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: An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1,500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a getter additive comprising a non-explosive compound or mixture of non-explosive compounds capable of chemically reacting with free radicals or ions under shock initiation conditions of 2,000 calories/cm.sup.2 or less of energy fluence.

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: An improved pyrotechnic fuel composition comprising a metal fuel and a contional pyrotechnic oxidizer for producing light, heat, smoke and sound through an exothermic reaction wherein the improvement comprises the use of a metal hydride as the fuel ingredient to produce a pyrotechnic composition which readily ignites and which has a lower burning rate for increased luminous intensity. The metal hydride fuel is preferably selected from the group consisting of magnesium hydride, titanium hydride, sodium borohydride and a lithium aluminum hydride.

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: A two component, high temperature, thermally stable explosive composition comprises a liquid or low melting oxidizer and a liquid or low melting organic fuel. The oxidizer and fuel in admixture are incapable of substantial spontaneous exothermic reaction at temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K. At temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K., the oxidizer and fuel in admixture have an activation energy of at least about 40 kcal/mol. As a result of the high activation energy, the preferred explosive compositions are nondetonable as solids at ambient temperature, and become detonable only when heated beyond the melting point. Preferable oxidizers are selected from alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrates, nitrites, perchlorates, and/or mixtures thereof. Preferred fuels are organic compounds having polar hydrophilic groups. The most preferred fuels are guanidinium nitrate, acetamide and mixtures of the two.

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: An explosive composition wherein no water is added and no water is formed as a reaction product during detonation. The composition is oxygen balanced and contains no hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to cap-sensitive water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents having a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, an emulsifier, and perlite of fine particle size.

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 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: A pourable blasting agent of high water resistance, having controlled density and bulk blasting strength greater than that of conventional ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) mixtures, comprises two main essential components, i.e. (1) 40 to 60% by weight of a dry or essentially dry, solid, particulate oxidizer salt, with or without added fuel oil for oxygen balance and (2) 60 to 40% of a water-in-oil emulsion containing oxidizer salt dissolved in water and combined with an oily vehicle held in stable emulsion condition with a small quantity of water-in-oil emulsifier, the emulsion also containing a density controlled sensitizer such as hollow glass beads, polystyrene beads, microballoons or equivalent. The first component is preferably a fertilizer grade prilled ammonium nitrate, with or without added oil; the second is of heavy oil or grease consistency having high resistance to the extraction of salt therefrom in water and being of substantially higher bulk density than the particulate material.

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 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: 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: 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: The invention relates to emulsified aqueous explosive blasting compositions having a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, and a fatty acid amine or ammonium salt emulsifier having a chain length ranging from 14 to 22 carbon atoms.

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: An extrudable ammunition priming mix with viscosity characteristics which remain relatively stable over an extended time span. The stabilized viscosity is obtained by incorporating an effective amount of guar gum into the priming mix. The primer thus displays improved pot life so that larger batches may be made and used over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A non-aqueous slurry explosive composition comprising an oxidizing salt component, a fuel component, methanol and a metal nitrate or perchlorate soluble in the methanol. Such compositions are highly sensitive and useful in the form of small diameter cartridges.

Abstract: A method for increasing the flow of earth strata contained fluid, such as natural gas and oil, to a well shaft from surrounding rock formations by explosive fracturing said rock formations with the substantial elimination of the formation of water in the resulting rock fractures and rock formation adjacent to the fractures.

Abstract: The danger of the accidental detonation of large masses of commercial ammum nitrate during handling and storage under normal climatic conditions is reduced by replacing the ammonium nitrate with a solid solution of potassium nitrate in form III ammonium nitrate wherein the potassium nitrate constitutes from more than zero to less than 50 weight percent of the solid solution.

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: A composition of matter comprising at least one nitrato-alkanol and a stabilizingly effective amount of one or more derivatives of carbamic acid. The composition is useful as a component of explosive compositions.

Abstract: Improved tracer rounds and compositions therefor comprising a rubbery, particulate mixture having magnesium, polytetrafluoroethylene and advantageously other ingredients coated with copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and vinylidenefluoride, optionally containing ingredients such as carbon black, and providing advantages in preparation (e.g., lower consolidation pressures) and use (e.g., more uniform burning after ignition).

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator consisting of 45-65 weight percent calcium oxide, 25-45 weight percent calcium azide, and 8-11 weight percent calcium nitrate which produces pure nitrogen gas at temperatures above 2200.degree. K in the complete absence of other gaseous products and metallic vapors.

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: In preparing an explosive composition whose oxidizing components are a mixture of ammonium and calcium nitrate, the nitrate components are heated to temperatures where anhydrous double salts are formed together with some liquid phase. By subsequent cooling of the mixture under sustained mechanical agitation and the addition of a liquid fuel, a dry, free-flowing, cap sensitive particulate explosive composition is formed.

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 stained explosive composition in a water-gelatin base is made from oxidizing salts and at least one water-insoluble hydrocarbon which has dissolved therein a water-insoluble coloring material.

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: 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 blasting composition comprising a mixture of inorganic nitrate and a sensitizer containing at least 30 weight percent of an alkyl ether of Binor-S has substantially more explosive force than an equal volumetric amount of a mixture of ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel. The latter is used in large quantities as a commercial explosive. The sensitizer containing the ether is a liquid having a low pour point, high density and high net volumetric heat of combustion compared to diesel fuel.

Abstract: A blasting composition comprising a mixture of inorganic nitrate, e.g., ammonium nitrate, and a high density hydrocarbon liquid has substantially more explosive force than an equal volumetric amount of a mixture of ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel. The latter is a commercial explosive currently used in large quantities. A high density hydrocarbon liquid is one having a density .gtoreq. 0.910; net heating value .gtoreq. 135,000 BTU/gal., and a pour point .ltoreq. -30.degree. F. Examples of such hydrocarbons include exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene or a mixture of C.sub.14 H.sub.18 hexacyclic dimers of norbornadiene. Also disclosed is an improved method of blasting.

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: Tracer projectile having an enlarged diameter cavity wherein pyrotechnic cer mixture therein is caused to end-burn sequentially in opposed directions by means of a folded cup-shaped device to thereby extend the duration of visibility and improve the quality of downrange visibility of the tracer and yet permit ballistics of the projectile to remain unaffected.