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 composition having excellent storage stability, low-temperature detonability and explosion reactivity is disclosed, which comprises (a) a disperse phase formed of an inorganic nitrate consisting mainly of ammonium nitrate, (b) a continuous phase formed of an oil, (c) an emulsifier, (d) hollow microspheres and/or a chemical foaming agent, and (e) an inorganic chlorate.

Abstract: The invention concerns an emulsion explosive of the water-in-fuel type which has as its discontinuous phase an oxidizing salt-containing component, and as its continuous phase a fuel component which is immiscible with the discontinuous phase, the continuous phase comprising at least a proportion of polymer in liquid form or in finely divided particle form. A method of making the explosive is also described.

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: 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: A method of manufacturing an emulsion explosive which is insensitive to a number 8 detonator comprising forming a water solution of at least one oxidizing salt dispersed in a fuel such as oil, wax, urea, aluminum and the like and then heating the solution to a temperature of 70.degree.-100.degree. C. Thereafter gaseous particles are added to the heated solution both as an aid to detonation and as a co-emulsifier. Fuel with emulsifier dissolved therein is then added and emulsification takes place thereafter at relatively low stirring speed due to the presence of the co-emulsifier of gaseous particles and its introduction into the salt solution before any of the other components used for the explosive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally stable, cap-sensitive water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition having a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt solution phase containing calcium nitrate, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, an emulsifier, and a density reducing agent.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition consisting of ammonium nitrate or a mixture of ammonium nitrate and the other inorganic oxidizer salts, water, oil and/or wax, 1-hydroxyethyl-2-imidazoline derivative as an emulsifier and at least one of hollow microsphere and bubbles generated from a chemical foaming agent is excellent in the emulsion stability in storage, low temperature detonability and explosion reactivity.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition consisting of ammonium nitrate or a mixture of ammonium nitrate and the other inorganic oxidizer salts, water, oil and/or wax, at least one emulsifier of the group consisting of potassium octadecylsulfonate and sodium N-methyl-N-alkyl(beef tallow)-taurate and at least one of hollow microspheres and bubbles generated from a chemical foaming agent is excellent in the emulsion stability in storage, detonability at low temperature, explosion reactivity and sympathetic detonability.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition is provided containing sorbitan mono-oleate, sorbitan sesquioleate and glycerides of fatty acids as the emulsification agent and also containing a highly clorinated paraffinic hydrocarbon as an emulsification promoter. The presence of the clorinated hydrocarbon produces improved sensitivity even in small diameter cartridges.

Abstract: An improved method of gassing an aqueous slurry explosive composition with an inorganic nitrite gassing agent is provided. The method makes use of a thiocyanate ion-containing material in the composition as a gassing accelerator. The presence of the thiocyanate ion produces improved rate and quantity of gas generation even under low temperature where gas generation is normally retarded.

Abstract: A blasting composition of high solids content, usually of plastic solid consistency, is composed of 60 to 90 parts by weight of solid particulate oxidizer salt, which is mainly ammonium nitrate, preferably fertilizer grade prills, and 10 to 40% of liquid slurry partially filling the interstices and voids in and between the solid particles. The slurry is one that will not appreciably dissolve or soften the granules, hence it is preferably a substantially saturated and thickened solution, in non-aqueous solvent, of strong oxidizer salt, typically ammonium and/or calcium nitrate to which sodium nitrate may be added. The preferred solvent is a low molecular weight polar organic liquid, selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethylene glycol, formamide and ethanol. In some cases isopropanol or propylene glycol may be included.

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: An explosive composition which is in the form of a "melt-in-fuel" emulsion as defined. The melt comprises ammonium nitrate and is the discontinuous phase, while the fuel forms the continuous phase. The composition is substantially water-free and includes an emulsifying agent which imparts to it a greasy consistency. A method of making such an explosive composition.

Abstract: The compositions use oxidizers of HMX, RDX, ammonium nitrate, ammonium picrate and ammonium bitetrazole, and binders of lauryl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, vinylene carbonate, polyformaldehyde mixtures were vinylene carbonate, and urethanes of polyethylene glycol and polyphenyl methylene isocyanate.

Abstract: Heteropolysaccharide S-7, either in the regular or low-calcium form, is used at levels from about 0.1 to 10%, preferably 0.1 to 3%, most preferably 0.2 to 2%, in aqueous ammonium nitrate solutions to provide explosive compositions which rapidly develop viscosity and can be easily adapted to field use.

Abstract: This invention relates to Cold-Formulated Slurry Explosives with Ultra-Fine Oxidizer Solids and including perchlorates.

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 simplified aqueous gel ammonium nitrate suspension blasting agent is made by a procedure in which the step in which both solid and liquid ingredients are combined takes advantage of a balance of positive and negative heats of solution and the sensitivity of the composition is derived from the combination of hexamethylenetetramine and nitric acid. The blasting agent contains from 10 to 13 weight percent water and 75 to 85 weight percent ammonium nitrate, with no solid fuel, auxiliary oxidizers or sensitivity stabilizers.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for preparing slurry explosive formulations characterized in containing separate liquid and particulate phases. The liquid phase is a detonation insensitive paste-like pre-mix composition having an extended shelf life and being adapted for ultimate combination with sufficient particulate material to form an efficient explosive. The pre-mix composition includes a gum or thickener but is not gelled or cross-linked, in order to facilitate ultimate on-site mixing in a rapid manner and without the need for complex equipment.

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: An explosive composition comprising a dispersion of an explosive component which is located in and immobilized by a foamed non-explosive matrix.

