Abstract: A packaged booster charge is provided which is sensitive to initiation by blasting cap yet which contains no self-explosive ingredient. The composition of the booster comprises a low melting point nitrate salt or salt mixture having dissolved or finely dispersed therein an acetylenic substance and void containing material. The booster is safe and economic to manufacture and sufficiently powerful to initiate insensitive blasting agents.

Abstract: A solid or semisolid propellant comprising grains of propellant or propellant components bonded together so as to create voids within the propellant volume, said grains bonded together with sufficient strength to substantially delay the fluidization of the propellant by the onset of Taylor unstable burning, said propellant having a rapid burn rate below that associated with Taylor unstable burn. In another embodiment, the grains are held within and the voids are filled with viscous fluid binder such as a petroleum oil, said binder functioning to hinder Taylor unsatable burning and yet permit very rapid burning within the propellant volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cast explosive composition and other energetic compositions such as propellants. (As used herein, the term "explosive" also shall include other energetic compositions such as propellants.) More particularly, the invention relates to a cast explosive composition which is initially formed as a stable, fluid, water-containing, water-in-oil emulsion explosive and which thereafter solidifies upon the addition of a desiccant and/or emulsion destabilizing agent. As used herein, the term "desiccant" means a water reacting, absorbing or adsorbing agent. One method of the present invention is the formulating of the cast explosive composition by adding the desiccant and/or destabilizing agent to a stable emulsion to cause the emulsion to solidify. Alternatively, a desiccant can be included in the aqueous phase of the stable emulsion which then is solidified by the addition of an emulsion destabilizing agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of gas bubble-sensitized explosive compositions which are liquid during their manufacture.It is possible to achieve particularly fine bubble sizes and therefore enhanced explosive power by incorporating in the liquid composition a gas bubble-generating agent (either a gas or a substance capable of generating gas) prior to subjecting, or while the composition is subjected, to super-atmospheric pressure, this pressure being sufficient to dissolve at least part (preferably all) of any gas present. The composition is returned rapidly to atmospheric pressure and this creates a fine discontinuous gaseous phase in the composition.The invention is especially useful for preparing emulsion explosives which can be mixed and pumped under pressure, thus substantially avoiding gas bubble disengagement and coalescence.

Abstract: This invention relates to priming compositions for ammunitions containing manganese dioxide as oxidizer agent in the primer mix, and to the rimfire cartridge containing dinol, manganese dioxide, tetrazene and glass.

Abstract: Water-based explosives that use siliceous boron-containing microspheres as sensitizing agents are stabilized by adding multivalent metal ions to the explosives. Zinc salts are especially useful.

Abstract: Provided is a water-in-oil explosive emulsion composition having a 1/2 cartridge gap sensitivity of at least about three inches, yet a water content of at least about 10 percent by weight. The composition comprises an emulsion matrix of a hydrocarbon or carbonaceous fuel component, at least one inorganic oxidizer, an emulsifier and water in an amount of at least about ten percent by weight of the emulsion matrix. In addition to the emulsion matrix, the composition further comprises from 1 to 12 weight percent of a water insoluble sensitizer and sufficient density control agent such that the density of the composition is at least 1.0 g/cc. The resulting composition exhibits excellent sensitivity in combination with excellent stability. Another advantage of the resulting composition is that it exhibits an improved ability to withstand underwater wave compression (dead pressness) which often results in total failure of any explosive in the near vicinity.

Abstract: High density water gel explosives having relatively large amounts of low density sensitizers are prepared by evenly dispersing a densifying material therethrough. Separation of the densifying material during the mixing and packaging of the water gel explosive is prevented by adding from about 0.1 to 2% comminuted paper to the water gel. It has been found that the paper greatly increases the viscosity of the composition, so that the heavier densifying materials do not settle out. The paper has also been found to contribute to the stability of the explosive gel over prolonged storage periods.

Abstract: A low burn rate motor propellant containing hydroxyl terminated polybutade, HMX and hexanedioldimerate polymer.

