WHAT’S NEW The Tools of Automation Fiber Optic Link

EOTec Corp. of West Haven, Conn., has developed an asynchronous fibre optic data link that allows different data formats to be selected at each end of the link, providing automatic format conversion. An internal switch selection provides one of three formats and data rate capability is 250 kbaud.

The unit is powered by dc voltage between 7.5 V and 15 V. The fiber optic link allows an effective communication range over a distance of 10,000 ft. High-density Primer

Austin Powder of Cleveland, Ohio, has introduced a new line of high- density, cap-sensitive high explosives. Called the Emulex 700 series, the explosives can be used as a substitute for dynamite or as a primer for anfo.

Emulex is available in densities ranging from 1.19 g per cu cm to 1.35 g per cu cm. They come in detonation velocities of 17,000 ft per sec to 19,000 ft per sec and detonation pressures from 101 kilobars to 114 kilobars. Bulk strengths range from 829 to 1,323 calories per cu cm. Water resistance characteristics are said to be excellent. Austin Powder representatives can advise as to which detonators should be used under particular temperature conditions. 25-millisecond Detonators

Dupont (Wilmington, Del.) has introduced a series of accurate-delay detonators for single- and multiple- row blasting.

The Posidet series covers 20 delay periods in 25-millisecond intervals from 25 ms to 500 ms. The detonators have copper leg wires insulated with polyethylene in 24-, 40-, 60- and 80-ft lengths. The detonators maintain their timing characteristics over a 5-year shelf life, according to Dupont.

With accurate delay intervals, blasters can produce uniform and consistent rock fragmentation with minimum ground vibration, rock throw, backbreak and air blast.