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 booster container is used to hold a primary charge useful for detonating cap insensitive explosives, such as ammonium nitrate. The container includes a pair of cord tunnels which may be used in various combinations to detonate the primary charge with either an electric blasting cap or a detonating cord. The container is also useful for holding non-electric blasting caps and transfer tubes in place as the booster container is lowered into the bore hole.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition comprises a carbonaceous absorbent formed from processed cellulose, a liquid explosive and an oxygen-supplying salt. By adding varying amounts of nitrocellulose, the composition may form a gelatin or semigelatin dynamite.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an effective detonating cord which does not ignite combustible materials adjacent and exterior to the cord upon detonation. The cord in one of its broadest aspects comprises a core of high explosive coated with a composition extrudable around the core at safe temperatures and comprising a halogenated linear polymer with sufficient halogenation to prevent ignition of combustible materials adjacent and exterior to the cord upon detonation. The core preferably contains pentaerythritol tetranitrate and the preferred polymer is substantially amorphous chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) having about 25 to 50 weight percent chlorine. The coating composition frequently also includes synergistic agents known in the flame retardant arts such as antimony trioxide which enhance the flash-suppressing qualities of the coating, plasticizers such as polyethylene polymers and other materials such as extrusion aids.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved detonating cord with flash suppressing properties. In one of its broadest aspects, the invention comprises a detonating cord including a non-extruded coating comprising a halogenated polymer. More particularly, the polymer is included in a wrapped coating such as braid or tape surrounding the explosive core. Preferably the polymer is highly halogenated, the preferred polymers being vinylidene chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyvinylchloride.