Abstract: A method of increasing the water resistance of a blasting explosive comprising an organic carbonaceous fuel, an inorganic oxidizing salt having a particular particle size distribution and a gelling agent comprising the step of adding to the blasting explosive a particulate filler material. The particle size distribution of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are selected to increase the water resistance of the blasting explosive.

Abstract: This invention is directed to water-in-oil emulsions which are useful as explosives. These emulsions comprise: a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component; a continuous organic phase comprising at least one carbonaceous fuel; and a minor emulsifying amount of at least one emulsifier. The emulsifier is the product made by the reaction of component (A) with component (B), component (A) being at least one substituted succinic acylating agent, said substituted succinic acylating agent consisting of substituent groups and succinic groups wherein the substituent groups are derived from a polyalkene, said acylating agents being characterized by the presence within their structure of an average of at least 1.3 succinic groups for each equivalent weight of substituent groups, and component (B) being ammonia and/or at least one mono-amine.

Abstract: A low-smoke producing pyrotechnic composition including a high-nitrogen content, low-carbon content energetic material; an oxidizing agent; and, a colorant is disclosed.

Abstract: The air bag gas generating composition of this invention comprises a nitrogen-containing organic compound and at least one oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of oxo halogen acid salts and nitrates. The invention provides an air bag gas generating composition without a high shock sensitivity and with an available burning velocity and gas output characteristics and featuring a comparatively low combustion temperature.

Abstract: High nitrogen nonazide gas compositions, useful in inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise an amine salt of triazole or tetrazole fuel, and phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) as an oxidizer. The combination of the amine azole salt and phase stabilized ammonium nitrate 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 than known gas generant compositions.

Abstract: A low temperature autoigniting composition for use in a mobile occupant restraint system comprising, a low temperature melting oxidizer and a fuel, wherein the low temperature autoigniting composition autoignites in the temperature range of about 130.degree. C. to about 175.degree. C. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a low temperature melting oxidizer, a fuel, and a catalyst, wherein the composition autoignites in the temperature range of about 130.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. Preferably, the oxidizer comprises about 20 to about 70 percent by weight of the composition, the fuel comprises about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of the composition, and the catalyst comprises about 2 to about 50 percent by weight of the composition. The autoignition propellants of the invention are designed to function at low temperatures and before heat damage to an airbag deployment mechanism can occur, for example, during a fire.

Abstract: An ignitable solid gas generating composition comprises a polyalkylammonium binder, usually polyvinylamine nitrate or polyethyleneimmonium nitrate, an oxidizer mixture comprising ammonium nitrate and a first additive which produces an eutectic melt which is liquid at a temperature well below the melting point of the ammonium nitrate as well as that of the first additive, and an additional quantity of the ammonium nitrate and a second additive. Further, combustion modifier additives may be added to the composition.

Abstract: Inorganic nitrate oxidizers are combined in novel eutectic compositions which place the oxidizers in liquid form at ambient temperatures. These liquid combinations are then used in the preparation of a wide variety of energetic formulations, notably solution and emulsion propellants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-component explosive composition coising 2-ethylhexyl nitrate and a granular solid oxidizer. An optional additional component is a second fuel, e.g., aluminum. An optional component in the absence of the second fuel is azodicarbonamide. Methods for making the explosive are provided.

Abstract: Inorganic nitrate oxidizers are combined in novel eutectic compositions which place the oxidizers in liquid form at ambient temperatures. These liquid combinations are then used in the preparation of a wide variety of energetic formulations, notably solution and emulsion propellants.

Abstract: The invention relates to stabilized ammonium nitrate which no longer exhibits a transition point at 32.degree. C.Its subject-matter is a new process for stabilizing ammonium nitrate and the new stabilized ammonium nitrate thus obtained.The stabilized ammonium nitrate according to the invention includes between 1% and 7% by weight of potassium nitrate and between 0.1% and 1% by weight of an organic dye containing at least one arylsulphonate group chosen from the class consisting of benzenesulphonate groups and naphthalenesulphonate groups.The stabilization of ammonium nitrate is necessary particularly for its use in propellants.

Abstract: An improved particulate, ammonium nitrate is prepared with 2.0-6.0 percent by weight potassium sulfate. The potassium sulfate suppresses crystalline phase IV.revreaction.III transitions in the ammonium nitrate particles while undergoing temperature variations between 18.degree.-42.degree. C. The resulting fertilizer, which may be further coated to further suppress dusting, exhibits superior resistance to caking, clumping and cracking.

