Abstract: A blasting agent comprised of an ammonium nitrate component and an organic carbonaceous fuel component. The ammonium nitrate component includes ammonium nitrate crystals having a particle size of from about 1 to about 500 microns and further includes one or more crystal habit modifiers.

Abstract: A gas generator 10 contains a baffle assembly for cooling of gases. An imperforate housing 46 is contained within the gas generator 10. A perforate housing 30 is contained within the imperforate housing 46. At least one orifice 70/72 is formed within the baffle assembly, where the orifice 70/72 is formed at the juncture 57 of the baffle assembly 12 and the perforate housing 30, at a second end of the perforate housing 30. Upon activation of the gas generator 10, gases produced are shunted through the orifice 70/72 and into the baffle assembly 12 for cooling and filtration thereof.

Abstract: A blasting agent comprised of an ammonium nitrate component and an organic carbonaceous fuel component. The ammonium nitrate component includes ammonium nitrate crystals having a particle size of from about 1 to about 500 microns and further includes one or more crystal habit modifiers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a group of tertiary amine azides useful as hypergolic fuels for hypergolic bipropellant mixtures. The fuels provide higher density impulses than monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) but are less toxic and have lower vapor pressures that MMH. In addition, the fuels have shorter ignition delay times than dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ) and other potential reduced toxicity replacements for MMH.

Abstract: A device for deploying an element including a detonatable charge formed from at least one primary pyrotechnic compound; at least one initiator equipped with a reinforcing charge to initiate decomposition of the primary pyrotechnic compound(s); a secondary compound having a decomposition rate less than the decomposition rate of the primary pyrotechnic compound(s) such that the primary pyrotechnic compound(s) control(s) decomposition of the secondary compound(s) after initialization of decomposition; and at least one unconfined or weakly confined interaction chamber wherein the primary pyrotechnic compound(s) enable(s) at least one interaction of combustion products of the reducing primary compound(s) and oxidizing secondary compound(s) by oxidoreduction reaction.

Abstract: A gas generating composition 12 containing a polyvinylazole is contained within an exemplary gas generator 10. A gas generating system 200 incorporates the polyvinylazole therein. A vehicle occupant protection system 180 incorporates the gas generating system 200.

Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements, an ignition control system and a pressure vessel. Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more igniters, associated with an individual pellet, and activation means to activate the igniters; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A device for protecting goods and/or persons including a security element; and a gas generating system connected to the security element and including an explosive charge formed at least of: a primary pyrotechnic compound, in a first chamber, initiated by at least one initiator having a reinforcing charge and including at least one propellant having an optionally adjusted oxygen balance, and a secondary compound, in a secondary chamber, including an oxidant constituent capable of delivering only gas by decomposition and at least one reducing additive having a function of contributing nitrogen, the additive being present in a proportion by weight less than about 70% of the weight of the primary-secondary compound.

Abstract: A method forms a relatively stable ammonium nitrate composite material. The method includes (a) blending ammonium nitrate with an average particle diameter greater than about 1 mm and a substantially non-oxidizing compound in fine particle form; and (b) reducing the average size of said ammonium nitrate granules in the presence of the non-oxidizing compound in fine particle form to produce a substantially homogeneous blend of ammonium nitrate and the non-oxidizing compound having an average particle diameter of about 1 to about 1,000 ?m to form a substantially non-explosive powder.

Abstract: An explosive material composition containing, as an active ingredient, particles of a water-soluble reactive ingredient having an uniform particle size. Each particle is coated with an oil ingredient and/or a thickener. The coated particles form an agglomerate.

Abstract: This invention relates to explosive grade ammonium nitrate porous granules. The granules are produced in a fluidized bed and are formed through a combination of layering and agglomeration to produce ammonium nitrate granules are spherical in shape, smooth, hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling. Ammonium nitrate granules of a specific size range and density can be prepared and the size range and density of the granules can be varied, depending on the application of the granules, and this has particular advantages in preparing granules for use in ANFO explosive compositions.

