Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for retaining detonators in an explosive booster, particularly a retention device for retaining a detonator in the blind hole of a booster which allows the safe extraction thereof from the booster. The retention device comprises a flexible holding means that is movable between a blocking position retaining the detonator inside the blind hole and an open position which allows extracting the detonator from the blind hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based non-sensitized matrix or explosive suspension which itself has a rheological behavior such that it allows mechanically loading upward boreholes. This suspension behaves like a viscous liquid when it is forced to flow due to the action of a loading pump, and, however, has the characteristics of a soft solid when it is on standby once inside the borehole. The composition essentially consists of an aqueous solution of oxidizing salts and optionally water-soluble fuels and/or sensitizers, and one or more water-soluble polymers conferring the desired rheological characteristics. Particles of oxidizing salts with a grain size such that they enhance the rheological behavior characteristic of the suspension are dispersed in this aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention refers to a free-flowing ammonium nitrate (AN) product which comprises a mixture of AN particles and beads or granules of activated alumina, a process for preparing the same and the use of said beads or granules as free-flowing additive for AN particles.

Abstract: Manufacture is carried out in a continuous manner while simultaneously loading the blast holes in a device with mixing capability where (a) a less sensitive or non-explosive water-based matrix containing a cross-linkable polymer, (b) a cross-linking agent for cross-linking the polymer contained in the matrix, (c) a gas-generating agent, are mixed. The presence of the polymer distributed uniformly in the matrix together with the cross-linking agent results in a three-dimensional network formed by molecular polymer chains bound to one another in a short period of time after mixing. The process can be performed in trucks for loading explosives in blast holes having compartments for the different components of the mixture and one or several mixing devices allowing the manufacture of the final mixture which would be unloaded into the blast holes either by means of a pump or an auger.

Abstract: A method for the validation of a fuse head in an electronic detonator is disclosed, the method including measuring at least once a first charge time; activating a switching means to a second position to replace a reference resistor in an RC circuit with the fuse head; measuring at least once a second charge time; and determining the deviation of the second charge time from the first charge time.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic detonator with electronic delayer, comprising: —a conductive shell comprising —an open end for receiving elements such as an explosive charge, and —a closed end, and —a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising the electronic circuit of the delayer, the printed circuit board being placed inside the conductive shell, characterized in that the electronic detonator further comprises at least a resilient, compressible and conductive gasket —positioned by the open end in a space defined by the PCB and an inner surface of the conductive shell, —filling at least part of the space between the PCB and the inner surface of the conductive shell, such that protection against electromagnetic interferences (EMI) is allowed and —contacting the ground connection of the PCB and the inner surface of the conductive shell such that acts as connection path for grounding the PCB, allowing protection against electro-static interference (ESD).

Abstract: A dismantling system (5) for separating ammunition cartridges (10) comprising a casing (12), a bullet (11) and powder among its components, the system being characterized in that it comprises an extraction head (53) for extracting the bullet (11) from the casing (12), and retaining elements (52) for retaining the casing (12) in an extraction position while extracting the bullet (11). The invention also comprises a disarming system and a method for separating the components of an ammunition cartridge (10).

Abstract: The present invention proposes a borehole inspection device, a borehole inspection system and a method for loading explosives in boreholes. The borehole inspection device comprises a tubular casing (7), illumination means (10) and image capturing means (9) housed in the casing (7), at least one circulation duct (16) for a fluid (4), and a diffusing element (1) suitable for spraying the fluid (4) circulating through the at least one circulation duct (16) onto a transparent closure (2) allowing the illumination and the image capture through it.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a borehole inspection device, a borehole inspection system and a method for loading explosives in boreholes. The borehole inspection device comprises a tubular casing (7), illumination means (10) and image capturing means (9) housed in the casing (7), at least one circulation duct (16) for a fluid (4), and a diffusing element (1) suitable for spraying the fluid (4) circulating through the at least one circulation duct (16) onto a transparent closure (2) allowing the illumination and the image capture through it.

Abstract: Systems and methods for chemoremediation or mechanical destruction of undetonated explosive materials. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity to a chemical reagent selected for its chemoremediative properties. A barrier is interposed between the explosive material and the chemical reagent to delay the chemoremediation of the explosive material. Alternatively a water expandable material may be incorporated into the explosive material, whereby upon exposure to moisture the water absorbing material will expand sufficiently to fragment the explosive material into initiation insensitive particles. Initiation insensitivity is achieved by incorporation of water, which acts as a desensitizing agent as well as fragmenting the explosive material into particles sufficiently small that they are below the critical diameter for explosive initiation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for chemoremediation or mechanical destruction of undetonated explosive materials. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity to a chemical reagent selected for its chemoremediative properties. A barrier is interposed between the explosive material and the chemical reagent to delay the chemoremediation of the explosive material. Alternatively a water expandable material may be incorporated into the explosive material, whereby upon exposure to moisture the water absorbing material will expand sufficiently to fragment the explosive material into initiation insensitive particles. Initiation insensitivity is achieved by incorporation of water, which acts as a desensitizing agent as well as fragmenting the explosive material into particles sufficiently small that they are below the critical diameter for explosive initiation.