Abstract: Liquid gas generant compositions are aqueous solutions of hydroxylammonium nitrate as the oxidizer and a fuel selected from the group consisting of nitrate salts of amines of the formulae:A.sup.1) an amino tetrazole or amino triazole,A.sup.2) an amine of the formulae (I) (NHZ).sub.2 --C.dbd.O, (II) (NHZ).sub.2 --C.dbd.NZ, (III) HN--(CO--NHZ).sub.2, where the Zs are the same or different and are selected from H and NH.sub.2,A.sup.3) C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 -alkyldiamine, andmixtures of the nitrate salts of amines of the above formulae.

Abstract: A solid composition for generating a nitrogen containing gas is provided. The composition includes an oxidizer and a non-azide fuel selected from a bitetrazoleamine or a derivative or a salt or complex thereof and mixtures thereof. The preferred bitetrazole-amine is bis-(1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine, a metal salt, a salt with a nonmetallic cation of a high nitrogen content base or a complex thereof. The salts and complexes are generally metal salts and complexes. The metal can be a transition metal. Metals that have been found to be particularly useful include copper, boron, cobalt, zinc, potassium, sodium, and strontium. The oxidizer is generally a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide. The composition can include certain other components such as secondary oxidizers, burn rate modifiers, slag formers, and binders.

Abstract: Provided is a two phase emulsion which is useful in preparing explosive compositions. The two phase emulsion is comprised of a blend of two water in oil emulsions. The two phase emulsion is comprised of a continuous oil matrix in which ammonium nitrate micelles and water micelles both exist separately in stable fashion.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided which includes a hydrocarbyl polyamine emulsifier, characterised by a straight link between the hydrocarbyl group and said polyamine. A method of forming the composition is also provided, characterised by the emulsifier being produced by reacting an alkanolamine with a hydrocarbyl halide.

Abstract: A process and composition for the beneficial utilization of waste materials which contain energetic materials are disclosed. Predetermined quantities of the waste material containing energetic materials are placed in admixture with commercial blasting agents causing the energetic materials to participate in the detonation process thereby utilizing energetic materials which would otherwise enter the waste stream. The waste material, in particulate form, that contains the energetic material is introduced into the blasting agent when the latter is in a relatively fluid state. The modified blasting agent is suitable for use in the normal manner such as in bulk or packaged form.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of reducing the formation of toxic nitrogen oxides in after-blast fumes by using an emulsion blasting agent that has an appreciable amount of urea in its discontinuous oxidizer salt phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hardening ammonium nitrate by combining ammonium nitrate with a functionally active polymer. A functionally active polymer may be combined with ammonium nitrate by itself as a shell or intermixed with the ammonium nitrate. The invention is found useful in hardening ammonium nitrate for use in explosives.

Abstract: A method and composition for blasting wherein boreholes are loaded with pre-determined quantities of a high velocity explosive and a low velocity explosive. The high velocity explosive extends in a substantially continuous matter for a pre-determined length along the borehole column and a low velocity propellant is placed at pre-determined locations within the high velocity explosive column such that the high velocity explosive detonates substantially along its length in the column thus initiating a low velocity explosion at various predetermined points at the location of the low velocity explosive. The resulting explosion produces minimum ground vibration and air shock waves while substantially breaking and casting the rock material with minimal flyrock.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a cationic metal template, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. Such complexes are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: The present invention provides a propellant for electrothermal-chemical guns comprising a dispersion of one or more energetic solids in an energetic liquid phase. The energetic solid is preferably a nitramine such as cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and the energetic liquid component is preferably a homogeneous liquid that is either aqueous or non-aqueous. Aqueous liquid phases suitable for use in the present invention include concentrated solutions containing at least one nitrate salt. Non-aqueous liquid phases suitable for use include those that contain nitrate ester, nitramine, nitro or azido compounds or mixtures thereof.These propellants provide a high level of energy density because of the use of energetic ingredients and the high loading density allowed with a liquid propellant. The presence of a dispersed solid phase within the continuous liquid phase also permits control of the burning behavior of the propellant by variation of the interfacial area between phases.

Abstract: An explosive in granulated or particulate form, wherein at least a part of the granules comprises an emulsion, having a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidizer phase containing oxidizing salts, and wherein the fuel phase is soft or deformable and at least a part of the oxidizing salts in the discontinuous phase is in solid crystalline or amorphous form. A method for the manufacture of an explosive in granular or particluate form comprises the steps of, forming an emulsion having a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidizing phase containing oxidizing salts, solidifying at least a part of the oxidizing salts in the discontinuous phase and granulating the emulsion. The granulated explosive may be charged, e.g. by blow-loading, into a hole in a material and initiated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coating for ammonium nitrate prills which enhances the storage life and facilitates the transportation of said prills. The coating is derived from stearic acid and is hydrophobic.

