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BLASTBAG™ SOLO

BLASTBAG™ SOLO

Aerosol
Best Seller
Most used BLASTBAG™ in the world with dual speed inflation.
35/box
Part #: 03-081
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Trusted by 450+ mine sites worldwide
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Two-speed inflation

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Gas tight seal

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High visibility scuff

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Chameleon label

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Quick installation

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Global application

BLASTBAG™ SOLO is the most used gasbag of its kind in the world for quick and safe blasthole plugging. It is a single-use, reliable BLASTBAG ™ used to plug blast holes, hold an air deck, or block off a voidIt comes ready to go with a built-in aerosol can. The can uses non-flammable, non-toxic gas and has a 2-speed actuator, so you can inflate it slow or fast depending on the job.

Inside the outer bag are two sealed bladders. They stay airtight and grip the borehole wall once the gas starts flowing. This helps the bag stay in place, even in wet or broken ground.

Each unit comes with a length of string, so you can lower it to depth and control it while it inflates. Once it grabs the hole wall, you can let it finish inflating and move to the next hole. It works the same in surface or underground sites.

Use it when you need a quick, reliable plug. Use it when you need a consistent air deck. And use it when you need to seal a void before loading.

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Non-Flammable Blasting Accessories

Non-Flammable

Non-Toxic Blasting Accessories

Non-Toxic

Non-Sparking Blasting Accessories

Non-Sparking

Why Blast Hole Plugging Matters

Poor stemming, poor ground conditions, and cracks/voids create flyrock, dilution, and wasted explosive energy. Traditional methods are slow and inconsistent. You need a blast hole plug that works every time—reliably and consistently.

BLASTBAG SOLO was built to fix that.

It’s engineered to give you:

  • A reliable plug that supports stemming or explosives
  • Consistent performance in fractured or loose ground
  • One-person deployment in 30 seconds
  • No additional equipment needed

What Is BLASTBAG™ SOLO?

Product Overview

BLASTBAG SOLO is a self-inflating blast hole plug. Deploy it down hole, and aerosol inflation creates a stable, pressurized air column that seals your blast hole. Some crews call it a gas bag. We call it the most reliable stemming plug for plugging cracks/voids and supporting air decks.

It’s a one-person operation. No compressor. No hoses. No setup.

Key Benefits at a Glance

  • 2-Speed Inflation: Fast (30 sec) or Controlled (60 sec) for different site conditions
  • Dual Bladder System: Redundancy if one bladder fails
  • Performs in Fractured Ground: Handles fractured rock, loose fill, and complex geology reliably
  • 6 Sizes: From 4.5” to 12.25” hole diameter
  • Temperature Rated: Deploys safely from -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
  • Air Decking with BLASTBAG™ SOLO

    Air decking creates a gap of air between explosive charges or explosives and stemming in the borehole. It can reduce vibration and gives you more control of energy distribution. BLASTBAG™ SOLO excels at this.

    The air deck/gap allows explosive gases to expand into that zone and fracture the rock. You can load a second charge or stem directly on the BLASTBAG™ SOLO without concern of collapse or slumping. It will support your decks consistently from shot to shot.

    Use air decking when you need:

    • Reduced vibration in sensitive areas
    • Improved pre-split and wall control
    • Controlled fragmentation
    • Reduced flyrock
    • Reduced explosive cost
  • blastbag uses for air decking and other applications in mining

How It Works

💨

Built-In Aerosol Inflation

Press the actuator. Aerosol inflates the bag as it is lowered into place. No external equipment. No air lines. No shaking or stomping required.

2-Speed Actuator

Choose Fast (1 press - Fast - 30 seconds) for standard holes or Controlled (2 presses - Slow - 60 seconds) to get it deeper in the hole. You pick the speed.
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Dual Bladder System

Two independent inflation bladders mean you’ve got backup. If one bladder is compromised, the second keeps your blast hole plugged. Redundancy where it matters.
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Simple Positioning

Lower the SOLO to your target depth. The aerosol blast bag expands to grip the walls. No special tools. No rigging. Fast and intuitive deployment.

Works in Any Conditions

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Complex Geology

Fractured formations, loose fill, irregular hole geometry—SOLO adapts to variable conditions. The dual bladder system compensates for geological variance on every deployment.

