Abstract: The invention describes a method for treating near-wellbore zones involving the steps of injecting a magnesium metal with a catalyst into the desired area of the formation to be treated. Subsequently, combustive-oxidizing solution (COS) is injected into the zone of the formation to be treated. The COS initially reacts with the magnesium, which in turn initiates a vigorous oxidation reaction of the COS. The reaction gases and heat produced by the COS oxidation reaction are harnessed to enhance the productivity of the well by creating fractures in the treatment zone and by melting of paraffin and resin deposits in the treatment zone. As a final step, acid is injected into the formation to react with the formation thereby further enhancing the porosity of the fractures. In one embodiment, the COS uses ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, and in another, urea or ethylene glycol may be added as a reaction fuel.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided comprising an explosive agent, a solid fuel and a polymeric adherent wherein the explosive agent, solid fuel and polymeric adherent are dispersed throughout the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixtures, and includes compositions comprising (a) ammonium nitrate, (b) a fuel component, (c) a functionalized polymer component, and (d) an oil-soluble anionic surfactant, wherein the mixture of components (b), (c) and (d) form a gel that will not readily flow. The compositions of the present invention provide improve fuel retention and/or water resistance properties, particularly when the compositions use low quality porous prills of ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for controlling the stability or the droplets sized of simple water-in-oil emulsions, wherein a di-block or tri-block copolymer is used. A block is a hydrophilic block, the other block is a hydrophobic block. The invention concerns also a stabilized water-in-oil emulsion.

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: 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 gelatinous enhancer for an inflator, including silicone oil and ammonium nitrate.

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: In this method for making multi-base propellants, pelletized nitrocellulose is coated with an electrostatically insensitive liquid elastomer precursor or non-plasticizer while wetted in a non-solvent diluent, preferably in the absence of plasticizers. The non-solvent diluent is then substantially, if not completely, removed from the coated nitrocellulose. Then, the coated pelletized nitrocellulose is mixed with a plasticizer and optionally other ingredients and fillers, including energetic fuels such as nitroguanidine. The propellant formulation is then cast, and optionally cured with an acceptable curative, such as a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate. The resulting material may be visually (i.e., to the naked eye) homogeneous. Also, the coated nitrocellulose pellets present during processing have reduced sensitivity to electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A gas generating composition which is excellent in a combustion efficiency and a gas output and in which amounts of residues generated are reduced in the combustion is obtained. A gas generating composition comprising (a) 5 to 40% by weight of at least one high polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyacrylic derivative resin, a polyacetal, a urea resin, a melamine resin, a ketone resin and a cellulose-based high polymer, and (b) 60 to 95% by weight of ammonium nitrate or phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate. It is suitable as a gas generating agent for an air bag of automobiles.

Abstract: A water treating agent which has a high safety and is to be used for preventing corrosion and scale formation in the feed water lines and steam generation system and for preventing corrosion in the steam condensate lines in plants, boilers and steam generators.

Abstract: A method for making a propellant composition that results in a desirable gas output when combusted. The propellant can be part of an inflator used in a vehicle for inflating an air bag. The propellant has a relatively low burn rate exponent of no greater than about 0.7. The propellant is substantially dense, with the propellant having a density that is at least 85% of theoretical density. In making the propellant, its density can be reduced using a roller mill that flattens the propellant to a controlled thickness. The propellant preferably includes phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate and fibrous cellulose.

Abstract: The subjects of this patent are three amine azide monopropellants, dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ), pyrollidinylethylazide (PYAZ) and diethylaminoethylazide (DEAZ). Amine azides decompose on an iridium catalyst at 400° F. and have very low freezing points (<−65° F.). Dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ) has been tested and is a suitable replacement for hydrazine in monopropellant thruster applications. An amine azide can be used as a non-carcinogenic alternative for any monopropellant system using hydrazine. An amine azide could be used to replace hydrazine in thrust vector control or reactive control applications for space based applications. An amine azide could be used to replace hydrazine in divert attitude control systems in interceptor missile systems. In a gel fuel formulation the tertiary amine azide gel can have 0.5%-10% gellant. The gellant can be silicon dioxide, clay, carbon or any polymeric gellant.

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprises an organic fuel and an ammonium nitrate oxidizer which is phase stabilized with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt. The composition also comprises an ammonium salt coolant selected from the group consisting of an ammonium halide, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium sulfamate. A preferred coolant is ammonium chloride.

