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 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: An incendiary mixture which is constituted of metals with at least one oxygen-supplying metal oxide and an organic binder, and/or a nitrate, chlorate, perchlorate or peroxide selected from the group of elements consisting of sodium, potassium, lithium, barium, strontium, as well as compounds of ammonium.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: This invention concerns a melt explosive composition which comprises as a first component a melt which is pourable, pumpable or flowable at a temperature in the range of from -10.degree. C. to +90.degree. C. and which comprises at least one oxygen-releasing salt, for example ammonium nitrate, and at least one melt-soluble fuel material, for example urea, and as a second component oiled prills of ammonium nitrate. The explosive composition offers the advantage of utilizing relatively inexpensive fuel oil as a secondary fuel in a melt explosive composition without loss of detonation sensitivity of the composition on storage. The explosive compositions also show good retention of detonation sensitivity under conditions of applied static pressure, for example, in deep boreholes.

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: A pyrotechnic spotting charge for training projectiles contains 30-50% zinc owder, 10-30% aluminum powder, 10-30% potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate, and 10-30% potassium perchlorate. The composition (a) is fast reacting and produces a large volume of white smoke visible at a great distance before the projectile buries itself in the ground and (b) is of low brisance and does not cause fragmentation of the projectile.

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: 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 process for producing particles of a non-friable eutectic mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate for solar power station use is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the particles are produced by shock chilling a molten stream of mixed nitrate material and crushing the resulting flakes to a size range of between about -5 mesh and about +30 mesh. In a second embodiment, particles of this size are produced by spray granulation of a concentrated solution of mixed nitrate salts onto a fluidized bed to produce dry, free-flowing, solid spheres. In both embodiments, the particles are extremely hard, resistant to moisture pickup and adaptable to being readily shipped by bulk containers.

Abstract: A high explosive composition comprising2 to 57% ammonium nitrate2 to 50% ethylenediamine dinitrate1 to 10% potassium nitrate1 to 80% nitroguanidineThese explosive compositions possess physical and explosive properties corable to those of explosive compositions based on TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene); but they are relatively insensitive and less costly to manufacture and can be loaded into projectiles with existing melt/cast loading facilities.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising an aqueous solution of ammonium nitrate alone or in admixture with the other inorganic oxidizer salt, fuel oil and/or wax, an emulsifier of dipentaerythritol fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylenedipentaerythritol fatty acid ester, sugar fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylenesugar fatty acid ester or sorbitol fatty acid ester, and hollow microspheres or microbubbles, has excellent storage stability in the detonation sensitivity in a small diameter cartridge and at low temperature.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic missile which includes a body, first and second pyrotechnic eets disposed on said body, and an autoigniter mounted on the body for igniting the pyrotechnic sheets. The combination of pyrotechnic sheets are adapted to yield an abundance of electrons while burning in a vacuum. The first pyrotechnic sheet includes a binder, cesium dichromate, cesium nitrate, boron, and a metal fuel. The second pyrotechnic sheet includes a binder, cesium nitrate, and a metal fuel. The autoignitor is adapted to ignite in response to heat due to air friction.

Abstract: This invention concerns a melt explosive composition which comprises at least one oxygen-releasing salt, for example ammonium nitrate, at least one melt soluble fuel material, for example urea, and at least one naphthalenesulfonate derivative selected from the condensates of formaldehyde and naphthalenesulfonic acids and the alkali and alkaline earth metal salts thereof, for example disodium methylene-bis(naphthalene-.beta.-sulfonic acid). The explosive compositions show a considerable improvement in detonation sensitivity in small diameter boreholes.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive comprising 1 to 10% by weight of a continous phase of a petroleum wax having a melting point of 160.degree. F. or more and containing 30% by weight or more of a urea-non-adduct component, 50 to 95% by weight of a discontinuous phase of an aqueous oxidizer solution containing ammonium nitrate as a major component, and 0.5 to 7% by weight of an emulsifier of an organic surface active agent wherein an unsaturated long-chain aliphatic acid constitutes a hydrophobic group.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry explosive blasting composition comprising an aqueous suspension of water-soluble crystalline oxidizing salt consisting predominantly of ammonium nitrate, which salt has been comminuted in a saturated aqueous solution in the presence of a water-soluble crystal-growth inhibiting surfactant having a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion in its molecule, in intimate admixture with liquid water-immiscible hydrocarbon fuel sensitizer. The surfactant maintains the oxidizer salt in a finely divided state and also ensures that the liquid hydrocarbon remains uniformly distributed throughout the explosive mass as a stable coating of droplets on the salt particles thereby enhancing the explosive sensitivity of the composition.

