Abstract: A deployable explosive charge structure includes a carpenter's tape capable of transitioning from an undeployed state to a deployed state in which the tape extends linearly over its length, an explosive charge connected to the carpenter's tape, a connecting structure for connecting the carpenter's tape and the explosive charge, and a two-sided adhesive tape for engaging a structure (for example, a door or wall) when the carpenter's tape is in the deployed state.

Abstract: An energetic material having thin, alternating layers of metal oxide and reducing metal is provided. The energetic material may be provided in the form of a sheet, foil, cylinder, or other convenient structure. A method of making the energetic material resists the formation of oxide on the surface of the reducing metal, allowing the use of multiple thin layers of metal oxide and reducing metal for maximum contact between the reactants, without significant lost volume due to oxide formation. An ignition system for the energetic material includes multiple ignition points, as well as a means for controlling the timing and sequence of activation of the individual ignition points. The combination of the energetic material and ignition system provides a means of charge and blast shaping, ignition timing, pressure curve control and maximization, and safe neutralization of the energetic material.

Abstract: A booster explosive (10) is comprised of assembled components comprising a canister body (12, 112) having a fuse tunnel (22) formed integrally therewith and a separate cap well (14, 114) mounted within the canister body (12, 112) which is filled with a solid cast explosive (34). The connector end (14c, 114c, 214c) of cap well (14, 114) is configured to engage cap well mounting fixture (28, 128) disposed within the canister body (12, 112). Cap well mounting fixture (28, 128) has a flexible and resilient crown-shaped locking member (28a, 128a) formed integrally therewith and is otherwise configured to positively retain a detonator (16, 116) within the cap well (14, 114). More than one cap well (214a, 214b, 214a?, 214b?) and more than one fuse tunnel (222a, 222b, 222a?, 222b?) may be provided in the canister body (212, 212?).

Abstract: A reaction container has contains an amount of a water reactive material and a volume of water within the confined space of its interior. The water reactive material, which contains aluminum, is formed as two separate and spaced apart portions. The water is located between the two portions of the water reactive material. A detonation mechanism, which is configured to mix the amount of water reactive material and the volume of water, is provided in communication with each portion of the water reactive material. The volume of water and the aluminum in the water reactive material are stoichiometrically balanced.

Abstract: A line charge system includes a sock with a series of explosive sections and a detonation cord attached to each explosive section. A pair of spaced tubes made of explosive material are disposed about the line and secured to the explosive material of each section resulting in a hinged connection between each explosive section and the detonation cord.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and insulation medium for inserting and insulating a charge medium within a borehole includes a charge tube comprised of an elongate tube having a length and diameter sufficient for containing a desired quantity of a charge medium. A charge medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially filling the charge tube. An insulation medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially encapsulating the charge tube and substantially filling an annular space between the charge tube and the borehole for insulating the charge tube from a downhole environment in which the charge tube is to be inserted. A detonator is inserted within the charge medium proximate a distal end of the charge tube and a charge cable extends from the detonator through the charge tube and exits from the charge tube.

Abstract: A method of generating electricity which comprises forming a galvanic cell comprising two electrodes in contact with an ionic conductor, wherein the ionic conductor comprises an explosive composition or is derived from an explosive composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to the oil and gas industry and to exploration and production of water resources, in particularly, for stimulation of fluid flow to the well, e.g., for higher oil production, productivity index, and recovery factor. The disclosed device and method can be used for higher permeability of the pay zone due to creation of a network of microcracks in the bottomhole formation zone and facilitates to increase the flow of oil, or other fluids, from the reservoir to the well. Generation of cyclic pressure pulses with varied amplitude and time parameters and proper localization of pulses in space through mechanism of convective combustion provides a “soft” impact upon the wellbore without risk of damage or formation consolidation; the said impact is achieved by using a device which is a downhole cyclic pressure generator operating by a consecutive combustion of layers of compositions having different combustion rates.

