Abstract: The present invention relates to improved explosives. More particularly, the invention relates to cap-sensitive slurry explosives, either water-in-oil emulsion explosives or conventional water-based slurries having a continuous aqueous phase, containing high strength, small, hollow, dispersed spheres as a density reducing agent. The preferred explosive is a cap-sensitive water-in-oil emulsion explosive having a water-immiscible liquid organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; an emulsifier; and as a density reducing agent, small, hollow, dispersed spheres, preferably glass or plastic, having a strength such that a maximum of about 10% collapse under a pressure of 500 psi. As used herein, the term "cap-sensitive" means that the explosive composition is detonable with a No. 8 cap at 20.degree. C. in a charge diameter of 32 mm or less.

Abstract: A passive detonation cut-off device for a solid line of explosives operates by directionally controlling the detonation pressure of an accidental detonation wave of an explosives line and by using this directionally controlled detonation pressure to sever the explosives line to prevent further propogation of the detonation wave. The device comprises a body having two through holes extending through the body and at least one blast hole connecting the through holes and extending from one of the through holes to the outside of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved blasting agents. More particularly, the invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent containing sodium nitrate (SN) in an amount of from about 40% to about 70% by weight of the total composition. The water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents of this invention have a water-immiscible liquid organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; particulate inorganic oxidizer salt; an emulsifier; and optionally a density reducing agent. Preferably the blasting agents contain from about 10% to about 40% ammonium nitrate (AN) in addition to SN.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous explosive blasting composition having a continuous aqueous phase and comprising inorganic oxidizer salt of which at least a significant proportion is an undissolved, solid particulate form; a solution of oxidizer salt in water, immiscible liquid organic fuel finally and stably dispersed throughout the aqueous phase; thickener; a crystal habit modifier; and a non-ionic surfactant to retard desensitization of the composition that would otherwise occur due to the presence of the oxidizer salt particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved explosive compositions of the aqueous slurry type. More particularly, the invention relates to explosive compositions containing sodium perchlorate, polysaccharide polymer of plant origin, water, and preferably, gassing and cross-linking agents and particulate sensitizers such as finely divided aluminum. These compositions have improved physical and detonation properties over prior art compositions, and in addition, they form excellent "permissible" explosive compositions, even though sodium perchlorate is present.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a permissible aqueous blasting composition containing at least about 15% calcium nitrate as oxidizer salt. The calcium nitrate combined with water, inert material, a sensitizer, and cross linking and thickening agents forms a stable aqueous blasting composition or slurry which will meet the permissibility requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor. The use of this minimum amount of calcium nitrate particularly is effective in increasing storage stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent having a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt solution phase which contains a calcium nitrate to ammonium nitrate weight ratio of 1.5 or greater, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, an emulsifier, and optionally a density reducing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally stable, cap-sensitive water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition having a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt solution phase containing calcium nitrate, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, an emulsifier, and a density reducing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to cap-sensitive water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents having a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, an emulsifier, and perlite of fine particle size.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents having a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, and an emulsifier having an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain for its lipophilic portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to emulsified aqueous explosive blasting compositions having a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, and a fatty acid amine or ammonium salt emulsifier having a chain length ranging from 14 to 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The stabilization of a fine dispersion of an immiscible liquid hydrocarbon fuel throughout an aqueous blasting composition having a continuous aqueous phase is accomplished by the use of a crystal habit modifier to reduce the crystal size of the oxidizer salt in the composition. Such reduction is found to be critical for stabilizing the fine dispersion of immiscible hydrocarbon fuel droplets throughout the composition and resultantly for maintaining the sensitivity of the composition to detonation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved explosives or blasting compositions of the aqueous gel or slurry type. In general, it concerns such blasting compositions employing a combination of calcium nitrate as oxidizer salt and sulfur as fuel. This combination effectively sensitizes the composition and renders its sensitivity relatively less dependent upon temperatures. In addition, this combination imparts desirable physical properties to the composition.

Abstract: Slurry blasting compositions of low water content and high density, including substantial proportions of calcium nitrate as an oxidizer component, can be sensitized in various ways to produce economical explosive compositions. Sensitizers may include aluminum powder, granular explosives such as smokeless powder, TNT, etc.; a particularly preferred sensitizer or fuel is ethylene glycol. Solid carbonaceous fuels and conventional thickeners may be added. The calcium nitrate may be produced directly from burned lime with nitric acid and/or other nitrates.