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Extreme Temperatures

Rated -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F). Deploy it in Arctic conditions or desert heat. BLASTBAG™ SOLO inflates consistently in both hot and cold environments.

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Surface or Underground

Open pit or underground mine—same deployment. Same performance. Same reliable plug regardless of working depth or environment.

BLASTBAG™ SOLO Specifications

Size Chart

Model Hole Size (Imperial) Hole Size (Metric) Qty/Box Item #
Quokka 4–4.5" 100–115 mm Box of 35 03-081
Koala 6.5" 165 mm Box of 30 03-080
Bilby 8" 203 mm Box of 30 03-088
Platypus 9" 230 mm Box of 25 03-086
Wombat 10–5/8" 270 mm Box of 25 03-089
Emu 12–1/4" 311 mm Box of 20 03-090

General Specifications

Inflation Method Dual aerosol cartridge system
Inflation Speeds Fast (30 sec) or Controlled (60 sec)
Bladder System Dual independent bladders
Deployment Method Lowered to target depth
DG Classification Class 9 Hazardous Material (Aerosol canisters)
Temperature Range -40°C to +70°C
Storage Life 3 years from manufacture date
Bladder Material Engineered elastomer, crush-resistant

Which Size Do I Need?

Match the BLASTBAG™ SOLO model to your blast hole diameter. Measure the drilled hole at the collar and select the nearest size. SOLO expands to fill irregular or oversized holes—pick a BLASTBAG™ that is closest to your hole diameter. For example: If you have an 8" blast hole → Use a Bilby. If you have a 6.5" blast hole → Use a Koala. The dual bladder system compensates for slight variance in hole size. If you’re between sizes, contact our technical team for site-specific recommendations.

BLASTBAG™ SOLO vs Competitors

Feature BLASTBAG™ SOLO Competitor Gas Bags
Inflation MethodDual-speed aerosol (one-handed)Chemical reaction or standard aerosol
Deployment Time30–60 secondsInconsistent
Latch TechnologyPatented horizontal plunge latch (works in extreme temps)Standard latches (may fail in hot/cold weather)
Speed SelectionChoose fast or slowInconsistent Speed
Equipment NeededNoneNone
DG ClassificationNon-Flammable Class 9 AerosolFlammable Class 9 Aerosol or non-DG (chemical)
Bladder SystemTwo independently sealed gas-tight bladdersSingle or dual bladder (varies by brand)
Temperature PerformanceConsistent performance in all temperaturesInconsistent performance
Consistency (Shot-to-Shot)HighestLow to Medium

Why BLASTBAG™ SOLO

BLASTBAG™ SOLO fixes the common problems with other gas bags. Patented latch technology works in any weather — reliable in extreme temperatures, no inconsistent inflation. Dual-speed means you can choose your inflation speed. Two sealed bladders mean zero leaks. Single-handed operation gets bags in holes faster.

What Sets SOLO Apart

Other gas bags are inconsistent in variable temperatures or have high failure rates. The BLASTBAG™ SOLO delivers consistent inflation regardless of conditions. Fast deployment in complex geology, fractured ground, and high-frequency blasting where reliability matters. Best for sites where you can't afford downtime from product failures or inconsistent results.

How to Install

Step-by-Step Installation

1

Step 1: Pick the Right Size

Select the correct BLASTBAG SOLO for your hole diameter. Remove from carton just before use. Keep the carton in your vehicle and use the punch-out port for access.

2

Step 2: Mark Your Depth

Decide what depth the bag needs to sit at. Prepare your drop cord with an extra 1.5 m (5 ft) so you're not bending over the collar.

3

Step 3: Attach Drop Cord

Tie or clip the drop cord to the hang tab. Top hole for shallow holes (breaks at 7 kgf / 15 lbf). Bottom hole for deep holes (breaks at 15 kgf / 33 lbf).

4

Step 4: Activate the Aerosol

Grip the canister and push the latch with your thumb until it clicks. One click for fast inflation. Two clicks for slow. Once latched, inflation can't be stopped.

5

Step 5: Lower to Depth

Quickly lower the SOLO down hole to your target depth until the drop cord is tight. The bag inflates as it goes down.

6

Step 6: Confirm Grip

Tug the drop line or tether. The bag should grip the hole walls. If using a dropline, a firm pull upward will break the tag and let you retrieve the cord.