Abstract: The present invention describes a pyrotechnic gas generating composition which upon reaction produces a breathable gas. The composition comprises a fuel, an oxidizer and a nitrogen source and can be useful in inflating passive restraint air bags for vehicles. Also disclosed is a method for inflating a passive restraint safety bag with a breathable gas composition of the subject invention.

Abstract: Explosive compositions are disclosed which comprise a nitrate salt oxidizer and glycol still bottoms alone or in combination with water. The still bottoms function as a fuel oil replacement (FOR) in ANFO explosives. Glycol still bottoms can be mixed with thickeners, cross-linkers and other additives to make a bottoms matrix. The bottoms matrix and a nitrate salt oxidizer combine to make explosive compositions which show an improvement in performance and water-resistance when compared to standard ANFO explosives.

Abstract: A gas generant composition adapted for use with airbag restraint systems containing aluminum components includes a fuel which is a tetrazole or a triazole, an oxidizer which is an ammonium, alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal salt of a chlorate, perchlorate or nitrate, alumina and a binder.

Abstract: A watergel explosive composition is provided which contains an oxidiser salt, a sensitiser, a thickener, a crosslinking agent, a fuel and water, the sensitiser component including more than 50% by weight of one or more water soluble compounds selected particularly from monomethylamine nitrate, ethanolamine nitrate, diethanolamine nitrate, triethanolamine nitrate, dimethylamine nitrate, hexamine nitrate, ethylenediamine dinitrate, laurylamine nitrate or mixtures of these. The composition contains less than 10% by water and has a rheology and hygroscopicity which makes its cartridging in paper cartridges possible on standard machines. A method of producing the explosive compositions as well as explosive cartridges containing them are also described.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising an oxidising agent such as ammonium nitrate (AN), and a fuel material which may include a fuel oil (FO) and which also comprises a solid fuel such as rubber particles or polystyrene beads or flakes. The solid fuel is incorporated into the composition to provide for the controlled release of energy upon detonation of the explosive composition. It has been found that by substituting some or all of the liquid fuel oil with a slower burning solid fuel, the time during which the pressure builds up during detonation is lengthened. Thus a low shock energy explosive (LSEE) can be produced having reduced shock energy and increased heave energy compared to convention explosives, such as ANFO.

Abstract: A mixed surfactant system for use in emulsion explosives is provided which confers improved emulsion stability and comprises a surfactant and a co-surfactant, each having branched chain hydrocarbyl tail groups, the former having significantly longer tail chain groups than the latter, for which system poly[alk(en)yl] succinic anhydride based surfactants are especially preferred, said surfactants having an interaction parameter, .beta., which is less than zero.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a watergel explosive composition, and method of manufacturing the same, that has a density of less than 0.8 g/cc. The composition has good water resistance and is especially useful in blasting applications calling for lower energy explosives.

Abstract: The specification discloses a high density prill particularly useful for in an emulsion explosive composition and a method for making the prill, The prill comprises a porous ammonium nitrate matrix having a density of at least about 54 pounds per cubic foot (0.86 kg/L) and having a concentration of greater than about 99.5 wt.% ammonium nitrate. The high density prill of the invention exhibits an oil absorption of at least about 4 wt.% based on the total weight of the prill and oil.

Abstract: Explosive composition, and method for its manufacture, based on an essentially particulate mixture containing a solid oxidizing salt and optionally a fuel, wherein at least a part of the oxidizing salt contains ammonium ion. The mixture contains an additive of acid and may be used in environments with risk of ammonia liberation.

Abstract: A blasting explosive comprises an organic carbonaceous fuel, an inorganic oxidizing salt, a gelling agent and particulate filler material, wherein prior to exposing the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt to the organic carbonaceous fuel and the gelling agent, from about 15 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 10 sieve, from about 15 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 14 sieve and from about 20 to about 60 wt. % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 20 sieve.

Abstract: An explosive composition in which the explosive reactive component is adsorbed and held on the surfaces of and between the organic hollow microspheres, and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing free-flowing ammonium nitrate particles, applying an inorganic coating. The invention also comprises an anti-caking coating.

Abstract: A smoke-generating combustion charge is disclosed having a nitrate-containing oxidizing agent combined with wetted carbon granules to cause polar binding of the oxidizing agent. Such a charge produces a non-toxic smoke, and is environment-compatible, even when the charge fails to ignite, or is combusted incompletely. The method of preparation for the smoke charge comprises the separate treatment of the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent, followed by common mixing and press-forming to produce pellets.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided which includes a hydrocarbyl polyamine emulsifier, characterized by a straight link between the hydrocarbyl group and said polyamine. A method of forming the composition is also provided, characterized by the emulsifier being produced by reacting an alkanolamine with a hydrocarbyl halide.

