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Underwater Drilling And Blasting (Including CO2 Controlled Blasting)

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Underwater Drilling And Blasting
Subsea Engineering And Services

Underwater Drilling And Blasting

Underwater drilling and blasting, also known as submarine blasting, is essential when hard rock formations obstruct marine construction or dredging projects. While dredging efficiently removes softer sediment, solid bedrock requires controlled drilling and blasting to fragment material for removal. This process is critical in rivers, estuaries, ports and open coastal waters to enable harbor deepening, bridge construction, pipeline laying and other maritime works.

Process Overview: Drilling And Blasting

The process consists of two main stages:

  • Drilling involves boring holes into submerged rock to insert explosive charges. This is typically performed from floating pontoons or self elevating spudded platforms. Where softer overburden exists, overburden drilling (OD) with casing tubes ensures borehole stability and solid rock access.
  • Blasting uses water resistant explosives lowered into the boreholes and detonated to fragment the rock mass for removal. Proper charge design and sequencing ensure controlled fragmentation and minimal environmental impact.
Challenges In Underwater Drilling And Blasting

Challenges In Underwater Drilling And Blasting

Key challenges that must be addressed during operations include:

  • Dynamic water conditions involve currents and tides that increase operational complexity.
  • Specialized explosives must be water resistant and precisely engineered for underwater detonation.
  • Vibration and shock control are necessary because blasting generates ground vibrations and shock waves that must be mitigated to protect marine life, nearby harbor structures and underwater assets.

Pre Operation Site Investigation

A thorough geotechnical and hydrographic survey is essential before drilling and blasting begins. Key parameters include:

  • Depth and type of overburden.
  • Rockhead level (interface between overburden and bedrock).
  • Rock strength and fracture patterns.
  • Proximity of harbors, buildings or subsea installations to assess vibration and safety risks.
The Cardox CO₂ Blasting System A Safer Alternative

The Cardox CO₂ Blasting System A Safer Alternative

The Cardox CO₂ system offers a non detonating, highly controlled method of rock fragmentation, making it ideal for sensitive or volatile marine environments:

  • A reusable steel tube is charged with liquid CO₂ and a chemical energizer.
  • An electric trigger initiates rapid gas expansion.
  • At ~34,000 psi, the rupture disc bursts, releasing high velocity inert gas jets.
  • The jets break apart tons of rock in under a second without creating combustion risk.
  • This technology enhances operational safety, minimizes vibration and reduces environmental impact while maintaining high efficiency.

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