Abstract: An apparatus usable with a well includes an explosive pellet that is adapted to be communicated into the well via a fluid and includes an explosive material that is adapted to be detonated downhole in the well. The apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the explosive pellet to inhibit unintended detonation of the explosive material. The encapsulant is adapted to be at least partially removed from the explosive pellet in response to the explosive pellet being communicated into the well.

Abstract: A line charge system includes a sock with a series of explosive sections and a detonation cord attached to each explosive section. A pair of spaced tubes made of explosive material are disposed about the line and secured to the explosive material of each section resulting in a hinged connection between each explosive section and the detonation cord.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a wellbore comprises a housing, at least one perforating charge disposed within the housing, a detonation cord coupled to the at least one perforating charge, and a booster coupled to an end of the detonation cord. The booster comprises a booster body having a first end and a second end, a cavity defined within the booster body between the first end and the second end, an explosive material disposed within the cavity adjacent the first end, and a locking feature disposed adjacent the second end, where the locking feature is configured to allow the booster to engage the end of the detonation cord in a first direction and resist movement in a second direction.

Abstract: Exemplary multi-shell structured blast effect charges as well as shaped charge or shaped-charge-like explosive charges are disclosed which contain metal carbonyls in the form of pure substances, granulates, mixtures with inorganic fuels, or as granulates of mixtures with inorganic fuels integrated in suitable closed containers. The metal carbonyls serve in the form proposed herein as fuel, which during the intended conversion of the total charge exhibit an undirected (multi-shell structured blast effect charges) or at least partially directed (shaped charges or shaped-charge-like explosive charges) pressure enhancing effect.

Abstract: This discovery describes a new process to produce large violent explosive quantities of thermal energy with a device through mass conversion under mild conditions by using hydride containing materials to be activated in the presence of group VIIIB and VIB elements causing nuclear fusion followed by sudden disassociation of the unstable result yielding stable products and large excess thermal energy.

Abstract: A warhead apparatus, method of making same, and method of detonating same comprising employing a high explosive core, an energetically and physically dense reactive material substantially surrounding the core, and a pressure vessel substantially surrounding the reactive material.

Abstract: A powder charged rock cracker cartridge (1) comprises a substantially cylindrical outer sleeve (2) with an end wall in a first end (3); a plug (4) which, enclosing said outer sleeve, is inserted into and is secured in an opposite second end of the outer sleeve; a main chamber (5) in the outer sleeve (2) between said end wall and said plug, which main chamber is filled with a blasting powder charge (6); a substantially cylindrical inner sleeve (7), which is coaxial with the outer sleeve (2), is connected to said plug, and extends into the charge of blasting powder in the main chamber; and a central through hole (8) in said plug which communicates with the inner sleeve, which is closed in its inner end, which is inserted into the blasting powder charge. The hole in the plug and the inner sleeve in combination form a priming chamber (9) having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of a detonator (10), which can be trigged electrically and comprises an igniting powder charge.

Abstract: Explosive apparatus has at least two cuboid moldings, which each includes at least one firing hole and explosive, and whose edge lengths have a ratio of substantially 1:2:4, and a container including an internal area having a square outline and at least one aperture hole to the internal area, the internal area having a side length corresponding at least approximately to a longest edge length of the moldings and a height corresponding at least approximately to a shortest edge length of the moldings or to an integer multiple thereof, wherein the moldings are placed in the internal area of the container such that the at least one firing hole in one of the at least two moldings is aligned with the at least one aperture hole in the container, the aperture hole being intended for insertion of an explosive capsule into the firing hole of the corresponding molding.