Abstract: Essentially anhydrous energetic compositions, including explosives, propellants, flares, and gas generators, are initially formed at process temperatures above the solidification temperature of contained oxidizer salts as stable, melt-in-fuel emulsions having a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous molten oxidizer phase. Surfactants are employed which cause the compositions to retain general fuel phase continuity and oxidizer phase discontinuity upon solidification. The final product is a firm or solid emulsion generally characterized by an intimate dispersion of discrete solid oxidizer cells in a fuel continuum, the product having excellent storage stability and water resistance.

Abstract: In emulsion blend explosives, the replacement of coarse salt particles, e.g., prills, by fines, i.e., particles which pass a No. 50 U.S. sieve, increases the water resistance of the explosive without deleteriously affecting its shelf life provided that the explosive, prior to such replacement, is storage-stable as determined by the Salt Extraction and lead compression tests described herein. Products containing a combination of whole and crushed ammonium nitrate prills, and emulsions made with an anionic emulsifying agent such as a fatty acid salt, are preferred. Depending on the fines content and chemical composition, other properties such as sensitivity to initiation and detonation velocity also may be improved.

Abstract: This invention relates to an explosive. In particular, the invention relates to an explosive of the emulsion type in which an oxidizing salt-containing component forms the discontinuous phase in an emulsion wherein the continuous phase comprises a fuel component which is immiscible with the discontinuous phase.

Abstract: Method for facilitating the formation and stability of invert water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents by use of a combination of certain surfactants; and corresponding formulations.

Abstract: Method of stabilizing an emulsion explosive comprising an oxidant, a fuel, and an emulsifier the molecules of which have at least one double-binding. The oxidant is emulsified in the fuel in the presence of the emulsifier, and a polymerizing reaction is effected after the emulsification to bind the molecules of the emulsifier chemically to each other.

Abstract: A gas bubble sensitized water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-releasing salt, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase, a discontinuous gaseous phase, a water-in-oil emulsifying agent and at least one agent capable of facilitating the production of gas bubbles in the presence of said water-immiscible organic phase.

Abstract: Explosives that are sensitized blends of inorganic nitrate, e.g., AN, particles, such as AN or ANFO prills, and an aqueous slurry comprising a thickened aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizing salt, preferably AN, are rendered storage-stable by keeping the slurry's water content low enough, and its viscosity high enough, that the slurry is water-retentive. Water immobilization in the slurry, a requirement for storage stability, is achieved despite the slurry's flowable consistency at the time of blending. A blend containing about 25% slurry or less, is essentially in the form of a granular mass of free-flowing, high-density, slurry-bearing prills, and the slurry is sensitizable by the prills alone. As the slurry content exceeds about 25%, the blend takes on the characteristics of a thick slurry, requiring a supplemental sensitizer in the slurry per se.

Abstract: The pneumatic loading of essentially free-flowing slurry-bearing ammonium nitrate (AN) prills, i.e., AN prills which carry or support a water gel or water-in-oil emulsion, produces a high-density explosive consisting of the tightly packed whole and crushed slurry-bearing prills. The density of this explosive can be as much as 20% higher than the poured density of the mass of slurry-bearing prills.

Abstract: An explosive composition of the water-in-oil emulsion type includes at least one emulsified gel formed of an oxidizing solution of an inorganic salt dissolved in water and a fuel phase containing a liquid hydrocarbon and an emulsifier in combination with an inert or reactive lighting constituent and, if appropriate, one or more oxidizing salts or metal fuels. Pursuant to the invention the composition additionally contains from 4% to 55% of inert or semi-inert solids. The explosive composition provides enhanced safety characteristics through detonation velocity reduction and is thus well suited for dangerous atmospheres such as those encountered in coal mines. Additionally, the explosive composition exhibits a nonsticky plastic to semiplastic texture which facilitates cartridging on conventional machinery, all while retaining normal detonation characteristics.

Abstract: The formation of two crystalline forms of 2,6-bis (picrylamino)-3,5 dinitropyridine is accomplished by a purification method wherein needle-shaped crystals of 2,6-bis (picrylamino)-3,5 dinitropyridine are dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide to form an adduct compound. Dissociating the adduct compound forms different crystalline structures of 2,6-bis (picrylamino)-3,5 dinitropyridine having improved properties.

