Abstract: An explosive composition of the water-in-oil emulsion type includes at least one emulsified gel formed of an oxidizing solution of an inorganic salt dissolved in water and a fuel phase containing a liquid hydrocarbon and an emulsifier in combination with an inert or reactive lighting constituent and, if appropriate, one or more oxidizing salts or metal fuels. Pursuant to the invention the composition additionally contains from 4% to 55% of inert or semi-inert solids. The explosive composition provides enhanced safety characteristics through detonation velocity reduction and is thus well suited for dangerous atmospheres such as those encountered in coal mines. Additionally, the explosive composition exhibits a nonsticky plastic to semiplastic texture which facilitates cartridging on conventional machinery, all while retaining normal detonation characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cast explosive composition having a relatively high density and energy and a critical diameter no larger than about 150 mm at a temperature of 5.degree. C. The composition comprises inorganic oxidizer salt consisting primarily of ammonium nitrate, a water-immiscible organic liquid fuel, less than about 5% water, a sensitizer and an emulsifier which allows formation of a water-in-oil emulsion at an elevated formulation temperature but which also allows the emulsion to weaken and the inorganic oxidizer salt to crystallize at lower or ambient temperatures to produce a cast composition.

Abstract: Improved process for manufacturing an explosive eutectic composition comprising about 46% by weight ammonium nitrate, about 46% by weight ethylene diamine dinatrate, and about 8% by weight potassium nitrate. First, potassium hydroxide, ammonia, water, nitric acid, and ethylene diamine are reacted in aqueous solution to produce the indicated components of the eutectic mixture. Then the solution is cooled to supersaturate each solute thereof and passed through a continuous crystallizer to crystallize the components of the product in eutectic proportions. The product is then separated from the mother liquor, which is recycled. The process can be operated continuously and safely without producing by-products or employing solvents which must be evaporated from the composition or disposed of.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing hollow microspheres obtained by firing volcanic ash and having a bulk density of 0.05-0.1 and an average particle size of 10-100 .mu.m has improved explosion performance and safety over water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing conventional hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A soft composite explosive composition is made by forming an oil-continuous, melt-in-fuel emulsion in which the discontinuous phase is comprised of ammonium nitrate and other ingredients which together form a eutectic mixture. The continuous phase includes a combination of fuels and emulsifiers constituting less than 2.5% by weight of the formulation. Soluble compounds such as self-explosive compounds or compounds which can be converted to explosive compounds in situ may be added directly to the discontinuous phase along with one or more oxidizer salts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an explosive of a water-in-oil emulsion type including an aqueous oxidizer solution, an oily material, an emulsifier and hollow microspheres, wherein the oily material forming the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises an oil component and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polybutene, polyisobutylene, petroleum resin, butadiene resin and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cast explosive composition having a high density, energy and critical diameter and comprising inorganic oxidizer salt consisting primarily of ammonium nitrate, a water-immiscible organic liquid fuel, less than about 5% water, and an emulsifier which allows formation of a water-in-oil emulsion at an elevated formulation temperature but which also allows the emulsion to weaken and the inorganic oxidizer salt to crystallize at lower or ambient temperatures to produce a cast composition.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there are provided gas generating compositions comprising sodium azide, silicon dioxide, potassium nitrate, molybdenum disulfide and sulfur.

Abstract: An explosive composition containing micro-voids consisting of thermoplastic resin hollow microspheres coated with a thermosetting resin has a remarkably excellent low temperature detonability in a small diameter cartridge after lapse of a long period of time.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent consisting of bubble assemblies, each bubble assembly being one particle consisting of a large number of bubbles agglomerated into the particle, is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust, for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions and for lowering their detonation velocity without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing specifically limited hollow microspheres consisting of neutral or weakly acidic hollow microspheres coated with a coating material has a high consistency without deteriorating its storage stability in initiation sensitivity in a small diameter cartridge, and can be safely and easily handled.