7

Step 7: Protect and Wait

Kick in 2 boot loads of drill cuttings to protect the bag. In typical conditions (above 15°C / 59°F), wait 15 minutes before loading. Loading time varies with ground conditions, altitude, and temperature.

Pro Tips

  • Cold Weather: In freezing conditions, keep the BLASTBAG box above freezing if possible. The liquefied propellant converts to gas more efficiently when warm. If it's colder than -27°C (-17°F), the propellant won't convert to gas—keep the environment above -20°C (-4°F).
  • Extreme Cold: Remove BLASTBAG from a heated area just before use (make sure heated area is below 50°C / 122°F). A permanent tether is recommended in freezing conditions.
  • Poor Ground: If you've got fractured ground or need to support a heavy load, use 2 bags to increase wall contact and reduce slippage.
  • Shallow Holes: If the bag needs to be removed from a shallow hole, use a retrieval tool. Pierce the bag after it deflates, then pull it out.

Storage & Safety

🌡️

Keep It Cool

Store below 50°C (122°F) in a well-ventilated area. Keep out of direct sunlight. Aerosol cans can explode if they overheat. If you suspect a BLASTBAG has overheated, alert your crew and supervisor. Let it cool before handling.

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Transport Classification

Road/Rail: UN 3363 'Dangerous Goods in Apparatus', HAZCHEM Code 1Z. Sea/Air: UN 1950 Class 2 Dangerous Good, HAZCHEM Code 2YE. Follow DG transport requirements for your region.

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Check Before You Use

If the bag has a Chemelon™ label, check it before handling. If it reads DANGER or HOT, don't approach it. Inspect each bag for damage before deployment. Dents, leaks, or visible damage means don't use it.

❄️

Cold Weather Storage

In freezing conditions, keep the box you're deploying from above freezing if possible. The propellant converts to gas more efficiently when it's warm. Below -27°C (-17°F), the propellant won't convert—keep the environment above -20°C (-4°F).

For Open Pit Mine Supervisors

Seal Holes Fast. Improve Every Blast.

BLASTBAG™ SOLO delivers quick, secure plugging using a patented dual-speed inflation system — ensuring every blast performs consistently.

Built for High-Output Operations

Speed Meets Reliability.

Designed for efficiency in demanding open pit conditions, BLASTBAG™ SOLO reduces setup time and keeps your loading cycle moving smoothly.

Proven in the Field

Trusted Across Major Mine Sites.

Used by leading operations worldwide, BLASTBAG™ SOLO helps crews plug, deck, and seal faster — without sacrificing precision or safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's - BLASTBAG™ SOLO

Can the blastbag replace explosives?

It doesn’t replace explosives, but it can reduce the amount needed by creating a controlled air deck.

Learn more about cost savings through air decking here.

Learn more about vibration reduction here.

Learn more about reducing flyrock here.

Finally, learn more about improving wall control here.

Is it single-use?

Yes. Each unit is designed for one blast.

How do I install it?

  1. Press the actuator (choose fast or slow)
  2. Lower it into the hole using the string
  3. Let it inflate until it grips the borehole wall

What gas is inside the BLASTBAG?

The aerosol can uses a safe, non-flammable, non-toxic gas.

What sizes does the BLASTBAG™ SOLO come in?

Sizes range from 115 mm (4.5") to 350 mm (13.75") depending on the model. Each size comes with a set string length.  

Can I use it in wet holes?

Yes. The SOLO is designed to work in wet or broken ground. The bladders help it stay tight. Although, if loading in a water-filled hole, we typically recommend using the BLASTBAG™ AERO or BLASTBALL™. BLASTBAG™ SOLO cannot be inflated under or lowered through water.

What’s the difference between the SOLO and other blastbags?

The SOLO has a 2-speed actuator and two sealed bladders. It inflates fast or slow and holds pressure well in most ground conditions. BLASTBAG™ SOLO also inflates consistently (at the same speed) every time.

What is a blastbag?

A blastbag is an inflatable plug used in a borehole to block off cracks, voids, and water or hold an air deck . The BLASTBAG™ SOLO does this with a built-in gas can and dual bladders. It uses a non-flammable aerosol and is initiated with the simple press of button.