Abstract: A cap-sensitive slurry explosive capable of propagating a high order detonation in thin layers and which has a high degree of safety for a cap-sensitive explosive. The slurry consists of a super-fine grained explosive, suspended in an energetic, but non-self-explosive liquid matrix and contains no liquid explosive ingredient. The slurry resists dispersion in a variety of liquids including water and crude oil. In the preferred embodiments the slurries include penetaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) in super fine particles, having an average particle size of about 6.5 microns.

Abstract: An explosive composition containing essentially of an intimate mixture of15 to 45% by weight of a particulate high explosive from the group consisg of RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane) and HMX (1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane and mixtures thereof,15 to 50% by weight of ammonium nitrate, and20 to 60% by weight of ethylenediamine dinitrate;Wherein the weight ratio of ammonium nitrate to ethylenediamine dinitrate is from 1:2.5 to 1.5:1, respectively, and particularly about 1:1. These explosive compositions provide an unexpectedly high explosive output with a relatively low content of RDX and/or HMX, and an equivalent output with much less RDX than conventional explosive compositions consisting of mixtures of RDX with AN and/or TNT.

Abstract: An improved process for producing explosive gel compositions is provided wherein a polymeric thickening agent is dispersed in an aqueous medium and a nitroparaffin is added thereafter to form dispersed globules of nitroparaffin gel within the aqueous medium. Gelling agents for the aqueous medium, fuels and non-explosive sensitizing material can then be added to form an explosive gel with excellent storage and detonation capabilities.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising at least one nitrato-alkanol and a stabilizingly effective amount of one or more derivatives of carbamic acid. The composition is useful as a component of explosive compositions.

Abstract: Explosive compositions, sensitive to a number six blasting cap, comprise a liquid, highly combustible fuel and supported air entrapment material in an amount such that from about one to about 95 volume percent of the total explosive mixture is air.

Abstract: A stained explosive composition in a water-gelatin base is made from oxidizing salts and at least one water-insoluble hydrocarbon which has dissolved therein a water-insoluble coloring material.

Abstract: An explosive is produced in a continuous process made up of three stages. The first stage is mixing the solid ingredients of the explosive and transporting it to a mixing station. The second stage is emulsifying nitroglycerine and transporting it to the mixing station where the nitroglycerine is separated from the water and combined with other liquid ingredients. The third stage is the mixing stage where the solid and liquid ingredients are mixed or kneaded and formed into suitably-sized explosive units. The mixing station is provided with a mixer having a pair of hoppers in which are deposited the liquid ingredients and the solid ingredients, and which empty into a housing having a pair of rotating mixing screws which mix the liquid and solid ingredients. The liquid ingredients never contact the bearings of the mixing screws. The ratio of liquid to solid ingredients of the explosive may be varied by varying the feeding rate of each.

Abstract: A cap-sensitive slurry explosive capable of propagating a high order detonation in thin layers and which has a high degree of safety for a cap-sensitive explosive. The slurry consists of a superfine grained explosive, suspended in an energetic, but non-self-explosive liquid matrix and contains no liquid explosive ingredient. The slurry resists dispersion in a variety of liquids including water and crude oil. In the preferred embodiments the slurries include penetaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) in super fine particles, having an average particle size of 6.5 microns.

Abstract: A foamed or aerated explosive composition containing a water-soluble organic nitrate sensitizer is provided which retains sensitivity for long periods in small diameter cartridges. The dissipation or migration of entrained air or gas in the composition is substantially prevented by incorporating a blend of a foaming surfactant and a stabilizing surfactant in chosen proportions.

Abstract: An explosive slurry composition having excellent suspension stability, good thixotropic characteristics, high detonation power and good temperature characteristics comprises as ingredients a water-swollen gel of a complex composed of sodium montmorillonite and a water-soluble organic compound having a polar group, and an oxygen supplier such as ammonium nitrate and/or a sensitizer such as aluminum powder and/or a fuel such as saccharide, fuel oil and the like. This explosive slurry composition is used for blasting hard rocks and the like in situ connected with a booster or cap.