Abstract: A method of producing gas filled hollow glass beads comprises the steps of:i. manufacturing hollow glass beads having an alkali content of at least 20% calculated as weight per cent of oxide in the bead,ii. exposing the beads to an acidic treatment medium, for example HCl, HNO.sub.3, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, SO.sub.2, SO.sub.3, to reduce the alkali content of the beads to not more than 15%, andiii. causing gas to diffuse into the beads.

Abstract: A high density emulsion blasting agent and method is provided for increasing volume energy and optimizing booster sensitivity of water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents without loss of desirable handling characteristics of invert emulsions by utilizing an effective amount of a special sensitizing formulation in total or partial substitution for gas entraining density control agents.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent having a particle size of 177-3,000 .mu.m is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust and for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent consisting of bubble assemblies, each bubble assembly being one particle consisting of a large number of bubbles agglomerated into the particle, is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust, for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions and for lowering their detonation velocity without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing specifically limited hollow microspheres consisting of neutral or weakly acidic hollow microspheres coated with a coating material has a high consistency without deteriorating its storage stability in initiation sensitivity in a small diameter cartridge, and can be safely and easily handled.

Abstract: A nonhypergolic propellant for a barrel-type weapon is mixed with about 20% by volume of a propellant granulate which can be in the form of spheroidal powder, preferably a dibasic powder propellant, or in the form of micro-encapsulated liquid propellant which can be of the same composition as the liquid propellant in which the granulate is entrained or can be a different liquid propellant. The propellant granulate improves the combustion characteristics of the propellant and hence the reproducibility of the firing operations.

Abstract: A dry explosive seismic composition which can be initiated by low grain detonating cord so as to minimize the fire hazards typically associated with seismic testing. Preferred compositions within the scope of the present invention include a sensitizer of Hexamine or a derivative thereof, such as Hexamethylenetetramine Mononitrate. The compositions of the present invention not only reduce the fire hazards associated with using such compositions, but they also resist vaporization of the sensitizer, thereby minimizing the problems associated with handling the compositions.

Abstract: Solid water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous emulsion phase formed of an aqueous solution of an oxidizer salt and a continuous emulsion phase formed of a solid carbonaceous fuel derived from an oleaginous liquid. The continuous phase provides a self-sustaining matrix. A solid non-hygroscopic oxidizer salt, such as ammonium perchlorate, is dispersed in the emulsion in a solid granular form. Void cells are also dispersed within the emulsion to provide a void volume of at least 5%. The explosive compositions may be formulated to be sensitive to No. 8 blasting caps. Processes for forming the explosive compositions include the use of an oleaginous liquid of a polyester and styrene monomer mixture, which is emulsified with an aqueous solution of oxidizer salt without the addition of an emulsifying agent. The explosive composition may be formed as a unitary product or transformed into granular particulate form.

Abstract: Method of maximizing stability and minimizing production of toxic fumes as explosion by-products by utilizing a moisture resistant blasting composition and said composition, comprising an invert emulsion component having, as the continuous external organic phase thereof, a partial ester of a 2-12 carbon polyhydric alcohol and a tall oil fatty acid, said explosive composition being capable of utilizing sufficient solid oxygen-supplying salt to obtain an Oxygen Balance of about zero without substantial loss of sensitivity.

Abstract: A primer mix which contains from 26 to 66 weight percent titanium and from 74 to 44 weight percent potassium perchlorate having a density of from 68 to 81 percent of crystal density such that the mix is stable at high temperature up to 525.degree. F. for more than 100 hours without degradation and requires a relatively high amount of impact energy greater than 4 ft.-lbs. in order to ignite it. Alternatively, the primer mix contains from 40 to 74 weight percent zirconium and from 60 to 26 weight percent potassium perchlorate having the above density. The primer mix is used in a percussion primer for initiating combustion or in a percussion initiator for detonating a high-order explosive, as used for example within wellbores in the oil and gas industry.