Abstract: A dry explosive seismic composition which can be initiated by low grain detonating cord so as to minimize the fire hazards typically associated with seismic testing. Preferred compositions within the scope of the present invention include a sensitizer of Hexamine or a derivative thereof, such as Hexamethylenetetramine Mononitrate. The compositions of the present invention not only reduce the fire hazards associated with using such compositions, but they also resist vaporization of the sensitizer, thereby minimizing the problems associated with handling the compositions.

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator for producing greater than 50-weight percent pure nitrogen gas comprising a stoichiometric blend of sodium azide, NaN.sub.3, and sodium sulfate, Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4, and ballistic modifiers.

Abstract: Solid water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous emulsion phase formed of an aqueous solution of an oxidizer salt and a continuous emulsion phase formed of a solid carbonaceous fuel derived from an oleaginous liquid. The continuous phase provides a self-sustaining matrix. A solid non-hygroscopic oxidizer salt, such as ammonium perchlorate, is dispersed in the emulsion in a solid granular form. Void cells are also dispersed within the emulsion to provide a void volume of at least 5%. The explosive compositions may be formulated to be sensitive to No. 8 blasting caps. Processes for forming the explosive compositions include the use of an oleaginous liquid of a polyester and styrene monomer mixture, which is emulsified with an aqueous solution of oxidizer salt without the addition of an emulsifying agent. The explosive composition may be formed as a unitary product or transformed into granular particulate form.

Abstract: Method of maximizing stability and minimizing production of toxic fumes as explosion by-products by utilizing a moisture resistant blasting composition and said composition, comprising an invert emulsion component having, as the continuous external organic phase thereof, a partial ester of a 2-12 carbon polyhydric alcohol and a tall oil fatty acid, said explosive composition being capable of utilizing sufficient solid oxygen-supplying salt to obtain an Oxygen Balance of about zero without substantial loss of sensitivity.

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

Abstract: A method for making a water-in-oil emulsion type explosive composition is disclosed. The method comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B and incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting emulsion. One of the ingredients A or B is added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient is added during agitation. Ingredient A is oleic acid and/or linoleic acid. Ingredient B is an ammonium or alkali metal phosphate or carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion explosive of the water-in-oil type having resistance against dissolution in water, and application of said emulsion in explosive mixtures. The emulsion explosive is non cap-sensitive and can be cartridged alone or in mixture with ANFO. It can also be used in bulk systems. The explosive contains 60-90 percent by weight of ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate, 4-15 percent by weight of a crystallization temperature lowering agent, preferably urea, and 2-6% wax and/or a wax/oil mixture. The content of water consists essentially of water of crystallization bound to the calcium nitrate. Further, the explosive contains emulsifier and density reducing agents such as sodium nitrite/thiourea or hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A gunpowder substitute which is capable of also being molded into a consumable cartridge or cartridge case comprising between 50% to 75% by weight of an inorganic nitrate and between 25% to 50% by weight of an organic acid including ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Explosive composition of water-in-oil, containing as a continuous phase a carbonaceous fuel and as a discontinuous phase an oxygen-releasing aqueous salt solution, the continuous phase containing a water-insoluble lipophilic viscosity index improver for the purpose of controlling the consistency.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous phase containing an oxygen-supplying phase wherein the discontinuous phase additionally comprises a crystal growth-inhibitor. The compositions exhibit improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising an oxygen-supplying salt component as a discontinuous phase, an organic medium forming a continuous phase and a stabilizer which comprises a polycyclic hydrocarbon. Suitable stabilizers include sterols, such as cholesterol. The compositions, which may also include a conventional emulsifier, exhibit small diameter cap-sensitivity and improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing an emulsifier consisting of a mixture of sorbide, sorbitan and sorbitol fatty acid esters in a specifically limited mixing ratio, has an improved storage stability in initiation sensitivity in small diameter cartridges and at low temperatures and further has an improved resistance against dead pressing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved explosives. More particularly, the invention relates to cap-sensitive slurry explosives, either water-in-oil emulsion explosives or conventional water-based slurries having a continuous aqueous phase, containing high strength, small, hollow, dispersed spheres as a density reducing agent. The preferred explosive is a cap-sensitive water-in-oil emulsion explosive having a water-immiscible liquid organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; an emulsifier; and as a density reducing agent, small, hollow, dispersed spheres, preferably glass or plastic, having a strength such that a maximum of about 10% collapse under a pressure of 500 psi. As used herein, the term "cap-sensitive" means that the explosive composition is detonable with a No. 8 cap at 20.degree. C. in a charge diameter of 32 mm or less.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising an oxygen-supplying salt component as a discontinuous phase, an organic medium forming a continuous phase and an emulsifying agent which comprises at least one conventional emulsifier and at least one emulsification enhancer. The compositions are easily emulsifiable.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for the continuous manufacture of a water-in-oil explosive emulsion precursor. Separate streams of the water phase component and the oil phase component are introduced into an in-line motionless mixer. A chosen portion of the output from the mixer is recirculated and returned to the motionless mixer for further emulsification. The process allows for the production of a very high phase ratio water-to-oil emulsion (up to 95% water phase) without phase inversion after long storage. The precursor is simply converted to a sensitive explosive by means of known density lowering techniques.