Abstract: Propellant compositions are provided herein for use in small arms cartridges. Such propellant compositions include from about 70 to about 90% by weight of a cellulose-based organic fuel, from about 5 to about 30% by weight of a non-azide, nitrogen-containing primary organic oxidizer and from about 0.5 to about 10.0% by weight of a secondary nitrate, perchlorate, chlorate of peroxide oxidizer. Preferably, such compositions are in the form of extruded shaped hollow cylindrical grains having a length in the range of 0.030 to 0.200 inch, a diameter in the range 0.040 to 0.070 inch, and having a coaxial opening there through having a wall grain thickness in the range 0.008 to 0.016 inch. Ignition grains are also provided for use alone or in a mixture with the propellant compositions. When used in a small caliber firearm or muzzleloader, the temperature of combustion is at a level that ensures substantially complete combustion of the fuel during firing so that the products of combustion are mostly gaseous.

Abstract: A gas generating composition 12 containing a polyvinylazole is contained within an exemplary gas generator 10. A gas generating system 200 incorporates the polyvinylazole therein. A vehicle occupant protection system 180 incorporates the gas generating system 200.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic charge for producing IR radiation is proposed, in which a deuterated compound is contained as fuel and/or as oxidizing agent or as fuel, as oxidizing agent and/or as binder. The use of such a pyrotechnic charge leads to a greater selective radiant emission in the ?-band and at the same time to a reduced selective radiant emission in the ?-band, so that the signature of a decoy is adapted to that of an aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic agent containing at least one azotetrazolate as a component thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes a gas generator 10 that incorporates a gas generating composition 12 and a scavenging additive 16 in heterogeneous but vapor/gaseous communication with the gas generating composition 12. The scavenging additive retains moisture/contaminants typically evolving over time at relatively higher temperatures. The present invention further includes a gas generating system 180 incorporating the gas generator 10.

Abstract: Glycerin-containing explosive compositions comprising at least an oxidizer and glycerin are provided. The explosive compositions may comprise a glycerin, such as impure or crude glycerin, modified crude glycerin, substantially pure glycerin or pure glycerin. The explosive compositions may comprise other combustible fuels such as fuel oil or carbonaceous material(s). The explosive compositions may be prepared on site, loaded in bulk on mobile platforms, and/or prepared and packaged in suitable containers.

Abstract: A gas generating composition containing a tetrazole amide as a fuel, 5-formamido-1H-tetrazole for example, and an oxidizer is provided. The gas generant is contained within a gas generator. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid gas generating composition comprising the following (a) to (c) components, wherein the content ratio of (b) component is 0.5 mass % or more and less than 5.0 mass %: (a) hydroxyammonium nitrate; (b) a thickening stabilizer; and (c) water.

Abstract: A gas generant composition is provided that contains a transitional metal salt of 5-aminotetrazole and phase stabilized ammonium nitrate. A gas generator incorporating the gas generant composition is also provided. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.

Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements (2), an ignition control system (3) and a pressure vessel (1). Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder (7) provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer (9) to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet (8) of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more ignitors (14), associated with an individual pellet (8), and activation means to activate the ignitors; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: Low-smoke gas generating compositions for producing a low order pressure pulse use a salt or complex of a triazolyl-tetrazinyl-triazine compound. The general chemical structure of the triazolyl-tetrazinyl-triazine is: wherein Z+, when present, is H+ or a cation; R1 is an electron donating group and wherein m=1, 2 or 3; t=0 or 1, and n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and when present, R is a complexing component and x=1, 2 or 3; wherein either Z or R may be absent.

