Abstract: An emulsion composition with a polymerizing and/or crosslinking agent and method for its use in improving the manufacturing, packaging, transporting, storage placement and blasting characteristics of explosives containing an emulsion. More specifically, compositions and methods directed to controlling the rheology of an emulsion or explosive containing an emulsion by polymerizing and/or crosslinking the continuous phase of the emulsion by employing hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene and polymerizing agents and/or maleic anhydride adducted polybutadiene and crosslinking agents, but without compromising the integrity of the explosive reaction.Explosive materials comprised of a water-in-oil emulsion containing a continuous carbonaceous fuel phase at least partially polymerized and/or crosslinked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering an explosive to the bottom of a borehole containing water without allowing a detrimental amount of mixing between the explosive and the water. More particularly, the present invention allows an ammonium nitrate rich bulk explosive to be placed in a borehole without allowing the explosive composition to change significantly through dissolution of its constituents. The apparatus of the present invention includes a length of collapsible tubing having a plurality of apertures near its base and a weight attached to its base. The tubing is then lowered into a borehole. The weight causes the tubing to extend through any water layer within the borehole and the collapsible nature of the tubing serves to keep any significant amount of water from entering the tube. An explosive can then be flowed into the mouth of the tubing and down through the length of the tubing to the bottom of the borehole.

Abstract: A cylindrical primer cup having a top end which may be sealed so as to safely contain granular or liquid explosive matter is disclosed. A cylindrical conduit extends in a straight path through the cup, providing an opening at either end permitting through-passage of detonating cord or blasting caps. The cylindrical conduit additionally has a fixed diameter throughout, facilitating its travel along a detonating cord. A frustoconical conduit extends well within the primer cup for the placement and frictional retention of blasting caps therein. The sidewalls of the two conduits are relatively thin to provide for easier primer detonation. Symmetrically placed columnar-shaped ribs provide longitudinal structural support for the cylindrical conduit.