Abstract: A water-in-wax emulsion explosive composition is provided wherein the continuous carbonaceous fuel phase comprises paraffin wax together with a minor amount of a rheology modifier and stabilizer combination comprising an ethylene-containing polymer and a low molecular weight hydrocarbon liquid. The resulting explosive composition exhibits properties of viscosity and stability comparable to similar compositions containing highly refined microcrystalline wax fuels.

Abstract: Constituent pyrotechnic materials are dispensed by prescribed weight or volume into a single container containing an excess volume of an inert liquid, such as Freon T.E., having the property of preventing ionization of the materials. The pyrotechnic materials in inert fluid medium are then stirred so as to obtain an homogeneous slurry mixture. The slurry is allowed to settle and the inert fluid is decanted off for future reuse. The remaining slurry is dispensed into individual containers under pressure. The slurry is vacuum dried at a safe temperature to minimize the accidental ignition hazard while removing the remaining inert liquid, thus forming individual casts of pyrotechnic material. The casts are permitted to reach ambient temperature and pressure at predetermined rates so as to prevent cracking of the pyrotechnic charges.

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

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a carbonaceous fuel, and inorganic oxidizer, an emulsifier, and a sensitizing/densifying agent of finely divided non-explosive material of high density, such as ferrophosphorus, ferrosilicon, ferromanganese, sand or alumia which is added to the oil phase. The water-in-oil composition can also contain other components, such as bulking agents, additional fuels and auxiliary sensitizers. The sensitized compositions can be detonated with a No. 6 cap in diameters as low as 2.54 centimeters at temperatures as low as 5.degree. F. and with densities as high as 1.50 g/cc.

Abstract: This invention concerns a water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition which comprises a discontinuous aqueous phase containing one or more oxygen-releasing salts, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase comprising sump oil, and an emulsifying agent. The explosive compositions show improved sensitivity over conventional compositions made using paraffin oil as the organic phase.

Abstract: A gas-bubble-sensitized melt explosive composition, which is not deleteriously affected by pumping, containing certain surfactants which inhibit the disengagement of the sensitizing gas bubbles.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved blasting agents. More particularly, the invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent containing sodium nitrate (SN) in an amount of from about 40% to about 70% by weight of the total composition. The water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents of this invention have a water-immiscible liquid organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; particulate inorganic oxidizer salt; an emulsifier; and optionally a density reducing agent. Preferably the blasting agents contain from about 10% to about 40% ammonium nitrate (AN) in addition to SN.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous explosive blasting composition having a continuous aqueous phase and comprising inorganic oxidizer salt of which at least a significant proportion is an undissolved, solid particulate form; a solution of oxidizer salt in water, immiscible liquid organic fuel finally and stably dispersed throughout the aqueous phase; thickener; a crystal habit modifier; and a non-ionic surfactant to retard desensitization of the composition that would otherwise occur due to the presence of the oxidizer salt particles.