Abstract: A gas generating composition includes ammonium nitrate as an oxidizing agent, microcrystalline carbon powder as a reducing agent, and a stabilizer for preventing decomposition of ammonium nitrate. The amounts of the ammonium nitrate, the carbon powder, and the stabilizer are 89 to 99 wt %, 1 to 6 wt %, and 0.2 to 6 wt %, respectively, with respect to the total amount of ammonium nitrate, microcrystalline carbon and stabilizer. The amount of microcrystalline carbon is preferably 1.5 to 6 wt % with respect to the amount of ammonium nitrate, and the amount of the stabilizer is preferably 10 to 200 wt % with respect to the amount of microcrystalline carbon powder. The stability of present composition is improved, especially, at high temperatures. The composition has an appropriate burn rate, produces substantially no carbon dioxide, and has a proper sensitivity. The present composition is easy to handle and is inexpensive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the energy of an emulsion blasting agent as it is being loaded into a borehole and to an improved method of perimeter blasting wherein an energy reducing agent is added to and mixed uniformly throughout an emulsion blasting agent as it is being pumped or conveyed into a perimeter borehole to reduce the energy of the blasting agent to a desired level. In addition, by adding varying amount of gassing agents, the density and sensitivity of the emulsion blasting agent also can be controlled.

Abstract: A flexible inflator for an inflation assembly and related gas generating propellant compositions are provided. The flexible inflator includes at least one elongated strand of a propellant co-extruded with a moisture barrier. The propellant compositions are adapted for co-extrusion with a plastic sheath which forms the moisture barrier surrounding the propellant and include a binder fuel component effective to render the composition flexible and to impart sufficient adhesive properties such that the propellant composition and the plastic sheath adhere together, and an oxidizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generant composition comprising a nitrogen-containing organic compound, an oxidizing agent and an additive, wherein a calorific value per mol of gas generated by the combustion of the gas generant is not more than 125 KJ. Also, the present invention provides a gas generator using the said gas generant composition of the present invention. In the gas generant composition that burns at a suitable combustion speed for the gas generator, a calorific value per mol of gas generated by the combustion of the gas generant is suppressed to a specific value as noted above, whereby reduction in size and weight of the gas generator is achieved.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided that is comprised of a Heavy ANFO and grain hulls. In one embodiment, the grain hulls are comprised of rice hulls. The grain hulls serve both as an inert bulking additive that reduces the density of the composition and as a sensitizer that reduces the energy needed to reliably detonate the composition. Also provided is a method for manufacturing an explosive composition comprised of Heavy ANFO and grain hulls, such as rice hulls. Additionally, a method of using an explosive comprised of ANFO and grain hulls in a mining operation is disclosed.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a) an aqueous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen supplying component wherein said oxygen supplying component comprises at least 50% by weight of prilled agricultural grade ammonium nitrate, b) an organic phase, comprising at least one organic fuel and c) an emulsifying amount of an aliphatic hydrocarbyl group substituted succinic emulsifier composition, said succinic emulsifier composition having at least one of succinic ester groups, succinic amide groups, succinic imine groups, succinic ester-amide and succinimide groups, and mixtures thereof, wherein each of said groups is substituted with an aminoalkyl group, wherein the aliphatic hydrocarbon based group contains from about 18 up to about 500 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Addition of an aminosulfonate product to an inorganic nitrogen-containing salt provides a composition of matter with improved properties. In particular, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid and its derivatives can be added to ammonium nitrate to provide improved prills.

Abstract: A putty-like water-in-oil emulsion composition comprising a) an aqueous phase, said aqueous phase comprising water and an inorganic salt, wherein a portion of the inorganic salt is present in aqueous solution and a portion is present in crystalline form, b) an organic phase comprising at least one hydrocarbon, and c) an associated mixture of an emulsifying amount of at least one emulsifying agent comprising at least one of hydroxy groups and amino groups; said emulsifying agent suitable for forming a water-in-oil emulsion, and an acylated hydrocarbon polymer, said hydrocarbon polymer having {overscore (M)}n ranging from about 2,000 to about 6,000.