Abstract: An improved cast booster design and method of assembly is provided for the detonation of blasting agents. The booster design utilizes a pre-formed core that simplifies assembly of the booster and increases the reliability of detonation transfer from a blasting cap. The pre-formed core has a cup shaped aperture provides improved coupling with the initiation source. The pre-formed core is made using a relatively insensitive explosive composition that can be manufactured using high speed pressing methods. The explosive composition allows for the attainment of a well defined shape with a predictable density. The pre-formed core shape mates with the casting mold in a way that ensures the location of the core within the booster thereby improving reliability and reducing labor associated with the booster manufacturing operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses materials, systems and methods for creating metal foams to envelop targets, which involve the formulation of powdered thermite/metal matrices. Essentially, each matrix will include thermite and a foaming agent. Additionally, a thickening agent can be blended into the powdered thermite/metal matrix to create desirable foaming properties when the thermite is ignited. A heat sink agent can also be dispersed throughout the powdered thermite/metal matrix to limit temperature rise in the matrix during a thermite reaction. Further, a binder can be combined with the powdered thermite/metal matrix to hold the formulation together. In use, the formulation is delivered to the vicinity of the target where it is ignited. The resultant metal foam is intended to envelop and neutralize the target.

Abstract: An explosive cartridge comprising: an explosive composition; a deactivating agent that is capable of desensitising the explosive composition; and a barrier element that prevents contact between the explosive composition and the deactivating agent and that is adapted to be at least partially removed on use of the explosive cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermite charges for use in well perforation and downhole fracing. The thermite charges have a core, and optionally a case, where at least one of the core and the case includes thermite material.

Abstract: A borehole liner comprising a continuous length of polymer tubing of alternating diameters forming undulations sized for creating undulations in the liner to optimize the annular air gap alternating with full bore hole diameter loads of explosive to effectively reduce overall explosives consumption by 1-20%. Explosive charge weights can be modified to meet the users needs without introducing inert materials or other more labor intensive alternative.

Abstract: A powder charged rock cracker cartridge (1) comprises asubstantially cylindrical outer sleeve (2) with an end wall in a first end (3); a plug (4) which, enclosing said outer sleeve, is inserted into and is secured in an opposite second end of the outer sleeve; a main chamber (5) in the outer sleeve (2) between said end wall and said plug, which main chamber is filled with a blasting powder charge (6); a substantially cylindrical inner sleeve (7), which is coaxial with the outer sleeve (2), is connected to said plug, and extends into the charge of blasting powder in the main chamber; and a central through hole (8) in said plug which communicates with the inner sleeve, which is closed in its inner end, which is inserted into the blasting powder charge. The hole in the plug and the inner sleeve in combination form a priming chamber (9) having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of a detonator (10), which can be trigged electrically and comprises an igniting powder charge.

Abstract: A lightweight man-packable system for breaching in a single application reinforced structure such as steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls. Embodiments comprise two explosive charge arrays installed in a housing that is abutted against a wall using either studs or prop sticks. One embodiment positions a secondary linear shaped charge (LSC) or self-forming fragment charge (SFF) spaced apart from a primary high explosive (HE) charge that contacts the structure. The HE is detonated to remove concrete in a pattern sufficient to enable a human to transit the resultant opening and the secondary charge cuts the reinforcement shortly thereafter enabling a “clean” breach via a single application of the system. In select embodiments the second array is positioned on a hinged frame to increase stand-off from the first array and moves into place to detonate over the opening immediately after detonation of the first array.

Abstract: A tool for use in a wellbore has an activation assembly, which has a support structure and a reactive layer on the support structure. The reactive layer is formed of a pyrotechnic material. The activation assembly also includes an electrically conductive protective layer covering the reactive layer to protect the reactive layer from electrical discharge. The tool further includes a component to be activated by the activation assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detonation initiator that can form part of a demolition assembly. The detonation initiator can include a linear actuator assembly having a core with a permanent magnet disposed with respect to a coil, and a firing pin coupled to the core and disposed along a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator assembly. A capacitor can be used to store electrical energy derived from an electrical pulse received by the detonation initiator. An electrical circuit can be used to monitor the charge on the capacitor and to discharge the capacitor through the coil of the linear actuator assembly to propel the core along the longitudinal axis of the linear actuator assembly when the charge on the capacitor reaches a charge threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing wells employs a propellant charge and an ignition cord wrapped around the outer surface of the propellant charge to rapidly ignite the outer surface of the propellant charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing wells employs a propellant charge and an ignition cord wrapped around the outer surface of the propellant charge to rapidly ignite the outer surface of the propellant charge.

