It is well established that emulsion explosive cartridges—such as Kemix A—descend more slowly in water-filled boreholes compared to dynamite-based products like Fordyn. The reason is straightforward: Kemix A has a lower density than Fordyn (1.15–1.20 kg/m³ vs. 1.45–1.55 kg/m³). To better understand the practical implications of this difference, we conducted a study in collaboration with our product development team.
We constructed a controlled test setup using a Ø110 mm PVC sewer pipe filled with water, a timer, and a simulated detonator lead made from extension wire. This setup served as a “borehole simulator.” We then measured the time it took for Ø50 mm cartridges of Fordyn and Kemix A to sink to the bottom.
| CARTIRIDGE | SINKING SPEED |
| FORDYN | 1.34 m/s |
| KEMIX A | 0.96 m/s |
As anticipated, Fordyn sank faster than Kemix A. The measurement accuracy is estimated at ±5%.
In practice, in a blast site with 1000 meters of water-filled boreholes, a user charging with Kemix A would spend approximately 5 minutes more on bottom charging compared to a user using Fordyn.