Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and installation for loading boreholes with bulk water-based suspension or watergel type explosives characterized by the sensitization of the product by mixing a non-explosive or low sensitivity suspension matrix with compressed gas (e.g. air) at the end of the delivery hose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based non-sensitized matrix or explosive suspension which itself has a rheological behavior such that it allows mechanically loading upward boreholes. This suspension behaves like a viscous liquid when it is forced to flow due to the action of a loading pump, and, however, has the characteristics of a soft solid when it is on standby once inside the borehole. The composition essentially consists of an aqueous solution of oxidizing salts and optionally water-soluble fuels and/or sensitizers, and one or more water-soluble polymers conferring the desired rheological characteristics. Particles of oxidizing salts with a grain size such that they enhance the rheological behavior characteristic of the suspension are dispersed in this aqueous solution.

Abstract: Manufacture is carried out in a continuous manner while simultaneously loading the blast holes in a device with mixing capability where (a) a less sensitive or non-explosive water-based matrix containing a cross-linkable polymer, (b) a cross-linking agent for cross-linking the polymer contained in the matrix, (c) a gas-generating agent, are mixed. The presence of the polymer distributed uniformly in the matrix together with the cross-linking agent results in a three-dimensional network formed by molecular polymer chains bound to one another in a short period of time after mixing. The process can be performed in trucks for loading explosives in blast holes having compartments for the different components of the mixture and one or several mixing devices allowing the manufacture of the final mixture which would be unloaded into the blast holes either by means of a pump or an auger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based non-sensitized matrix or explosive suspension which itself has a rheological behavior such that it allows mechanically loading upward boreholes. This suspension behaves like a viscous liquid when it is forced to flow due to the action of a loading pump, and, however, has the characteristics of a soft solid when it is on standby once inside the borehole. The composition essentially consists of an aqueous solution of oxidizing salts and optionally water-soluble fuels and/or sensitizers, and one or more water-soluble polymers conferring the desired rheological characteristics. Particles of oxidizing salts with a grain size such that they enhance the rheological behavior characteristic of the suspension are dispersed in this aqueous solution.

Abstract: Manufacture is carried out in a continuous manner while simultaneously loading the blast holes in a device with mixing capability where (a) a less sensitive or non-explosive water-based matrix containing a cross-linkable polymer, (b) a cross-linking agent for cross-linking the polymer contained in the matrix, (c) a gas-generating agent, are mixed. The presence of the polymer distributed uniformly in the matrix together with the cross-linking agent results in a three-dimensional network formed by molecular polymer chains bound to one another in a short period of time after mixing. The process can be performed in trucks for loading explosives in blast holes having compartments for the different components of the mixture and one or several mixing devices allowing the manufacture of the final mixture which would be unloaded into the blast holes either by means of a pump or an auger.

Abstract: The manufacture is carried out in a continuous manner simultaneous to the filling of the shot holes, in a mixer, preferably a rotating mixer, wherein a water-based, non-explosive or low sensitivity matrix, an air bubble stabilizing agent, and optionally, an oxidant in granular form and a combustible material are mixed together. The nature of the water-based matrix, together with the use of an air bubble stabilizing agent, allows the incorporation of air during the mixing, regulating the density of the final product and acting on the variables of the process. On coming out of the mixer, the explosive is totally sensitized and has reached its final density, allowing for quality control before filling the shot hole. The process may be carried out on the explosives pumping truck, with compartments for the transportation of a water-based matrix, an oxidant in granular form, a combustible material and a gas bubble stabilizing agent.

Abstract: The manufacture is carried out in a continuous manner simultaneous to the filling of the shot holes, in a mixer, preferably a rotating mixer, wherein a water-based, non-explosive or low sensitivity matrix, an air bubble stabilizing agent, and optionally, an oxidant in granular form and a combustible material are mixed together. The nature of the water-based matrix, together with the use of an air bubble stabilizing agent, allows the incorporation of air during the mixing, regulating the density of the final product and acting on the variables of the process. On coming out of the mixer, the explosive is totally sensitized and has reached its final density, allowing for quality control before filling the shot hole. The process may be carried out on the explosives pumping truck, with compartments for the transportation of a water-based matrix, an oxidant in granular form, a combustible material and a gas bubble stabilizing agent.

Abstract: The procedure involves the mixture of a water based oxidizing product with an oxygen balance greater than 14% consisting of a water solution saturated with oxidizing salts, oxidizing particles in suspension and thickening agents, with a fuel and a gas in a mixer, by means of the formation of an intimate mixture of the oxidizing product and the fuel and the formation of a suspension or emulsion of gas in the mixture. The density of the end explosive product may be varied according to the gas flow and this is controlled before introducing the explosive into the bore. The installation consists of a tank (1) with the oxidizing product, a fuel tank (11), a gas reserve (10), a mixer (5), a pump (3), a dosing device for the fuel (12) with a flow meter (13) and a regulating device of the gas flow (8), and, optionally, a tank (2) with a stabilizer of the gas bubbles, a dosing pump (4) and a flow meter (7).

Abstract: The process for sensitizing in situ aqueous explosives before charging the mine holes comprises the formation of an emulsion of dispersion gas-in-liquid from a low sensitivity or non explosive matrix product which consists of a liquid mixture in solution, emulsion or suspension of oxidant in fuel, and a gas. The density of the final explosive product can be varied as a function of the gas flow rate and can be controlled before introducing it into the hole. The installation comprises a tank (1) with the matrix product, a gas reserve (10), a mixture (5), a pump (3), and a gas flow rate regulating device (8) and optionally a tank (2) with a gas bubble stabilizing agent, a dosing pump (4) and a flow meter (7).

Abstract: The procedure involves the mixture of a water based oxidizing product with an oxygen balance greater than 14% consisting of a water solution saturated with oxidizing salts, oxidizing particles in suspension and thickening agents, with a fuel and a gas in a mixer, by means of the formation of an intimate mixture of the oxidizing product and the fuel and the formation of a suspension or emulsion of gas in the mixture. The density of the end explosive product may be varied according to the gas flow and this is controlled before introducing the explosive into the bore. The installation consists of a tank (1) with the oxidizing product, a fuel tank (11), a gas reserve (10), a mixer (5), a pump (3), a dosing device for the fuel (12) with a flow meter (13) and a regulating device of the gas flow (8), and, optionally, a tank (2) with a stabilizer of the gas bubbles, a dosing pump (4) and a flow meter (7).