Abstract: A stabilized water-in-oil energetic emulsion composition comprising a) an aqueous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen supplying component; b) an organic phase comprising at least one organic fuel; c) an emulsifying amount of at least one emulsifying agent suitable for forming a water-in-oil emulsion; and d) an emulsion stabilizer comprising a hydrocarbon polymer, said hydrocarbon polymer having {overscore (M)}n ranging from about 2,000 to about 6,000, provided that said emulsion composition is essentially free of any polyvalent inorganic agent that is capable of cross-linking with the emulsifying agent or the emulsion stabilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to explosive compositions comprising, in a water-in-oil emulsion as emulsifier, a Mannich adduct composed of a) a hydrocarbyl-substituted, hydroxyaromatic compound of the formula I (R1)nAr(OH)x ??(I) in which R1 is a hydrocarbyl group selected from a straight-chain or branched C6-C400-alkyl, C6-C400-alkenyl, C6-C400-alkenyl-aryl or C6-C400-alkyl-aryl radical; Ar is a mononuclear or polynuclear, optionally substituted aromatic ring; n is an integral value of 1, 2 or 3; and x is an integral value of 1 and 5; b) formaldehyde, an oligomer or polymer thereof; and c) a nitrogen compound selected from an amine having at least one primary or secondary amino function, and ammonia.

Abstract: A process for preparing free-flowing, phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate comprises the following steps. A solution of ammonium nitrate (12), a surfactant (13), a phase stabilizer (26), and an inert liquid (20) is prepared. The solution is atomized to form a stream of droplets. The droplets are freeze-dried to form agglomerates (54) of crystals of phase stabilized ammonium nitrate. The crystals of phase stabilized ammonium nitrate in the agglomerates are coated with a film comprising the surfactant. The agglomerates are disintegrated into separated free-flowing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate in the agglomerates crystals coated with a film comprising the surfactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of reducing density in an ammonium nitrate product. The method comprises providing a gas generating agent in the form of a water-insoluble solid compound capable of generating gas by chemical reaction and providing an ammonium nitrate product. The water-insoluble solid gas generating agent is introduction into the ammonium nitrate product under conditions causing gas generation by the gas generating agent in the ammonium nitrate product. The ammonium nitrate product is particulated to form a particulated prilled ammonium nitrate product with reduced density. The invention also relates to a particulated ammonium nitrate product produced by this method and to the use of a gas generating agent in the form of a water-insoluble solid compound reduce density in a particulate ammonium nitrate product.

Abstract: High nitrogen nonazide gas compositions, useful in inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, contain a high energy substituted tetrazole or bitetrazole that forms a naturally occurring hydrate and phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) as a primary oxidizer. The combination results in gas generants that are relatively more stable and less explosive, have improved ignitability and burn rates, and generate more gas and less solids at lower operating pressures than known gas generant compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas generator having two or more compartments, each with a separate initiator, with one compartment discharging before another, i.e., the compartments discharge sequentially. Each compartment has the same propellants, but the propellants have different geometries in each compartment, which results in different rates of gas evolution from each compartment. The new gas generator is designed to reach maximum inflation at the same time as the current, single stage gas generators. However, the new generator has a more rapid initial inflation, followed by a more gradual inflation rate in the subsequent stages, improving safety to occupants. The propellant used in new generator comprises (1) ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, which is less toxic and corrosive than the currently-used azide, (2) a fuel such as CL-20, and (3) a binder such as polycaprolactone. No hot metal particles (e.g., CuO) are generated in the new system.

Abstract: Ammonium nitrate is phase-stabilized by a synergistic phase stabilization additive combination of at least cupric oxide and potassium nitrate. Specifically, phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate contains between about 94.0 and about 96.0 wt. % ammonium nitrate and between about 4 and 6 wt. % of a synergistic phase stabilization additive combination of at least cupric oxide and potassium nitrate, wherein the cupric oxide is present in a relative amount of no more than about 2.0 wt. %. In some cases, additional stability is imparted by the inclusion of zinc oxide such as in a relative amount of no more than about 1.5 wt. %.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a gassed explosive composition, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a base explosive composition comprising at least an emulsion explosive composition containing a source of ammonium ions; and, (b) combining the base explosive composition with a gassing solution subsequent to the formation of the emulsion explosive composition, the gassing solution comprising a pH lowering agent. A gassed emulsion explosive composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas-generating composition having superior gasification rate, appropriate combustion rate, and suppressed carbon monoxide generation. The gas-generating composition includes ammonium nitrate, metal oxyacid salt, ammonium perchlorate, and combusting component. A basic combustion residue derived from the metal oxyacid salt is neutralized by hydrogen chloride derived from the ammonium perchlorate, thereby substantially neutralizing combustion residue of the gas-generating composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas-generating substance which consists of nitrous oxide and/or nitrogen monoxide and one or more combustibles which are solid at room temperature and normal pressure.