Abstract: As has been established, the use of energetic materials, generated by manufacturer's excess and/or demilitarization projects, as ingredients in commercial blasting explosives is a feasible and environmentally acceptable method of handling them. Ammonium picrate is used as an explosive charge in the manufacturing of conventional ammunition rounds, such as large caliber navy guns. The present invention is directed to the use of recovered ammonium picrate in commercial blasting agent compositions, that include watergel slurries, ANFO, HANFO-blends and emulsion based blasting agents. These new blasting agents exhibit favorable cost for performance characteristics and have found a use for recovered ammonium picrate, which would heretofore have been incinerated or otherwise disposed of at significant cost.

Abstract: Water in oil emulsion explosive compositions comprises a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component, a continuous organic phase, an emulsifying amount of an emulsifier composition comprising: the reaction product of an amine (C) characterized by the presence within its structure of at least one H—N group and an intermediate formed in the reaction of (A) at least one olefinic compound containing at least one group of the formula  and (B) at least one carboxylic reactant selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula R3C(O)(R4)nC(O)OR5  (III)  wherein each of R3 and R5 is independently H or a hydrocarbyl group, R4 is a divalent hydrocarbylene group, and n is 0 or 1, and reactive sources thereof and optionally, from about 0.5 to about 2 moles, per mole of (B), of (D) at least one aldehyde or ketone; and optionally a sensitizer.

Abstract: An improved thermally stable, storage stable gas generating composition characterized by both an increased burning rate and a decreased pressure exponent for producing a clean, nontoxic, substantially ash- and solids-free gas for inflating inflatable structures such as vehicle airbags is provided. Optimum combustion efficiencies and operating pressures are achieved in the improved gas generating composition by adding an effective amount of a copper or copper compound catalyst to a gas generating composition that is preferably a eutectic mixture or solid solution of ammonium nitrate, at least one highly oxygenated fuel, potassium or cesium perchlorate or nitrate and an optional binder.

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: The invention comprises a method of preventing afterblast sulfide dust explosions in blasting operations involving sulfide-containing ores, which method comprises (a) loading a borehole that has been drilled into a sulfide-containing ore body with an emulsion blasting agent that comprises an emulsifier, a continuous organic fuel phase, a density control agent, and a discontinuous oxidizer salt solution phase that comprises inorganic oxidizer salt(s), water and urea as a chemical inhibitor in an amount of from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the blasting agent, the blasting agent being loaded in a coupling relationship with the borehole; and (b) detonating the blasting agent.

Abstract: There is provided a gas generating composition consisting essentially of a mixture of nitroguanidine, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate and an elastomeric binder. When the ammonium nitrate is phase stabilized with from about 7% to about 20%, by weight, of a potassium salt, the mixture is structurally and volumetrically stable over typical automotive operating temperatures and has a melting temperature in excess of 100.degree. C. The mixture generates large volumes of nitrogen and carbon dioxide when ignited with minimal generation of solids or toxic gases and is particularly useful as an inflating medium for automobile airbags.

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: An improved blasting composition comprising from about 13 to 15 weight percent unrefined petroleum wax, from about 15 to 20 weight percent aluminum powder, from about 10 to 52 weight percent sodium perchlorate and from about 10 to 52 weight percent ammonium nitrate. The blasting composition may be used in combination with ANFO and in place of conventional solid AP propellants and represents an economical alternative thereto.

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 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 emulsion explosive composition having improved resistance to precompression desensitization comprising an emulsion explosive matrix and a high level of a low strength microspheres. Preferably, the microspheres having a crush strength of between 100 and 400 psi, and are present in at least 4% by weight of the formulation. Accordingly, the present invention allows the use of a more standard (and usually less expensive) microspheres in the production of a precompression desensitization-resistant emulsion explosive. Further, the emulsion explosives of the present invention would permit emulsion explosives, in general, to be utilized in a wider range of applications.

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: This invention relates to fuels used in explosive, pyrotechnic, gas generating, and propellant compositions. The fuel composition of the present invention comprises the reaction products formed as a result of reacting a transition metal or transition metal compound, preferably ferric nitrate or ferric hydroxide with a reducing sugar. The fuel composition of the present invention is suitable for use in explosive compositions by mixing with an oxidizing agent. The fuel composition of the present invention and explosive compounds derived therefrom exhibit nonfouling and noncorrosive properties when used in firearms, along with greatly reduced residue.

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: A pyrotechnic composition useful for gunpowder, propellant or explosive purposes, which comprises an organic acid such as ascorbic or erythorbic acid, a nitrate salt oxidizer, and about 6-15% of potassium perchlorate, has improved properties including reduced residue.

