spillway block should be blasted to ensure the flow of the river, which was full due to the rainy season, and to enable the subsequent refurbishment of the dam.
“Enaex’s support was fundamental to the success of this project. At CESBE, we have high standards when it comes to the safety of our employees and the quality of services. At the time, we needed an experienced partner to work with us to address the critical nature of the situation. We were right to choose Enaex, who fulfilled this role with the necessary agility and dedication.”
Marcelo Ishitani,
Executive Manager of Operations, CESBE Engenharia
Agility and Technical Expertise in Critical Operations
Enaex swiftly mobilized its internal teams, creating synergy to expedite and efficiently complete the brazilian army clearances, product delivery logistics, and the planning and execution of the blasting process.
In a record time of 7 days, tunnel-type blasts were initiated to open the dam gates and drain the reservoir, the most critical step for the structure’s safety. Additionally, following Enaex’s technical guidance, a controlled blast of the spillway was carried out using 4 decks to optimize the dam opening cycles, in anticipation of the forecast of intensified rainfall.
To control vibrations during the demolition, Enaex employed a careful technique to reduce the Maximum Charge Per Delay (CME), combining the use of DaveyTronic® detonators and Ibegel packaged emulsion. This ensured minimal vibration during the blasting, minimizing the impact on the dam.
1,315 electronic detonators initiated
5,308 m³ of concrete detonated
Agile and safe completion
All objectives established were met. The contract with the customer, including obtaining licenses from the army, was concluded in just 3 days. The first phase of the project was completed within 7 days after obtaining the license, and the full project delivery for the refurbishment was accomplished in 29 days. All of this occurred swiftly and safely, preserving the remaining structure of the dam without causing any impacts on the environment or the community.
Enaex demonstrated a complete understanding of the customer’s emergency situation, responding swiftly by mobilizing its sales, technical, and operational teams in record time. In the end, the company reaffirmed its commitment to excellence by executing the blastings with high quality and performance.
At Enaex, our purpose is to humanise mining by having a positive impact on all aspects of the blasting process.
We know that life is the most precious thing on the planet. That’s why we put people first to ensure the well-being of our teams, our broader communities, and the environment.
With a proven track record of providing the global mining industry with flexible, tailor-made blasting solutions, Enaex is the preferred blasting solutions partner.