Abstract: A two-component emulsion explosive composition is provided consisting of a continuous oil/fuel phase and a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase and, as an emulsifier, a dimer acid glyceride wherein the dimer acid has a carbon atom chain length of C18-C60. The composition demonstrates superior properties of long period storage stability and sensitivity.

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

Abstract: A water-in-oil explosives composition comprising water, liquid or liquefiable carbonaceous fuel and inorganic oxidizer salt, optionally with gassing agent and/or thickening agent, and containing 0.02 to 2% of a stabilizer selected from organo-sulphur compounds, organic compounds containing quaternary nitrogen, phenolic compounds and substituted derivatives thereof, dihydroxybenzenes, quinones, unsubstituted and substituted aryl diazo compounds, unsubstituted and substituted aryl amines and salts thereof, and unsubstituted and substituted quinolines. Preferred stabilizers include thioureo, hydroquinone, anthraquinone, 1-phenylazo-2-naphthol, 1-[(4'-o-tolylazo)-o-tolylazo]-2-naphthol, N-phenyl-.alpha.-naphthylamine, N-phenyl-.beta.-naphthylamine, the condensation products of 1,4 dichloroanthraquinone with p-toluidine and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinolines.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition is provided wherein the continuous carbonaceous oil or fuel phase comprises an unrefined or partly refined petroleum product, for example, slackwax. The resulting explosive composition exhibits properties of strength, detonation velocity and stability comparable and in some cases superior to similar compositions containing refined petroleum fuels.

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 a remarkably improved storage stability in its initiation sensitivity in small diameter cartridges and at low temperatures is disclosed. The explosive composition comprises a disperse phase formed of an aqueous oxidizer solution consisting of (a) ammonium nitrate or a mixture of ammonium nitrate and another oxidizer salt, (b) water and (c) a specifically limited weak acid salt or condensed phosphate; a continuous phase consisting of (d) fuel oil and/or wax; (e) an emulsifier; and (f) hollow microspheres or microbubbles.

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: Gas generating compositions comprising a cyanamide compound and an oxidant therefor. The compositions produce non-toxic, low temperature gases which are especially useful for inflating vehicle passive restraint crash bags.

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: Cap sensitive emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase, a continuous carbonaceous fuel phase, and closed cell void containing materials are disclosed which exhibit increased sensitivity, as measured by the 1/2 cartridge air gap sensitivity test, due to a reduced water content in the range of from about 4% to less than about 10% by weight of the emulsion matrix which is used to prepare the composition.

Abstract: A solid non-azide, non-toxic, substantially moisture-free nitrogen gas generating composition intended for use in the deployment of inflatable safety crash bags for driver and passenger protection in vehicles consists essentially of a metal salt of a non-hydrogen containing tetrazole compound selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts and an oxidizer containing nitrogen and a member selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal and an alkaline earth metal, the tetrazole being an azobitetrazole, and examples of the oxidizer being sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a permissible aqueous blasting composition containing at least about 15% calcium nitrate as oxidizer salt. The calcium nitrate combined with water, inert material, a sensitizer, and cross linking and thickening agents forms a stable aqueous blasting composition or slurry which will meet the permissibility requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor. The use of this minimum amount of calcium nitrate particularly is effective in increasing storage stability.

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: Self-supporting water-bearing explosive products, e.g., for use as primers and in blasting and seismic charges, contain discrete cells of an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizing salt and/or of an amine salt encapsulated by a crosslinked (thermoset) resin matrix. The products are sensitized by a dispersed solid high explosive and/or gas bubbles or voids. Preferred primers are sensitized by PETN and are rigid. The products are made by crosslinking a liquid polymer in the continuous phase of an emulsion which contains the aqueous solution as a discontinuous phase.