Abstract: Water-bearing explosives comprising oxidizer, fuel, and sensitizer components in a thickened or gelled continuous aqueous phase are stabilized against the degradation of their thickened or gelled structure by the incorporation therein of iodide and/or iodate ions. Preferably, iodide ion is introduced by dissolving ammonium iodide or an alkali metal iodide in an aqueous liquor or sol containing the oxidizer component. The stabilization method is particularly useful in explosives containing a guar gum thickener and flake aluminum in the sensitizer component.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided including as a sensitizer, a mixture of metriol trinitrate and diethylene glycol dinitrate, and including dimethylformamide as a polar compatibility additive.

Abstract: Sensitive, low water containing water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions generally comprise a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase, a continuous carbonaceous fuel phase, and closed cell void containing materials are disclosed. Increased gap sensitivity, even in the presence of inert salts is achieved by employing an emulsion matrix of reduced water content (less than about 10%) in combination with an amine sensitizing agent and a relatively minor portion of a detonation catalyst, such as copper chloride.

Abstract: A powder explosive composition comprising particulate inorganic oxidizing salt, finely divided metal sensitizer and, optionally additional fuel consisting of discrete granules containing oxidizing salt and sensitizing metal coated with a tough, cohesive, resilient gelled solution of the oxidizing salt, the amount of the coating being insufficient to form a continuous gelled phase. The composition is more water resistant, less dusty and less sensitive to friction and impact than the metal sensitized powder compositions of the prior art.

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: The invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent having a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt solution phase which contains a calcium nitrate to ammonium nitrate weight ratio of 1.5 or greater, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, an emulsifier, and optionally a density reducing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a small model rocket motor. The motor includes a plastic composite propellant, and plastic ablative nozzle, and provides means for producing thrust, a time delay, and a charge to activate external devices of desirable design.

Abstract: Emulsion-type explosives having improved storage stability are formed by combining an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizing salt and an oil in the liquid phase with agitation in the presence of a fatty acid, e.g., oleic or stearic acid, and an ammonium or alkali metal hydroxide, and incorporating dispersed gas bubbles or voids in the resulting water-in-oil emulsion. An emulsifying system including a fatty acid salt is formed in situ. The product contains the fatty acid salt, fatty acid, and hydroxide in a stabilizing equilibrium which permits the product to retain its explosive properties after storage at temperatures as high as 49.degree. C. or more.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, an aqueous liquid phase, fuel material and a sensitizing agent which agent comprises a combination of hydrophobic particles of high explosive material and gas bubbles.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents having a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, and an emulsifier having an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain for its lipophilic portion.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition is provided which has improved water resistance and thermal stability and resists segregation. The composition consists of an inorganic oxygen-supplying salt, a liquid carrier or solvent for the salt, a solid or liquid fuel and, as a thickener a sulfonated guar gum derivative.

Abstract: A pourable blasting agent of high water resistance, having controlled density and bulk blasting strength greater than that of conventional ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) mixtures, comprises two main essential components, i.e. (1) 40 to 60% by weight of a dry or essentially dry, solid, particulate oxidizer salt, with or without added fuel oil for oxygen balance and (2) 60 to 40% of a water-in-oil emulsion containing oxidizer salt dissolved in water and combined with an oily vehicle held in stable emulsion condition with a small quantity of water-in-oil emulsifier, the emulsion also containing a density controlled sensitizer such as hollow glass beads, polystyrene beads, microballoons or equivalent. The first component is preferably a fertilizer grade prilled ammonium nitrate, with or without added oil; the second is of heavy oil or grease consistency having high resistance to the extraction of salt therefrom in water and being of substantially higher bulk density than the particulate material.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition which contains fibrous material as a rheology modifying agent.

Abstract: A process for making an explosive composition which process comprises heating a mixture comprising at least one oxygen releasing salt and at least one compound selected from a class of melt soluble fuel materials so as to form a melt, and adding to the melt an amount of oxygen releasing salt material whereby there is formed an explosive composition which is pourable, pumpable or flowable over a wide range of temperature. Explosive compositions are described also.

