Abstract: Provided is a process for removing non-choline phosphatides from a lecithin material to facilitate obtaining a highly purified phosphatidylcholine product which is essentially free of non-choline phosphatides. The product can be obtained efficiently and effectively, even when starting with a raw soybean gum (lecithin).

Abstract: Provided herewith is a method for preparing an explosive composition with an adjusted rate of detonation which matches the rock stratum in which blasting is to occur. The composition is comprised of a mixture of glass microballoons and plastic spheres, which mixture has been found to provide one with adjustable rates of detonation with essentially no significant difference in the carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and water contents or ratios and at the same time with the same overall energy.

Abstract: Provided is a process for removing non-choline phosphatides from a lecithin material to facilitate obtaining a highly purified phosphatidylcholine product which is essentially free of non-choline phosphatides. The product can be obtained efficiently and effectively, even when starting with a raw soybean gum (lecithin).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of safely preparing stable water-in-oil emulsion explosives. After formation of the emulsion explosive, it is cooled in a heat exchanger which uniformly cools the emulsion. The physical characteristics of the heat exchanger also limit the extent of detonation if it should occur. In order to improve stability of the emulsion explosive, the oxidizer is blended with the emulsion subsequent to cooling the emulsion.

Abstract: A unique and improved emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions is provided by heating lecithin for a period of time sufficient to altar its composition such that the improved emulsifier is obtained. For example, the lecithin can be heated at a temperature in the range of from about 100.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. for a period of time ranging from about 15 to about 480 minutes. The resultant thermally altered lecithin exhibits improved emulsification characteristics for water-in-oil emulsions. A water-in-oil emulsion comprised of a continuous oil phase, a discontinuous aqueous phase and the thermally altered lecithin exhibits excellent stability and an improved holding capacity with respect to the discontinuous aqueous phase.

Abstract: A unique and improved emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions is provided by heating lecithin for a period of time sufficient to alter its composition such that the improved emulsifier is obtained. For example, the lecithin can be heated at a temperature in the range of from about 100.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. for a period of time ranging from about 15 to about 480 minutes. The resultant thermally altered lecithin exhibits improved emulsification characteristics for water-in-oil emulsions. A water-in-oil emulsion comprised of a continuous oil phase, a discontinuous aqueous phase and the thermally altered lecithin exhibits excellent stability and an improved holding capacity with respect to the discontinuous aqueous phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nitrate esters of galactomannan gums and methods of making them comprising reacting a galactomannan gum with a nitrating acid. Nitrate esters of galactomannan gums are useful as thickeners and gelling agents for certain organic solvents.

Abstract: Improved explosive slurries of the type containing an oxidizing salt, an organic fuel, a metallic fuel, a thickening agent, and water, wherein the improvement includes a sensitizing amount of an inorganic peroxide.

Abstract: An improved enclosure for explosive material of the type having an enclosed sealed, cylindrical container, and a sleeve in encircling engagement with the container, and cooperating with the sidewall of the container to define at least one recess adapted to receive a detonator, wherein the improvement comprises a depression in the sidewall of the container, and a resilient protrusion of the inner surface of the sleeve, engaging said sidewall depression, thereby hindering the sleeve from slipping off the container.