Abstract: Paste of the water-ammonium nitrate-fuel type, free of explosive elements, inert in manufacture, shipping and storage due to the fact that it does not contain air or not in a sensitizing form. A gum is used as a cross-linking agent. The product is an explosive pumpable on site by the incorporation of air.

Abstract: A method of minimizing deep hole pressure effects on ammonium nitrate-containing blasting agents while optimizing booster sensitivity, detonation rate and detonation energy of such agents, by replacing density control component(s) with a sensitizer formulation comprising particulate aluminum and particulate smokeless powder; and a corresponding detonatable high density emulsion blasting agent utilizing such sensitizing formulation.

Abstract: Explosives that are sensitized blends of a water-in-oil emulsion and inorganic nitrate, e.g., AN, particles, such as AN or ANFO prills, have improved stability when their structure hinders the loss of water from the aqueous emulsion phase and transportation of such water across the oil phase to the nitrate particles. Use of an anionic emulsifying agent comprising a fatty acid salt, e.g., as formed in situ during the formation of the emulsion, is the preferred way of forming such a blend-stabilizing structure. Emulsion/nitrate blends stabilized in this manner make satisfactory storage-stable packaged products. Emulsion/nitrate blends made with a new low-viscosity emulsion containing essentially all of the oil required to oxygen-balance the blend and a proportionately larger amount of anionic emulsifying agent to stabilize the emulsion structure constitute preferred bulk products owing to their greater adaptability to pumping.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing hollow microspheres obtained by firing volcanic ash and having a bulk density of 0.05-0.1 and an average particle size of 10-100 .mu.m has improved explosion performance and safety over water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing conventional hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A soft composite explosive composition is made by forming an oil-continuous, melt-in-fuel emulsion in which the discontinuous phase is comprised of ammonium nitrate and other ingredients which together form a eutectic mixture. The continuous phase includes a combination of fuels and emulsifiers constituting less than 2.5% by weight of the formulation. Soluble compounds such as self-explosive compounds or compounds which can be converted to explosive compounds in situ may be added directly to the discontinuous phase along with one or more oxidizer salts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an explosive of a water-in-oil emulsion type including an aqueous oxidizer solution, an oily material, an emulsifier and hollow microspheres, wherein the oily material forming the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises an oil component and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polybutene, polyisobutylene, petroleum resin, butadiene resin and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent having a particle size of 177-3,000 .mu.m is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust and for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent consisting of bubble assemblies, each bubble assembly being one particle consisting of a large number of bubbles agglomerated into the particle, is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust, for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions and for lowering their detonation velocity without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing specifically limited hollow microspheres consisting of neutral or weakly acidic hollow microspheres coated with a coating material has a high consistency without deteriorating its storage stability in initiation sensitivity in a small diameter cartridge, and can be safely and easily handled.

Abstract: An embedment system with controlled shrinkage for use with a composite-modified double-base propellant composition which is comprised of an embedment granule portion in percent by weight of nitrocellulose of about 23.0, nitroglycerine of about 8.8-13.8, triacetin of about 1.2, bisspiro orthocarbonate from about 2.5-5.0, resorcinol of about 1.5, 2-nitrodiphenylamine of about 1.0, ammonium perchlorate (10 micrometers) of about 48.5 and aluminum powder (20 micrometers) of about 10.0 and an embedment resin portion in percent by weight of bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin of about 50.0, epoxidized dimer acid of about 50.0, and a curative which is comprised of equal parts mixture of methylenedianiline, m-phenylenediamine, and i-propyl-m-phenylenediamine with an added accelerator of 2,4-dinitrophenol. This embedment system employs a specific bisspiro orthocarbonate, 3,9-bis(5'-norbornene-2'-yl)-1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro[5.

Abstract: A dry explosive seismic composition which can be initiated by low grain detonating cord so as to minimize the fire hazards typically associated with seismic testing. Preferred compositions within the scope of the present invention include a sensitizer of Hexamine or a derivative thereof, such as Hexamethylenetetramine Mononitrate. The compositions of the present invention not only reduce the fire hazards associated with using such compositions, but they also resist vaporization of the sensitizer, thereby minimizing the problems associated with handling the compositions.

