Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process of the type comprising at least one gas-concentrated sulphuric acid contacting unit and a sulphuric acid heat exchanger characterized in that the contacting unit and/or heat exchanger is formed of high silicon content austenitic steel. The steel is also of use in sulphuric acid concentrations. Reduced corrosion rates are provided.

Abstract: Process for the mononitration of a nitratable organic compound, such as benzene, with a mixed acid in which one of the reactants is delivered into a body of the other reactant in the form of ultra-fine droplets through an atomizing nozzle or similar orifice. The process is economic to construct and operate, is safe and simple to control and leads to a low cost, substantially pure product.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the manufacture of a coarse emulsion blasting agent and a method for the conversion of same into a sensitive blasting explosive. The apparatus comprises a low shear mechanical mixer in which a coarse emulsion can be continuously prepared. The coarse emulsion is then passed though a fine emulsification motionless mixer for conversion into sensitive explosive.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises a nitroalkane compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anhydride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises an aromatic hydrocarbon compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anyhdride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: Vesiculated granules of cross-linked carboxylated polyester resin prepared by the free radical polymerization of a dispersion of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a carboxylated unsaturated polyester resin having an acid value of from 5-50 mg KOH/g and an alkyl acryloyl derivative. Aqueous compositions comprising the granules are used in conjunction with fibrous cellulosic or non-cellulosic materials for the preparation of paper containing the vesiculated polymeric granules dispersed therein. The paper has improved optical opacity.

Abstract: A rapid, single stage process for the bleaching of high yield lignocellulose pulp (mechanical pulp) to enhanced brightness levels with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of magnesium sulphate and sodium silicate, with a substantial reduction in the wasteful, non-bleaching reactions of hydrogen peroxide. The residual hydrogen peroxide liquor may be recycled to a pulping or bleaching process.

Abstract: An improved plastic film cartridge for flowable explosives is provided. The cartridge comprises a recessed or indented end configuration which recess can be enlarged to provide a locating and retaining pocket for a blasting cap without any penetration of the cartridge film wall. The recess is maintained by means of an internal, elastic cord or strip attached between the sealed ends of the cartridge.

Abstract: An improved plastic film cartridge for flowable explosives is provided. The cartridge comprises a recessed or indented end configuration which recess can be enlarged to provide a locating and retaining pocket for a blasting cap without any penetration of the cartridge film wall. The recess is maintained by means of an internal, elastic cord or strip attached between the sealed ends of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method is provided for loading upwardly extending boreholes in rock with flowable bulk explosives. An explosives loading pipe, an air exhaust pipe and an initiating booster charge with associated initiator are located in the borehole so that the booster and the pipe ends are located deep within the borehole. The ends of the pipes and the initiator are pressed through one or more channels in a cylindrical plug wedged in the borehole opening. Stemming material is first placed in the borehole through the loading pipe to lie against the plug and thereafter the bulk explosive is introduced to fill the borehole. Entrapped air is exhausted through the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: Vesiculated granules of cross-linked carboxylated polyester resin prepared by the free radical polymerization of a dispersion of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a carboxylated unsaturated polyester resin having an acid value of from 5-50 mg KOH/g and an alkyl acryloyl derivative. Aqueous compositions comprising the granules are used in conjunction with fibrous cellulosic or non-cellulosic materials for the preparation of paper containing the vesiculated polymeric granules dispersed therein. The paper has improved optical opacity.

Abstract: Vesiculated granules of cross-linked carboxylated polyester resin prepared by the free radical polymerization of a dispersion of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a carboxylated unsaturated polyester resin having an acid value of from 5-50 mg KOH/g and an alkyl acryloyl derivative. Aqueous compositions comprising the granules are used in conjunction with fibrous cellulosic or non-cellulosic materials for the preparation of paper containing the vesiculated polymeric granules dispersed therein. The paper has improved optical opacity.

Abstract: A natural gas storage and retrieval system which comprises natural gas storage means adapted to receive and store natural gas under pressure and a natural gas displacing liquid under pressure; means for feeding natural gas under pressure to said natural gas storage means whereby said stored displacing fluid is displaced; means for feeding said displacing liquid under pressure to said natural gas storage means whereby said stored natural gas is displaced; and means for collecting said displaced natural gas. The system provides a fast fill compressed natural gas station in which the storage inventory is significantly reduced with consequent improvement in environmental safety.

Abstract: A process for removing dichromates from chlorate-rich solutions containing hypochlorite and dichromate ions and produced by the electrolysis of brine. The dichromate is reduced in a two-stage process by the addition of ammonia under controlled conditions of pH and temperature to a mixed di- and trivalent chromium hydroxide which is precipitated from solution and removed. The process provides an economical method of recovering chromium from electrolytically produced chlorate solutions.

Abstract: A continuous bucket conveyor/elevator is provided which comprises a series of buckets mounted on at least one endless cable. The cable or cables and attached buckets are urged forward by means of an adjacent driving mechanism, such as, a pneumatic or hydraulic piston, which engages contact members attached at intervals to the cables. Because no drive chains or sprocket wheels are employed, lubrication is minimized even in corrosive or abrasive environments.

Abstract: A plurality of electric blasting caps are fired through the ignition system which includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The secondary winding of the transformer is connected to the resistive elements of the blasting caps through a blasting circuit which is electromagnetically coupled to the resistive elements of the blasting caps via a small toroid transformer. A D.C. voltage is stored on a storage capacitor which has one end connected to the center point of the primary winding. The other ends of each half of the primary winding are connected through a driver circuit to ground. Each driver circuit is enabled by a flip-flop at predetermined intervals, whereby the storage capacitor will discharge through the appropriate half of the primary, to thereby produce a pulse train at the output of the secondary. The pulse train provides the ignition power for igniting the electric blasting caps.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of water resistant dry blasting agents. Powdered, solid, water blocking agent and solid fuel, if required, is added as a suspension in a liquid non-hydrating fuel phase to porous ammonium nitrate prills. The process thus avoids unevenness of coating with water blocking agent of prior art processes and is particularly suited to on-site truck mounted manufacturing of water resistant blasting agents.

Abstract: Absorption and drying towers for treating sulphur trioxide process gases and air, respectively, with concentrated sulphuric acid in the manufacture of sulphuric acid. Each tower has a suitably shaped downwardly angled gas delivery duct protruding into a lower chamber of the tower to prevent acid from entering inside the duct. Each tower also has its lower chamber defined by the base of the tower and a suitably formed packing support. Additional packing is interposed between the lower walls of the tower and the packing support. Improved corrosion resistance of the metal components is obtained.

Abstract: A novel heterogeneous, cap-sensitive high explosive is provided which comprises a crystalline inorganic nitrate salt having dispersed throughout the matrix of the salt crystal a hydroxyalkyl nitrate fuel. Particularly preferred are ammonium nitrate crystals having dispersed therein ethylene glycol mononitrate. The crystalline high explosive is dry and free flowing and may be used per se, in admixture with bulking agents or fluidizing agents or may be used as a replacement for a substantial amount of nitroglycerine in conventional dynamite compositions.

Abstract: A process for the management of by-product tetranitromethane (TNM) which avoids the hazards of the prior art isolation or extraction procedures. A selected in-plant liquid or vapor stream, or a reactor off-gas stream from nitration or nitric acid oxidation plant, which contains TNM, is heated to effectively pyrolyze the TNM without undue losses of nitric acid values.