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.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the generation of sulphur trioxide from oleum using microwave energy for use in the sulphonation and nitration of organic compounds and the fortification of oleum. The process provides improved control of production and concentration of the sulphur trioxide produced and comprises subjecting sulphur trioxide-rich oleum feed to microwave energy for a sufficient period of time to produce sulphur trioxide vapour and spent oleum; isolating said sulphur trioxide vapour and collecting said spent oleum.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for the continuous manufacture of a water-in-oil explosive emulsion precursor. Separate streams of the water phase component and the oil phase component are introduced into an in-line motionless mixer. A chosen portion of the output from the mixer is recirculated and returned to the motionless mixer for further emulsification. The process allows for the production of a very high phase ratio water-to-oil emulsion (up to 95% water phase) without phase inversion after long storage. The precursor is simply converted to a sensitive explosive by means of known density lowering techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the efficient and safe manufacture of batch quantities of non-cap-sensitive emulsion explosives. The method employs none of the high shear mixing or homogenizing techniques of the prior art and hence hazards from heat and mechanical breakdown (impact) are eliminated. The method consists of tumbling the oil phase of the emulsion in a rotating, internally baffled mixer and slowly adding thereto the aqueous phase. The resulting emulsion explosive is detonable by boostering in large diameter charges.

Abstract: A water-in-oil explosive composition based on colloidal dispersions is provided. Unlike conventional emulsion explosive compositions, the microemulsion composition of the invention displays exceptional long term storage stability retaining sensitivity to propagation even in small diameter charges. The composition is also tolerant to doping with further fuel and energy enhancing ingredients. The microemulsion-producing component of the composition comprises a combination of at least one conventional water-in-oil emulsifier and at least one amphiphatic synthetic polymeric emulsifier selected from graft, block or branch polymers.

Abstract: An explosive booster is provided for the detonation of insensitive blasting agents. The booster contains TNT as the sole explosive ingredient, is sensitive to blasting cap initiation yet remains insensitive to impact initiation. The booster comprises an elongate structure having a gradually increasing density from end to end, only the less dense end being cap sensitive. Reduced density is accomplished by the incorporation of voids or pockets, by means of, for example, glass microspheres. Particulate sodium nitrate and vermiculite are included as density enhancers.

Abstract: An improved method of gassing an aqueous slurry explosive composition with an inorganic nitrite gassing agent is provided. The method makes use of a thiocyanate ion-containing material in the composition as a gassing accelerator. The presence of the thiocyanate ion produces improved rate and quantity of gas generation even under low temperature where gas generation is normally retarded.