Abstract: Cure shrink-resistant missile motor cases are disclosed along with their method for construction. These cases comprise a matrix resin composition which includes a bisspiroortho carbonate as a fourth component, a curing agent of o-phenylenediamine boron trifluoride etherate as a third component, butanediol diglycidyl ether as a second component, and equal parts by weight of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and epoxidized dimer of oleic acid as a second component and additionally, they comprise, in combination therewith, a high strength fiber reinforcement material selected from the group consisting of fibers of glass, graphite, and poly-p-ethylene terephthalamide (Kevlar). The specific bisspiroortho carbonate which achieves an expansion of the matrix resin on polymerization or curing is 3,9-bis(5'-norbornene-2'-yl)-1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro [5.5]undecane.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive, comprising aqueous inorganic oxidizer solution, oil, emulsifier and hollow microspheres, and having high low-temperature detonability and storage stability can be produced without causing breakage of the hollow microspheres through a specifically limited kneading method, wherein agitating blades fitted to an agitating shaft in a kneader are subjected to up and down movements in the axial directions of the agitating shaft and concurrently to a rotary motion to knead homogeneously a water-in-oil emulsion formed of the aqueous solution of inorganic oxidizer, oil and emulsifier, together with the hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive comprising an aqueous solution of inorganic oxidizer, an oil, an emulsifier and hollow microspheres, and having high low-temperature detonability and storage stability can be produced without causing breakage of the hollow microspheres through particular emulsifying and kneading steps, in which emulsifying step the aqueous solution of inorganic oxider, the oil and the emulsifier are fully emulsified into a water-in-oil emulsion in an emulsifying machine having a novel structure, and in which kneading step the resulting water-in-oil emulsion is kneaded together with the hollow microspheres by means of agitating blades, said agitating blades being arranged in the kneader and carrying out concurrent by rotary motion and up and down movements.

Abstract: An explosive oil-in-water emulsion and a method of manufacture is disclosed. The process comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B, ingredient A being selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof, and ingredient B being selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkylamines, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyldiamines, hydrazine, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkanolamines, urea and mixtures thereof, incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting water-in-oil emulsion, one of said ingredients A and B being added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient of ingredients A or B being added during agitation.

Abstract: This invention concerns a dynamite type explosive composition which comprises at least one liquid explosive nitric ester and an emulsion composition comprising an oxygen-releasing salt phase, an organic phase and an emulsifier. The invention provides dynamite type compositions in which the amount of liquid explosive nitric ester can be significantly reduced without adversely affecting the performance and physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion explosive of the water-in-oil type having resistance against dissolution in water, and application of said emulsion in explosive mixtures. The emulsion explosive is non cap-sensitive and can be cartridged alone or in mixture with ANFO. It can also be used in bulk systems. The explosive contains 60-90 percent by weight of ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate, 4-15 percent by weight of a crystallization temperature lowering agent, preferably urea, and 2-6% wax and/or a wax/oil mixture. The content of water consists essentially of water of crystallization bound to the calcium nitrate. Further, the explosive contains emulsifier and density reducing agents such as sodium nitrite/thiourea or hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A method for making a water-in-oil emulsion type explosive composition is disclosed. The method comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B and incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting emulsion. One of the ingredients A or B is added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient is added during agitation. Ingredient A is oleic acid and/or linoleic acid. Ingredient B is an ammonium or alkali metal phosphate or carbonate.

Abstract: A gunpowder substitute which is capable of also being molded into a consumable cartridge or cartridge case comprising between 50% to 75% by weight of an inorganic nitrate and between 25% to 50% by weight of an organic acid including ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Explosive composition of water-in-oil, containing as a continuous phase a carbonaceous fuel and as a discontinuous phase an oxygen-releasing aqueous salt solution, the continuous phase containing a water-insoluble lipophilic viscosity index improver for the purpose of controlling the consistency.

Abstract: A method of making an explosive in the form of an emulsion, which includes two stages being a first stage comprising directing a plurality of 0.5 to 5 mm diameter jets of the discontinuous phase into the continuous phase, in the presence of an emulsifier, and feeding the continuous phase containing the discontinuous phase through a static mixer to form a relatively coarse, fuel-rich emulsion; and a second stage comprising directing a plurality of 0.5 to 5 mm diameter jets of the discontinuous phase into the continuous phase of said coarse emulsion, and feeding the coarse emulsion with the added discontinuous phase through two further static mixers arranged in series. The invention further extends to an apparatus for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A liquid-type low detonation-velocity explosive compositions having reduced shock energy with unhindered bubble energy, and a method for minimizing damage from explosive well stimulation procedure by use of such compositions.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising an oxygen-supplying salt component as a discontinuous phase, an organic medium forming a continuous phase and a stabilizer which comprises a polycyclic hydrocarbon. Suitable stabilizers include sterols, such as cholesterol. The compositions, which may also include a conventional emulsifier, exhibit small diameter cap-sensitivity and improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous phase containing an oxygen-supplying phase wherein the discontinuous phase additionally comprises a crystal growth-inhibitor. The compositions exhibit improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: A cast explosive charge composition comprises trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a fusible component, at least one further energy carrier as solid filler, and a finely pulverized inert solid substance which is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 5% by weight, said inert solid substance having a specific surface of 10 to 1200 m.sup.2 per gram.