Abstract: A PIBSA based emulsion explosive including an ester of orthophosphoric acid, preferably made from long chain alcohols having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms. The explosive may be gassed chemically or mechanically and can be used in the manufacture of heavy ANFO.

Abstract: Internal additive for the preparation of prills of ammonium nitrate comprising, in aqueous solution, a mixture of at least one salt of sulphonic acid and of at least one salt of polycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to intimately combining petroleum products with ammonium nitrate prills forming a coating thereon, whereby said coating is tackified and free flowing.

Abstract: A cap-sensitive emulsion explosive capable of being used in packaged explosive products. The explosive contains ammonium nitrate prills of a bulk density of 0.70 to 1.00 g/cc, with a particle density of 1.25 to 1.40 g/cc. A polysuccinic anhydride based emulsifying agent is used as an emulsifying agent. Packaged explosives prepared according to the present invention have improved package stability, and allow for control of the ratio of shock energy to heave energy.

Abstract: Tetrazoles of improved physical properties as produced by converting them into their amine salts represented by the following chemical formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R represents hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or phenethyl group, which may be substituted by an alkyl with carbon number 1-3, chlorine, hydroxyl, carboxyl, methoxy, aceto, nitro or other group, and wherein R may also be tetrazolyl group, which may be substituted via diazo or triazo group, and wherein Z is an amine.The tetrazole amine salts are useful as gas-generating agents for air-bags or as foaming agents for high polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to cap or booster sensitive explosives for application in bulk or cartridge form in boreholes. The oxidizing salt of the explosive is ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate and/or calcium nitrate having untamped bulk density of 0.3-0.7 g/cm.sup.3. The explosive can be a w-i-o emulsion explosive where the discontinuous phase is an aqueous solution of the oxidizing salts and where low density ammonium nitrate comprises 10-80 weight % of the total explosive. ANFO, HANFO and water-gel explosives comprising said oxidizing salts having untamped bulk density of 0.3-0.7 g/cm.sup.3 are examples of explosives according to the invention. The above types of explosives are especially suitable in small and medium size boreholes without using sensitizing or density reducing agents.

Abstract: A system and process for on-demand generation of inert, non-flammable gases and water vapor to decrease the available atmospheric oxygen in the ullage of a hydrocarbon fuel storage tank to a level that will not support combustion of the hydrocarbon fuel, is disclosed. One, or more, of a variety of non-Halon, fire suppressor charges are selectively contained in one or more gas generating cartridges. The gas generating cartridge(s), when activated, cause release of these charges to promote rapid chemical reactions and supply inert, non-flammable gases and water vapor to the tank ullage. Activation is accomplished in aircraft by, either pilot action or, by pressure and temperature sensors contained within the hydrocarbon fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel salt composition comprising: (A) at least one salt moiety derived from (A)(I) at least one high-molecular weight hydrocarbyl-substituted polycarboxylic acylating agent, said hydrocarbyl-substituent of said acylating agent (A)(I) having a number average molecular weight of at least about 280, and (A)(II) one or more members selected from the group consisting of ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; (B) at least one salt moiety derived from (B)(I) at least one low-molecular weight polycarboxylic acylating agent, said acylating agent (B)(I) optionally having at least one hydrocarbyl substituent having up to about 18 carbon atoms, and (B)(II) one or more members selected from the group consisting of ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; said moieties (A) and (B) being coupled together b

Abstract: This invention relates to water-in-oil emulsion explosives in which an oxidizing material is contained in the discontinuous water phase, and the continuous oil phase acts as a carbonaceous fuel. More particularly, this invention relates to such explosives in which polyfunctional carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, or phosphorous-containing acids, soluble in the oil phase, are caused to cross-link using an inorganic cross-linker, thereby causing the viscosity of the emulsion to increase.

Abstract: An explosive composition for mining operations has been produced using waste oil, lignite and ammonium nitrate in selected ranges of concentrations.

Abstract: A process for the production of explosives grade ammonium nitrate prill (EGAN) comprises the steps of(A). producing seed ammonium nitrate prill as substantially monosized prills; and then(B). fattening using melt/solution of ammonium or mixed nitrates, with drying and thermal treatments, the seed prill in an inclined rotating jacketed pan granulator or a cascade of such pans to produce a final fattened EGAN prill product preferably having at most about 4 mm diameter.

Abstract: Liquid oxidizer comprising an aqueous solution of hydroxyl ammonium nitrate nd a nitrate salt that is ammonium nitrate or hydrazine mononitrate.