Abstract: A sensitizing agent for explosive compositions is provided which comprises particulate aluminum coated with a finely divided hydrophobic fumed silica. Upon incorporation of the hydrophobic material coated aluminum into an aqueous gel explosive composition, relatively large air bubbles, as compared to the size of the individual particles of aluminum, form adjacent the surface of the aluminum. The resulting sensitizing complex includes a relatively large air bubble in close proximity to particulate aluminum, thereby providing a combination which imparts greater sensitivity to the explosive composition.

Abstract: Water-in-oil explosive compositions are provided which are No. 6 cap sensitive in cartridges having diameters of 1.25 inches and less and which contain from about 3.5 to about 8% by weight of a hydrocarbon fuel including an emulsifier, from about 10 to about 22% by weight of water, from about 0.25 to about 15% by weight of closed cell void containing materials, from about 65 to about 85% by weight of inorganic oxidizer salt, optionally, up to about 15% by weight of an auxiliary fuel and no explosive ingredients nor detonation catalysts.

Abstract: Gelled explosive compositions, sensitized with water-in-oil explosive emulsions, are provided which do not require high explosive sensitizing agents and which contain oxidizing salts, water, gelling agents, and, optionally, bulking agents and fuels, as well as from about 1 to about 80 percent by weight of a water-in-oil explosive emulsion sensitizer which can be of the cap sensitive or cap insensitive variety.

Abstract: A water gel explosive composition and process for preparing the same is provided which comprises an oxidizer, water, a gelling agent, and a crosslinker, and wherein the improvement comprises including therein from about 1 to about 10 weight percent of at least one amine nitrate sensitizer selected from the group comprising lower alkyl and alkanol amine nitrates and from about 1 to about 10 weight percent of an aluminum sensitizer having a surface area per unit weight of from about 3 to about 9 square meters per gram, said weight percentages based upon the total weight of the explosive composition.

Abstract: A refractory lining repair material for steel making furnaces and the like, which consist essentially of an exothermic patching mix which may be either gunned in place or applied to furnace bottoms in the form of briquettes. Also relates to the process of furnace repair employing such mixes.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising at least one nitrato-alkanol and a stabilizingly effective amount of one or more derivatives of carbamic acid. The composition is useful as a component of explosive compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to stabile blasting slurry systems useful particularly with the latest blasting slurry trucks, involving the preparation of particular new fuel liquids mixed with particular oxidizer liquids and including in most embodiments solid oxidizers and solid fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous explosive composition which consists of at least one inorganic oxygen-supplying substance, at least one combustible substance and at least one thickening agent, at least one of combustible substance being liquid and substantially water insoluble and the aqueous phase of the explosive composition having dissolved therein a lignosulphonate in an amount of up to 5% of the weight of the explosive composition.

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: A gelled water-bearing explosive comprising a water-soluble oxygen releasing salt such as ammonium nitrate, a fuel, water and a gelling agent. The gelling agent is an organic metallic complex of a metal with a copolymer of a water-soluble monomer and a monomer which forms, with a metal, a chelate ring.

Abstract: Improved thickened aqueous slurry explosives of the type containing an inorganic oxidizing salt, a fuel, and water are disclosed, wherein the improvement includes the use of a colloidal hydrous metal oxide as a thickening agent.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of preparation of sensitized dry blasting agents comprising a mixture of granular/powder ammonium nitrate with or without Sodium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Calcium Nitrate, etc. fuel(s), and at least one sensitizer. The aid sensitizer is selected from the group comprising nitrate, chlorate, perchlorate and an organic derivative of a metal, which can exhibit variable valency and whose oxides and hydroxides are weakly basic in nature, e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, chromium, copper, lead, etc.Unlike the dry blasting agents known in prior art, the sensitized dry blasting agents can be detonated in small diameter boreholes with a generally available low strength detonator or specially made powerful detonator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved explosives or blasting compositions of the aqueous gel or slurry type. In general, it concerns such blasting compositions employing a combination of calcium nitrate as oxidizer salt and sulfur as fuel. This combination effectively sensitizes the composition and renders its sensitivity relatively less dependent upon temperatures. In addition, this combination imparts desirable physical properties to the composition.

Abstract: A foamed or aerated water gel explosive composition devoid of any self-explosive sensitizer is provided which is sensitive to detonation in charge diameters greater than 5.1 cm. The explosive composition retains sensitivity for long periods. The migration or collapse of air or gas entrained in the composition is substantially prevented by incorporating a blend of a foaming surfactant and a stabilizing surfactant in chosen proportions.