Abstract: An arming fuze for ordnance type munitions having but one movable part comprising a solvent desensitized liquid explosive contained in a ported (ventilated) cavity that is normally sealed by a sleeve. Upon movement of the sleeve and exposure of the liquid explosive within the cavity to the air, the liquid explosive loses a volatile solvent, the desensitizing agent, and becomes progressively more sensitive. A first embodiment is that of an inertia armed nose fuze for a projectile wherein the desensitized liquid explosive is enclosed in the cavity in a porous solid matrix. Upon rapid acceleration, as when the projectile is fired, the sleeve undergoes set-back thereby exposing the porous matrix to a violent slip stream of air and to a strong desiccating action. The liquid explosive rapidly loses solvent to the air, rapidly becoming more sensitive whereby it is impact sensitive by the time impact on the target occurs.

Abstract: Thickeners, preferably galactomannans, in aqueous solutions or slurries, e.g., water gel explosives, oil well drilling muds, and hydraulic fracturing fluids, are stabilized against thermal degradation by incorporating iodide and/or iodate ions in the solution or slurry. The preferred stabilizer is the iodide ion introduced into the fluid by dissolving an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal iodide, or ammonium or alkyl-substituted ammonium iodide, in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing an emulsifier consisting of a mixture of sorbide, sorbitan and sorbitol fatty acid esters in a specifically limited mixing ratio, has an improved storage stability in initiation sensitivity in small diameter cartridges and at low temperatures and further has an improved resistance against dead pressing.

Abstract: Ammonium nitrate shale oil explosives are provided which are effective, powerful, inexpensive, and safe. The explosives contain about 2% to 10% by weight shale oil and about 90% to 98% by weight ammonium nitrate. The shale oil can be whole shale oil or heavy shale oil containing from 0.1% to 65% by weight oil shale dust. The ammonium nitrate is preferably in the form of explosive grade ammonium nitrate prills.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved explosives. More particularly, the invention relates to cap-sensitive slurry explosives, either water-in-oil emulsion explosives or conventional water-based slurries having a continuous aqueous phase, containing high strength, small, hollow, dispersed spheres as a density reducing agent. The preferred explosive is a cap-sensitive water-in-oil emulsion explosive having a water-immiscible liquid organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; an emulsifier; and as a density reducing agent, small, hollow, dispersed spheres, preferably glass or plastic, having a strength such that a maximum of about 10% collapse under a pressure of 500 psi. As used herein, the term "cap-sensitive" means that the explosive composition is detonable with a No. 8 cap at 20.degree. C. in a charge diameter of 32 mm or less.

Abstract: Raw oil shale is retorted to liberate an effluent product stream. Ammonia is withdrawn from the product stream and reacted to produce ammonium nitrate. Shale oil is separated from the product stream and mixed with 90% to 98% by weight ammonium nitrate to produce explosives. The shale oil can be whole shale oil or heavy shale oil containing from 0.1% to 65% by weight oil shale dust. The ammonium nitrate is preferably in the form of explosive grade ammonium nitrate prills. The shale oil is preferably heated before being mixed with the ammonium nitrate to make the shale oil more blendable.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising an oxygen-supplying salt component as a discontinuous phase, an organic medium forming a continuous phase and an emulsifying agent which comprises at least one conventional emulsifier and at least one emulsification enhancer. The compositions are easily emulsifiable.

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 water-in-wax emulsion explosive composition is provided wherein the continuous carbonaceous fuel phase comprises paraffin wax together with a minor amount of a rheology modifier and stabilizer combination comprising an ethylene-containing polymer and a low molecular weight hydrocarbon liquid. The resulting explosive composition exhibits properties of viscosity and stability comparable to similar compositions containing highly refined microcrystalline wax fuels.

Abstract: Vapor permeable microcapsules filled with volatile perfluoroalkyl bromide and used to tag articles for the detection thereof.

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: Pyrotechnic devices are described which are intended to emit an illuminating flux starting from multiple, exact, movable sources, particularly suitable for displays of artificial fireworks. The illuminating pyrotechnic devices consist of a shell which contains a block of a pyrotechnic composition consisting of at least a polymerized binder, an oxidizer and a combustible metal. For the purpose of achieving the bursting of the composition into a multitude of incandescent fragments when the device is ignited, the pyrotechnic composition consists of a binder of the phenoplastic type and an oxidizer, the granulometry of which is lower than 150 micrometers and the block, the smallest dimension of which is greater than 15 mm, has undergone a rapid cooling which gives rise to internal strains and fracture points within the composition.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a carbonaceous fuel, and inorganic oxidizer, an emulsifier, and a sensitizing/densifying agent of finely divided non-explosive material of high density, such as ferrophosphorus, ferrosilicon, ferromanganese, sand or alumia which is added to the oil phase. The water-in-oil composition can also contain other components, such as bulking agents, additional fuels and auxiliary sensitizers. The sensitized compositions can be detonated with a No. 6 cap in diameters as low as 2.54 centimeters at temperatures as low as 5.degree. F. and with densities as high as 1.50 g/cc.