Abstract: According to the present invention a explosive composition comprises a mixture of an oxidiser component; a fuel component; and a density controlling component in the form of hulls of de-hulled plant grain, which hulls have a density of less than or equal to 0.14 g/cc. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preparing such a composition.

Abstract: A gas generating composition includes ammonium nitrate as an oxidizing agent, microcrystalline carbon powder as a reducing agent, and a stabilizer for preventing decomposition of ammonium nitrate. The amounts of the ammonium nitrate, the carbon powder, and the stabilizer are 89 to 99 wt %, 1 to 6 wt %, and 0.2 to 6 wt %, respectively, with respect to the total amount of ammonium nitrate, microcrystalline carbon and stabilizer. The amount of microcrystalline carbon is preferably 1.5 to 6 wt % with respect to the amount of ammonium nitrate, and the amount of the stabilizer is preferably 10 to 200 wt % with respect to the amount of microcrystalline carbon powder. The stability of present composition is improved, especially, at high temperatures. The composition has an appropriate burn rate, produces substantially no carbon dioxide, and has a proper sensitivity. The present composition is easy to handle and is inexpensive.

Abstract: A gas-generating composition is provided resistant to temperature changes between −40° C. and 100° C., repeated 200 times. The gas-generating composition includes a nitrogen compound stabilizer having nitrogen atom with an unpaired electron. The gas-generating composition is stabilized by the stabilizer by improving the adhesiveness between the organic binder and ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a stable, water-in-oil emulsion phase containing a polymeric emulsifier. The addition of an animal oil or fatty acid additive enhances the long-term stability of the emulsion phase following homogenization.

Abstract: An emulsion comprising:(A) a discontinuous phase; (B) a continuous organic phase; and (C) an emulsifying amount of at least one nitrogen and transition metal containing composition derived from hydrocarbon substituted polycarboxylic acids or functional equivalent thereof, selected from the group consisting of (C-1) amide and imide derivatives of transition metal salts, (C-2) transition metal complexes of non-acidic acylated nitrogen compounds, and (C-3) a mixture of acylated nitrogen compounds and transition metal salts. In one particular embodiment, the invention relates to explosive emulsions wherein (A) is a discontinuous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component and (B) is a continuous organic phase which comprises at least one carbonaceous fuel. In another embodiment, the discontinuous phase (A) is a discontinuous aqueous phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-treated oxidizing agent for gas generating compositions which is obtained by mixing ammonium nitrate with an inorganic compound having as an element one or two or more metal atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn and Ti and subjecting the mixture to heat treatment, and a gas generating composition containing the same. This invention provides a gas generating composition comprising ammonium nitrate, which can be safely produced, does not change in density with phase transition, and has sufficient combustibility.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided that is comprised of a Heavy ANFO and grain hulls. In one embodiment, the grain hulls are comprised of rice hulls. The grain hulls serve both as an inert bulking additive that reduces the density of the composition and as a sensitizer that reduces the energy needed to reliably detonate the composition. Also provided is a method for manufacturing an explosive composition comprised of Heavy ANFO and grain hulls, such as rice hulls. Additionally, a method of using an explosive comprised of ANFO and grain hulls in a mining operation is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high density ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (“ANFO”) blasting composition comprising an organic liquid fuel and porous prilled ammonium nitrate of high bulk density, small particle size and good oil absorption capacity.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a composition comprising a partially dehydrated product made by:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based explosive having detonation properties similar to dynamite. It comprises an emulsion explosive formed by blending an emulsion phase with cast particles. The emulsion phase comprises a continuous organic liquid fuel phase, a discontinuous inorganic oxidizer solution phase and an emulsifier. The cast particles comprise a mixture of sodium perchlorate, water and diethylene glycol. The cast particles can be added to the emulsion phase before the particles are completely cured and thus before they reach final sensitivty.