Abstract: Solid water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous emulsion phase formed of an aqueous solution of an oxidizer salt and a continuous emulsion phase formed of a solid carbonaceous fuel derived from an oleaginous liquid. The continuous phase provides a self-sustaining matrix. A solid non-hygroscopic oxidizer salt, such as ammonium perchlorate, is dispersed in the emulsion in a solid granular form. Void cells are also dispersed within the emulsion to provide a void volume of at least 5%. The explosive compositions may be formulated to be sensitive to No. 8 blasting caps. Processes for forming the explosive compositions include the use of an oleaginous liquid of a polyester and styrene monomer mixture, which is emulsified with an aqueous solution of oxidizer salt without the addition of an emulsifying agent. The explosive composition may be formed as a unitary product or transformed into granular particulate form.

Abstract: Method of maximizing stability and minimizing production of toxic fumes as explosion by-products by utilizing a moisture resistant blasting composition and said composition, comprising an invert emulsion component having, as the continuous external organic phase thereof, a partial ester of a 2-12 carbon polyhydric alcohol and a tall oil fatty acid, said explosive composition being capable of utilizing sufficient solid oxygen-supplying salt to obtain an Oxygen Balance of about zero without substantial loss of sensitivity.

Abstract: A primer mix which contains from 26 to 66 weight percent titanium and from 74 to 44 weight percent potassium perchlorate having a density of from 68 to 81 percent of crystal density such that the mix is stable at high temperature up to 525.degree. F. for more than 100 hours without degradation and requires a relatively high amount of impact energy greater than 4 ft.-lbs. in order to ignite it. Alternatively, the primer mix contains from 40 to 74 weight percent zirconium and from 60 to 26 weight percent potassium perchlorate having the above density. The primer mix is used in a percussion primer for initiating combustion or in a percussion initiator for detonating a high-order explosive, as used for example within wellbores in the oil and gas industry.

Abstract: The present invention falls in the field of propellant charges for ballistic ammunitions which have combustible or a non-combustible casing. According to the invention, the ammunition is constituted by a casing 2 placed around a shell 1 and closed by a portion 3 which carries the primer 4. The casing contains a mixed charge constituted on one hand by fragmentable balls 5 and on the other hand, by grains 6 of propellant powder. The balls 5 are constituted by agglomerated propellant powder. The charges according to the invention may be prepared on an industrial scale very easily and in a very reproducible manner and they permit an appreciable increase of the coefficient of filling of the casing.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive, comprising aqueous inorganic oxidizer solution, oil, emulsifier and hollow microspheres, and having high low-temperature detonability and storage stability can be produced without causing breakage of the hollow microspheres through a specifically limited kneading method, wherein agitating blades fitted to an agitating shaft in a kneader are subjected to up and down movements in the axial directions of the agitating shaft and concurrently to a rotary motion to knead homogeneously a water-in-oil emulsion formed of the aqueous solution of inorganic oxidizer, oil and emulsifier, together with the hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive comprising an aqueous solution of inorganic oxidizer, an oil, an emulsifier and hollow microspheres, and having high low-temperature detonability and storage stability can be produced without causing breakage of the hollow microspheres through particular emulsifying and kneading steps, in which emulsifying step the aqueous solution of inorganic oxider, the oil and the emulsifier are fully emulsified into a water-in-oil emulsion in an emulsifying machine having a novel structure, and in which kneading step the resulting water-in-oil emulsion is kneaded together with the hollow microspheres by means of agitating blades, said agitating blades being arranged in the kneader and carrying out concurrent by rotary motion and up and down movements.

Abstract: An explosive oil-in-water emulsion and a method of manufacture is disclosed. The process comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B, ingredient A being selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof, and ingredient B being selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkylamines, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyldiamines, hydrazine, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkanolamines, urea and mixtures thereof, incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting water-in-oil emulsion, one of said ingredients A and B being added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient of ingredients A or B being added during agitation.