Abstract: This invention concerns a water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition which comprises a discontinuous aqueous phase containing one or more oxygen-releasing salts, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase comprising sump oil, and an emulsifying agent. The explosive compositions show improved sensitivity over conventional compositions made using paraffin oil as the organic phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fine propellant powders by granulation, and, by way of products, to the fine powders thus obtained.The process according to the invention consists in granulating the base materials, wetted with solvent, in a granulating tray 11, in subsequently subjecting the granules thus obtained to a first partial drying in a drier 14, and in completing the finishing of the said granules in a rounder 16, optionally in the presence of solvent.The process according to the invention can be carried out continuously or batchwise, with a very high degree of operational safety. The propellant powders thus obtained possess a good activity and are suitable for small-caliber and medium-caliber weapons.

Abstract: A sensitizing agent for water gel explosive compositions and process for preparing the same is provided which comprises an oxidizer, water, a gelling agent, and a cross-linker, and wherein the improvement comprises including therein a sensitizer comprised of from about 1 to about 15 weight percent of aluminum admixed with from about 2 to about 25 weight percent of a densifying agent, such as ferrophosphorus, ferromanganese, ferrosilicon, or combinations thereof, said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition comprises a carbonaceous absorbent formed from processed cellulose, a liquid explosive and an oxygen-supplying salt. By adding varying amounts of nitrocellulose, the composition may form a gelatin or semigelatin dynamite.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process for the preparation of a smoke composition based on hexachloroethane, zinc oxide, and metal powder, in which zinc oxide granules obtained by high compression and subsequent crushing are used as a mixture component and the intermittent burnoff of previous smoke compositions of this type is thus avoided; the invention also concerns a smoke generator filled with such a smoke composition.

Abstract: A gas-bubble-sensitized melt explosive composition, which is not deleteriously affected by pumping, containing certain surfactants which inhibit the disengagement of the sensitizing gas bubbles.

Abstract: A composition for a cutting touch for quickly breaching a munition casing d burning out the energetic material therein consists essentially from about 15 to about 20 weight percent of aluminum, from about 5 to about 10 weight percent of the copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene, up to about 0.6 weight percent of graphite and the remainder of ferric oxide.

Abstract: A granulated blasting agent composition comprising ammonium nitrate, a nitroalkane having of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof, a density improver selected from the group consisting of wheat flour and bentonite and polyoxyethylene ether as a thickening agent for the nitroalkane in an amount sufficient to prevent migration of the nitroalkane from the ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A plastic bound high power explosive comprises 90 to 97 percent by weight of a powerful explosive compound, for example octogen, and 3 to 10 percent by weight of a novel stabilizing and binding agent. The agent comprises substantially 20 to 50 percent poly-O-butyl acrylate and 3.5 to 20 percent paraffin, as well as 2 to 7 percent poly tetrafluorethylene as a lubricant, 20 to 65 percent of a filler and 1 to 8 percent poly ethylene or, respectively, in the case of an antistatic high power explosive, 25 to 65 percent graphite as a lubricant and 15 to 25 percent calcium sulphate as a filler, each by weight of the portion of solids in the agent. Further additives like emulsifiers, dispersants, defoamers, surfactants, thickeners and small amounts of silica gel are added.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved blasting agents. More particularly, the invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent containing sodium nitrate (SN) in an amount of from about 40% to about 70% by weight of the total composition. The water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents of this invention have a water-immiscible liquid organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; particulate inorganic oxidizer salt; an emulsifier; and optionally a density reducing agent. Preferably the blasting agents contain from about 10% to about 40% ammonium nitrate (AN) in addition to SN.

Abstract: An explosive mixture of 70 to 99.5% by weight of ammonium nitrate and 0.5 to 30% by weight of final sugar-cane syrup or sugar-beet syrup as the reducing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous explosive blasting composition having a continuous aqueous phase and comprising inorganic oxidizer salt of which at least a significant proportion is an undissolved, solid particulate form; a solution of oxidizer salt in water, immiscible liquid organic fuel finally and stably dispersed throughout the aqueous phase; thickener; a crystal habit modifier; and a non-ionic surfactant to retard desensitization of the composition that would otherwise occur due to the presence of the oxidizer salt particles.

Abstract: A stacked load of gas-forming pyrotechnic fuel pellets comprising metal, metal oxide and PTFE in varying amounts for use in apparatus for severing conduits in high pressure environments.