Abstract: The density of ammonium nitrate-based mining explosives, such as ANFO, heavy ANFO and emulsion explosives, is lowered by adding an expanded grain, such as expanded popcorn, expanded rice, or expanded wheat, to the explosive. As much as 10% of the explosive composition may be an expanded grain. The present invention may be used with porous ammonium nitrate, dense agricultural grade ammonium nitrate, crystalline ammonium nitrate, and ground ammonium nitrate.

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: A blasting composition of reduced volume strength relative to straight ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) compositions, containing particulate oxidizer salt, particulate inert and/or density reducing filler and optionally a fuel for modifying the oxygen balance. The composition contains a viscous water-in-oil type emulsion, having a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous aqueous phase of oxidizing salts, in an amount sufficient for improving adherence between the particulate oxidizer salt and the particulate filler, but insufficient for filling out the interstices between the particulate oxidizer salt and the particulate filler.

Abstract: The water-in-oil emulsion explosives of this invention contain a water-immiscible organic fuel as a continuous phase, an emulsified inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, gas bubbles or an air entraining agent for sensitization, and from about 1% to about 30% by weight of the composition urea for stabilization against thermal degradation with reactive sulfide/pyrite ores. The invention also relates to a method of using such explosives.

Abstract: Emulsifiers are disclosed which comprise the reaction product of component (I) with component (II). Component (I) comprises the reaction product of certain carboxylic acids or anhydrides, or ester or amide derivatives thereof, with ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali and/or at least one alkaline-earth metal. Component (II) comprises certain phosphorus-containing acids; or metal salts of said phosphorus-containing acids, the metal being selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, strontium, chromium, manganese, iron, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, zinc, cadmium, aluminum, tin, lead, and mixtures of two or more thereof. These emulsifiers are useful in water-in-oil explosive emulsions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stabilizing a detonable mixture of emulsion and AN or ANFO prills and to the resulting compositions. A surfactant is dissolved in a liquid organic fuel prior to adding the fuel to AN prills for forming ANFO prills, or if AN prills are used without added liquid organic fuel, the surfactant is added to the prills. The ANFO prills or AN prills containing a surfactant than are mixed with the emulsion.

Abstract: Propellant grain consisting essentially of:A. from about 50% to about 75% by weight of an oxidizer consisting essentially of ammonium nitrate;B. from about 1% to about 20% by weight of a cured polymeric binder;C. from 0% to about 30% by weight of a nitrate ester plasticizer;D. from about 3.5% to about 8% by weight of boron in free elemental form; andE. from 0% to about 3% by weight of aluminum metal.The grain has a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.30 at a combustion pressure between about 2500 and about 7000 pounds per square inch (between about 1700 and about 4800 N/cm.sup.2). Also, an uncured pourable slurry having the formula stated above, except that the binder is uncured. Also, a method for forming a propellant grain having the formula stated above, comprising the steps of providing the uncured pourable slurry defined above, pouring the slurry into a casing, and curing the slurry in situ to form a cured propellant grain having a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising an explosive mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil. The fuel oil is selected to provide an oil separation sufficiently low so that the explosive is detonatable. The fuel oil is also selected such that the viscosity of the explosive is sufficiently low so that the explosive may be loadable into a borehole. The explosive is substantially free of tackifying agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing, by means of working, mixing and homogenizing, castable explosive substances of high viscosity containing crystalline and/or particulate explosives and, if appropriate, other action-enhancing additives and such small quantities of binder and other viscosity-reducing agents that the mixture in the unworked state virtually feels like and behaves like a dry powder. In order to achieve the desired working, mixing and homogenizing, use is made of an arrangement which is known per se.

Abstract: A method and composition for enhancing the visual effect of a combustion explosion without substantially increasing the explosive force is the subject matter of this invention. A solid explosive compound is combined with a ground combustible particulate material that is characterized by a wide distribution of particle sizes. Preferably the surface area of the particles will vary by a factor of at least 500 percent and no more than 10 percent of the total number of particles will be represented by any one particle size.

Abstract: This invention provides an explosive composition comprising a blend of a melt-in-fuel emulsion and solid particulate oxygen-releasing salt. Said melt-in-fuel emulsion comprises a discontinuous oxygen-releasing salt phase, a continuous water-immiscible organic fuel phase and an emulsifier component. The oxygen-releasing salt is preferably selected such that the water content is minimized. The explosive composition may additionally comprise a discontinuous gaseous component. The compositions are stable against crystallization and segregation and are blowloadable without significant blowback. The compositions have an added advantage of a propensity to be loaded into upholes without the need for stemming or other plugging arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved permissible explosive composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a permissible water-in-oil emulsion explosive that is shock-resistant and has a relatively low density. The water-in-oil emulsion explosives of this invention contain a water-immiscible organic fuel as the continuous phase and an emulsified inorganic oxidizer salt solution as the discontinuous phase. These oxidizer and fuel phases react with one another upon initiation by a blasting cap or other initiator to produce an effective detonation.