Abstract: This invention concerns a dynamite type explosive composition which comprises at least one liquid explosive nitric ester and an emulsion composition comprising an oxygen-releasing salt phase, an organic phase and an emulsifier. The invention provides dynamite type compositions in which the amount of liquid explosive nitric ester can be significantly reduced without adversely affecting the performance and physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: A method for making a water-in-oil emulsion type explosive composition is disclosed. The method comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B and incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting emulsion. One of the ingredients A or B is added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient is added during agitation. Ingredient A is oleic acid and/or linoleic acid. Ingredient B is an ammonium or alkali metal phosphate or carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion explosive of the water-in-oil type having resistance against dissolution in water, and application of said emulsion in explosive mixtures. The emulsion explosive is non cap-sensitive and can be cartridged alone or in mixture with ANFO. It can also be used in bulk systems. The explosive contains 60-90 percent by weight of ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate, 4-15 percent by weight of a crystallization temperature lowering agent, preferably urea, and 2-6% wax and/or a wax/oil mixture. The content of water consists essentially of water of crystallization bound to the calcium nitrate. Further, the explosive contains emulsifier and density reducing agents such as sodium nitrite/thiourea or hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A gunpowder substitute which is capable of also being molded into a consumable cartridge or cartridge case comprising between 50% to 75% by weight of an inorganic nitrate and between 25% to 50% by weight of an organic acid including ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Explosive composition of water-in-oil, containing as a continuous phase a carbonaceous fuel and as a discontinuous phase an oxygen-releasing aqueous salt solution, the continuous phase containing a water-insoluble lipophilic viscosity index improver for the purpose of controlling the consistency.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising an oxygen-supplying salt component as a discontinuous phase, an organic medium forming a continuous phase and a stabilizer which comprises a polycyclic hydrocarbon. Suitable stabilizers include sterols, such as cholesterol. The compositions, which may also include a conventional emulsifier, exhibit small diameter cap-sensitivity and improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous phase containing an oxygen-supplying phase wherein the discontinuous phase additionally comprises a crystal growth-inhibitor. The compositions exhibit improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: Thickeners, preferably galactomannans, in aqueous solutions or slurries, e.g., water gel explosives, oil well drilling muds, and hydraulic fracturing fluids, are stabilized against thermal degradation by incorporating iodide and/or iodate ions in the solution or slurry. The preferred stabilizer is the iodide ion introduced into the fluid by dissolving an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal iodide, or ammonium or alkyl-substituted ammonium iodide, in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing an emulsifier consisting of a mixture of sorbide, sorbitan and sorbitol fatty acid esters in a specifically limited mixing ratio, has an improved storage stability in initiation sensitivity in small diameter cartridges and at low temperatures and further has an improved resistance against dead pressing.

Abstract: Ammonium nitrate shale oil explosives are provided which are effective, powerful, inexpensive, and safe. The explosives contain about 2% to 10% by weight shale oil and about 90% to 98% by weight ammonium nitrate. The shale oil can be whole shale oil or heavy shale oil containing from 0.1% to 65% by weight oil shale dust. The ammonium nitrate is preferably in the form of explosive grade ammonium nitrate prills.

Abstract: Raw oil shale is retorted to liberate an effluent product stream. Ammonia is withdrawn from the product stream and reacted to produce ammonium nitrate. Shale oil is separated from the product stream and mixed with 90% to 98% by weight ammonium nitrate to produce explosives. The shale oil can be whole shale oil or heavy shale oil containing from 0.1% to 65% by weight oil shale dust. The ammonium nitrate is preferably in the form of explosive grade ammonium nitrate prills. The shale oil is preferably heated before being mixed with the ammonium nitrate to make the shale oil more blendable.

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: The mixing of high solids loaded propellants is accomplished under reduced viscosity conditions by employing near critical liquid (NCL) carbon dioxide as the processing fluid in a volume amount from about 10 to about 20 percent of the volume of the propellant ingredients.A typical propellant composition contains about 88 percent solids portion by weight comprised of ammonium perchlorate, aluminum powder, ballistic modifiers, and bonding agent and about 12 percent liquid portion by weight comprised of liquid polymers, plasticizers, and curatives.NCL carbon dioxide facilitates low viscosity mixing of propellant ingredients in a completely inert processing fluid. The method allows the entire mixing procedure to be conducted under reduced temperature conditions (e.g., 90.degree. F. vs 140.degree. F.), and thereby, provides for extended propellant pot life. Pressure mixing in a range of 760 psig to 1000 psig enables carbon dioxide to be maintained as a NCL to assist propellant mixing.