The PCF tube is a hollow plastic tube, open at one end which can then be filled with the powdered smokeless propellant and then closed with a small cap. The other end is machined into a wedge to lock into the stemming, and to seal the hole when inserted for ignition. In the cap there is an entry port for insertion of an electric match, which is the means of detonation. This heat ignites the propellant. As there are not the crushing effects of compressive breakage as with explosives, dust and fines are significantly reduced. As the rock requires less energy to break in tension than compression, a much smaller energy input is recquired. A 200 g charge of PCF blasts the same volume of rock as does 1.2 kg of explosive charge, whilst releasing one tenth of the energy. The product has been found to be particularly useful in deep South African mines as it’s low toxicity reduces re-entry time in these hard to ventilate mines thus improving productivity by up to 40 % (Minesite News, 2000). Some gas is produced from the combustion of the cartridge, for PCF, the majority of the gases produced are carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The main problem gases which are detectable are carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxide which also occurs at low levels. The addition of a very small amount of ANFO prill does increase the toxic fumes from the product, but still below minimal levels in modern ventilation systems. This gives the product a little extra power to fragment the rock. The product also has the ability to enable users to have more control over the accuracy of the excavation profile and drive perimeters. PCF has also been used in floor stripping, back stripping and side wall stripping in a number of mines in Australia, particularly when a larger equipment size is required and minimal disruption to underground operations is essential. By altering the position of the charges in the holes the products flexibility allows for the rock to be fractured or split. PCF can also be used for the clearing of block grizzlies, crushers or chutes, or anywhere else where oversize is a problem.
The classification for PCF is 1.4S pyrotechnic, as an added safety precaution, the electric match used for detonation is inserted right before firing.