Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms and with nutrient for the microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive device. An explosive device contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms capable of metabolizing the explosive material that are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying. Examples include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A self-remediating explosive mixture includes an explosive material intermixed with microorganisms. Joined with an explosive device is a bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between microorganisms and explosive material in the explosive device using a barrier that is actuated to release the microorganisms by mechanical, electrical, or chemical mechanisms. If the explosive device fails to detonate, remediation by microorganisms includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cut-off barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms and with nutrient for the microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive device. An explosive device contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms capable of metabolizing the explosive material that are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying. Examples include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A self-remediating explosive mixture includes an explosive material intermixed with microorganisms. Joined with an explosive device is a bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between microorganisms and explosive material in the explosive device using a barrier that is actuated to release the microorganisms by mechanical, electrical, or chemical mechanisms. If the explosive device fails to detonate, remediation by microorganisms includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: A segmented explosive device capable of producing a shock wave front upon being exploded by a detonation impulse generated by a selectively operable control device and communicated to the explosive device by a transmission line coupled between the control device and the explosive device. The explosive device has a first charge segment and a second charge segment disposed in an assembled relationship. The first charge segment has a first abutment surface formed on a portion of the exterior thereof and a cavity recessed in the first abutment surface. An output end of the transmission line is received by the cavity and contacts the first charge segment. The cavity of the first charge segment can be configured to dispose explosive material in the path of a plasma zone propagating through voids internal of the explosive device to facilitate advance detonation of the explosive material before a shock wave front trailing the plasma zone reaches the explosive material.

Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cutoff barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation in the form of an explosive material is intermixed with microorganisms. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between the microorganisms and explosive material is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation in the form of an explosive material is intermixed with microorganisms. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between the microorganisms and explosive material is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material.

Abstract: An explosive charge such as a cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) includes an explosive charge (14, 114, 214) having a first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) with discrete bodies (118, 218) of a second material embedded therein. In some embodiments, discrete bodies may comprise explosive material and the first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) may be more sensitive to initiation than the explosive material of the discrete bodies (118, 218). In a separate aspect of the invention, the discrete bodies may have a minimum dimension of at least 1 millimeter or, optionally, 1.6 millimeter, regardless of the explosive properties of the material therein. In a particular embodiment, discrete bodies may be shaped as cylindrical pellets rounded at at least one end. The cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) may be produced by melting the first explosive, disposing discrete bodies therein and cooling the molten material to solid form.

Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cutoff barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation in the form of an explosive material is intermixed with microorganisms. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between the microorganisms and explosive material is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material.

Abstract: A booster explosive device (10) has a housing (12) within which is contained an explosive primer charge (14). Mechanical fastener components such as exterior screw threads (32) on housing (12) and interior screw threads (34) on an explosive accessory charge (20) may be engaged with each other in order to provide a charge assembly (30) comprised of device (10) and accessory charge (20). The outer peripheral surface (26) of accessory charge (20) is optionally concave so that accessory charge (20) optionally serves as a shaped charge to provide enhanced radial explosive output. Explosive primer charge (14) is configured so that the output tip (44b) of a detonator (44) contained therewithin is positioned below at least about 50 percent by weight of primer charge (14) and within the accessory section (10c) of device (10).

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. A bioremediating apparatus in the form of a storage chamber houses in moist condition type of microorganisms capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying bacteria. The bioremediating apparatus is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material. A solution released into the storage chamber by opening a first valve hydrates the microorganisms. The explosive assembly has an actuation means for opening the first valve and a second valve that releases the microorganisms from the storage chamber to begin metabolizing the explosive material, when the explosive apparatus is joined with the bioremediating apparatus. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. A bioremediating apparatus in the form of a storage chamber houses in moist condition type of microorganisms capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying bacteria. The bioremediating apparatus is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material. A solution released into the storage chamber by opening a first valve hydrates the microorganisms. The explosive assembly has an actuation means for opening the first valve and a second valve that releases the microorganisms from the storage chamber to begin metabolizing the explosive material, when the explosive apparatus is joined with the bioremediating apparatus. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A slider (36) has a base fixture (40) and a shielding tube (42). The slider (36) is used to operably couple a detonator (44) to a detonating cord (62) that passes through a booster device (10), i.e., to prevent the detonating cord (62) from directly initiating or fracturing the booster (10). The base fixture (40) includes input lead-retaining means for disposing the input lead (47) of a detonator (44) in signal transfer relation to the detonating cord (62). Optionally, the slider (36) has a detonator retainer (38) for carrying the detonator (44) on the slider (36). Preferably, the detonator retainer (38) is able to hold detonators of various lengths in proper position to initiate the booster device (10). By disposing the shielding tube (42) on the slider (36) a booster device (10) can be used with various detonating cords (62) and a slider (36) having a shielding tube (42) suitable for the chosen detonating cord (62) can be inserted into the booster device (10).

Abstract: An explosive, water-in-oil type emulsion composition comprising an aqueous phase of from 70-90% by weight comprising water 10-30%, oxidizing salt 50-75%, an oil phase 5-20%, an air entrapping material 1-5% and an emulsifying agent 1-5%. Nitropropanes constitute all or a portion of the fuel component.