Abstract: Water-containing explosives, such as emulsions, slurries and water gels, are sensitized in their emulsion (concentrate) phases with sensitizing energy release agents based on nitroalkanes and nitroalkane blends including arene coupling agents. The sensitizing energy release agents are miscible with the concentrate phase and remain stable therein.

Abstract: A blasting composition of reduced volume strength relative to straight ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) compositions, containing particulate oxidizer salt, particulate inert and/or density reducing filler and optionally a fuel for modifying the oxygen balance. The composition contains a viscous water-in-oil type emulsion, having a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous aqueous phase of oxidizing salts, in an amount sufficient for improving adherence between the particulate oxidizer salt and the particulate filler, but insufficient for filling out the interstices between the particulate oxidizer salt and the particulate filler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a HANFO explosive consisting of a mixture of at least one nitrate-oil explosive (ANFO-type) and at least one water-in-oil explosive, and a method for its manufacture. The oil of the ANFO part contains 0.3-7.0 weight % based on the weight of the oil component of the oilsoluble elastomer having a viscosity average molecular weight of 30,000-5 million, preferably 900,000-2.5 million. The manufacture of the HANFO explosive can be carried out by first adding an oilsoluble elastomer to the oil of the ANFO-type explosive, then mixing the oil with sodium-, ammonium- and/or calcium nitrate and then mixing this mixture together with a water-in-oil emulsion explosive. The HANFO explosive can be applied both in bulk and cartridged form.

Abstract: A water in oil emulsion explosive composition containing inorganic nitrate and the process for its preparation are disclosed. The composition is an explosive mixture which consists of an aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as disperse phase, residual oil and additives as continuous phase, emulsion foamer as occluded bubble producing material, and span-80 as emulsifier. By adjusting the pH of disperse phase and emulsion foamer, the foaming process at elevated temperature is achieved. it is an industrial explosive and has lower production cost, excellent stability, good moisture resistance and low toxicity, and has a storage life longer than 10 months.

Abstract: A degradation product of ascorbic acid or isoascorbic acid obtained by heating the acid at a temperature between about 70.degree. C. and about 210.degree. C. until partial or complete decomposition of the acid occurs, useful in admixture with various nitrate-containing oxidation agents as an explosive and propellant material for a wide range of specific applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dry mix explosive composition wherein a binding or holding agent is provided to hold the parts thereof together in a straightforward and efficient manner, in order to avoid segregation of the parts such as during mixing, placement and the like. The dry mix explosive composition includes oxidiser, fuel and bulking agent, and further includes a binder in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion which acts to hold the parts of said composition together during mixing, placement and the like.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition having a void-providing agent consisting of expanded perlite is provided. The water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a continuous phase of carbonaceous fuel, an emulsifier, a dispersed phase of an aqueous solution of inorgnaic oxidizer, and expanded perlite having a density of less than 0.60 g/cc and preferably of from about 0.23 g/cc to about 0.45 g/cc.

Abstract: A free-flowing granular explosive comprising of an oxidizing salt, fuel, a hydrophilic thickener and a hydrophobic compound. Upon water impingement the hydrophobic compound repels water from the surface of the oxidizing salt while the hydrophilic thickener simultaneously forms a water-resistant barrier.

Abstract: A blasting composition is disclosed having bulk density and hence explosive energy superior to that of conventional ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixtures, e.g. 94% AN, 6% fuel oil mixtures, but of nearly comparable cost. It comprises two major constituents blended together, namely, (1) about 10 to 40% by weight of a water in oil emulsion which includes aqueous solution of a powerful oxidizer salt as the disperse or inner phase and an oil serving to provide oxygen balance as the external or continuous phase, this emulsion being mixed or blended with (2) a mass of essentially solid particulate oxidizer salt in proportions of 60 to 90% of the total. The emulsion, which may be also a slurry, is mixed to partially but not completely fill the pores or interstices in the solid particulate mass, thereby to increase bulk density, part of the spaces being left unfilled to provide aeration and active sites or "hot spots" to facilitate detonation of the composition by standard detonation devices.