Abstract: Water-in-oil explosive compositions having no sensitizer other than occluded air are provided which are detonable by a standard No. 8 blasting cap and which contain from about 14 to about 17 weight percent water and from about 3 to about 7 weight percent fuel, with the remaining portion comprising inorganic nitrates. The fuel material further comprises from about 0.5% to about 1.5% of a water-in-oil emulsifier, from 0 to about 1% oil, and at least about 2% wax, based upon the weight of the emulsion.

Abstract: Water-in-oil explosive compositions containing perchlorates and occluded air are provided which are detonable by a standard No. 8 blasting cap and which contain from about 14 to about 20 weight percent water, from about 3 to about 7 weight percent fuel, from about 56 to about 63 weight percent ammonium nitrate, from about 2 to about 12 weight percent of another inorganic nitrate, and from about 3 to about 12 weight percent of an inorganic perchlorate. The fuel material further comprises from about 0.5 to about 1.5% of a water-in-oil emulsifier, from 0 to about 1% oil, and at least 2% wax, based upon the weight of the emulsion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gelled explosive and a method for its preparation. More specifically, the invention relates to a gelled explosive composition containing water, at least one member selected from the group of a polysaccharide colloid and synthetic polymer; water-soluble melamine resin and a water-soluble explosive salt.

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 cap-sensitive slurry explosive capable of propagating a high order detonation in thin layers and which has a high degree of safety for a cap-sensitive explosive. The slurry consists of a super-fine grained explosive, suspended in an energetic, but non-self-explosive liquid matrix and contains no liquid explosive ingredient. The slurry resists dispersion in a variety of liquids including water and crude oil. In the preferred embodiments the slurries include penetaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) in super fine particles, having an average particle size of about 6.5 microns.

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.

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: 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: Self-complexing galactomannan gum blends which exhibit delayed gelling at acidic pH levels.

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: Gelled explosive compositions of matter based on inorganic oxygen releasing salt material and comprising from 0 to 5% w/w of water, from 0.1 to 5% w/w of gum and from 1 to 30% w/w of an amine which in liquid form is capable of solvating said gum.

Abstract: The stabilization of a fine dispersion of an immiscible liquid hydrocarbon fuel throughout an aqueous blasting composition having a continuous aqueous phase is accomplished by the use of a crystal habit modifier to reduce the crystal size of the oxidizer salt in the composition. Such reduction is found to be critical for stabilizing the fine dispersion of immiscible hydrocarbon fuel droplets throughout the composition and resultantly for maintaining the sensitivity of the composition to detonation.

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: Processes whereby water based explosive compositions comprising inorganic oxygen releasing salt material and a synthetic polymeric gelling agent may be converted to a cartridged form and wherein the cartridge container is based on paper are described. The preparation of gelled water bearing systems, especially water based explosive compositions comprising inorganic oxygen releasing salt material, containing gelling agents derived from synthetic polymeric material and a redox system is also described.

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: An explosive composition, fluid when formulated and gelling to a paste at a predetermined time is provided. The composition, which is particularly useful for blasting rocks and can be readily poured or pumped into drillholes, comprises an oxidant, a combustible, a gelling agent, water and a gelling promoter.

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.

Abstract: An explosive is produced in a continuous process made up of three stages. The first stage is mixing the solid ingredients of the explosive and transporting it to a mixing station. The second stage is emulsifying nitroglycerine and transporting it to the mixing station where the nitroglycerine is separated from the water and combined with other liquid ingredients. The third stage is the mixing stage where the solid and liquid ingredients are mixed or kneaded and formed into suitably-sized explosive units. The mixing station is provided with a mixer having a pair of hoppers in which are deposited the liquid ingredients and the solid ingredients, and which empty into a housing having a pair of rotating mixing screws which mix the liquid and solid ingredients. The liquid ingredients never contact the bearings of the mixing screws. The ratio of liquid to solid ingredients of the explosive may be varied by varying the feeding rate of each.

Abstract: A cap-sensitive slurry explosive capable of propagating a high order detonation in thin layers and which has a high degree of safety for a cap-sensitive explosive. The slurry consists of a superfine grained explosive, suspended in an energetic, but non-self-explosive liquid matrix and contains no liquid explosive ingredient. The slurry resists dispersion in a variety of liquids including water and crude oil. In the preferred embodiments the slurries include penetaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) in super fine particles, having an average particle size of 6.5 microns.

Abstract: In the chemical foaming of emulsions to form blasting agents, the gas-generating material (foaming agent), or a component thereof, is introduced into a stream of the emulsion and the stream thereafter delivered into packaging receivers, any work required to be performed on the emulsion after the addition of the gas-generating material thereto, e.g., pumping or mixing, being performed before substantial foaming due to reaction of the gas-generating material, as a rule before more than about 50 percent of the total density decrease attainable by foaming, has occurred. The gas-generating material can be added to a stream of fine emulsion and preferably mixed for uniform distribution through the emulsion, or to a stream of coarse emulsion, which is mixed with high shear to convert the coarse emulsion to a fine emulsion, mixing in either case taking place before substantial foaming has occurred.

Abstract: A high energy explosive composition comprising an inorganic oxygen supplying salt, a metallic fuel and a eutectic mixture comprising an oxygen supplying salt and a combustible compound capable of lowering the solidification point of the oxygen supplying salt in admixture therewith in the eutectic composition; a eutectic composition comprising an oxygen supplying salt, a compound capable of reducing the solidification of said oxygen supplying salt and in admixtured therewith at least 30% by weight of a composition comprising an alkanolamine nitrate or perchlorate.