Abstract: A blasting composition, method, and system for making such is disclosed. The blasting composition consists essentially of a particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer, a particulate metal fuel, water, and a gelling agent. The composition is prepared by blending 10-20% by weight of the total amount of water to be added to the composition, with the particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer; adding a dry blend of gelling agent and particulate metal fuel to the damp oxidizer; briefly mixing the two components; adding the remainder of the water; and slowly subjecting the mixture to a tumbling action for a brief period of time sufficient to obtain a uniform composition.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 3, 1982
Date of Patent:
June 26, 1984
Assignee:
Energy Sciences Partners, Ltd.
Inventors:
Michel E. Maes, Robert L. Shaw, Royal L. Reinsch
Abstract: A blasting composition, method and system for making such is disclosed. The blasting composition is a homogeneous slurry-type blasting agent containing a major amount of water and a relatively small amount of a particulate fuel, preferably a particulate metal fuel. The blasting composition is made by premixing the fuel with water and a gelling agent to form a stable suspension of fuel in the water, metering the suspension of fuel into a dry particulate mixture of an inorganic metal oxidizer and a gelling agent, and slowly tumbling the mixture a short time sufficient to obtain a uniform composition without desensitizing the composition to detonation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 29, 1980
Date of Patent:
June 14, 1983
Assignee:
Energy Sciences Partners, Ltd.
Inventors:
Michel E. Maes, Robert L. Shaw, Royal L. Reinsch