Abstract: A synchronous or synergeticly timed fuse is installed into ordnance (bombs, artillery shells, depth charges etc.), the ordnance is delivered to a target area and a simultaneous (synchronous), or a synergetic (not neccessarily synchronous yet the energies add together to be greater than their individual parts), explosion event occurs. This explosion event can be enhanced by the shape the ordnance is configured in (a shaped charge on the order of meters or kilometers).

Abstract: A cartridge shell 10 comprises a main body 12 defining a volume 14 for holding energetic material. The main body 12 has a first end 16 for location adjacent a toe 48 of a hole 46 and a second end 18 directed to the collar 50 of hole 46. The second end 18 is tapered to reduce in transverse area away from the first end to form a point or wedge-like member 20.

Abstract: A tubular charge holder assembly for a perforating gun made of a tube having a plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed openings. The pairs of openings are formed over a length of the tube, wherein the each pair has a larger and a smaller opening. A shaped charge is located within the pairs of openings in the tubular charge holder so that at least a portion of the rim of a front face of the shaped charge extends out of the larger opening and at least a portion of a rear face of the shaped charge extends out from the smaller opening of the tube. A detonating cord is helically wrapped around the outside surface of the tube such that the detonating cord is positioned so that the cord is proximate to the rear surface of each of the shaped charges installed within the tube. A substantially semi-circular clip is positioned on the outside surface of the tube proximate each of the shaped charges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a wellbore includes explosive components, a housing containing the explosive components, and at least one protection barrier mounted on the housing to reduce transmissibility of an external force load to the housing. The explosive components array include shaped charges and detonating cords for use in perforating guns.

Abstract: A method and an exothermic composition for controlled localized heating of a base material, said composition comprising an exothermic mixture material, a binder material, and optional filler and starter materials, said exothermic mixture material having a predetermined temperature of burning, said binder material providing said composition in a preformed shape when processed with said exothermic material mixture. Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) materials are used as preferred exothermic materials. These compositions can be used for a variety of industrial purposes such as cutting, welding, or coating of various materials.

Abstract: A blasting system using the global positioning system (GPS) for timing the detonations for a shaped blast. The blasting system includes a master station including a master GPS receiver for determining a GPS-based time and a master transceiver in communication with several charge control stations. Each charge control station includes a charge control transceiver for communicating with the master transceiver, a charge control GPS receiver for tracking the GPS-based time, and a detonator for detonating an explosive charge. In operation, the master transceiver uses the GPS-based time determined at the master station for computing detonation times and transmits these times to the charge control stations. The charge control stations then detonate the respective explosive charges when the GPS-based times determined at the charge control stations match the detonation times.

Abstract: A low energy fuse, comprising a plastic tube with a channel, the channel containing a reactive material able upon ignition to sustain a shock wave within the channel, the tube comprising at least two layers of plastic materials, a first plastic layer closer to the channel and a second plastic layer outside the first layer, at least the second layer containing a major amount of draw orientable polymer resin. The polymer in the second layer is axially oriented to an orientation degree (as defined) of more than 25% and less than 90% and that the polymer of the first layer has an axial orientation degree not exceeding 10% orientation degree units more than that of the second layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a small diameter explosive cartridge and a two-stage large diameter explosive cartridge apparatus for presplitting rock can be axially detonated by detonating cord through a central detonation passageway in the explosive cartridge while keeping the detonating cord and the explosive material in the explosive cartridge physically separate. The explosive cartridge includes an outer tube and an inner tube inside of the outer tube. The explosive cartridge includes two or more continuous webs extending radially between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube. For the small diameter explosive cartridge, the space between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube is filled with high explosive material such as water gel or emulsion explosive material.

Abstract: An explosive primer designed for use with a fuse cord and an initiating device. The primer consists of a container, which holds the explosive, and a cap received on the open end of the container. The container has two lateral opposing cord tunnels which run the length of the container. The cord tunnels protect the fuse cord on the inside of the primer. The cap has two apertures which align with cord tunnels in the container. The cap has capwell for receiving the detonator. The capwell is pierceable so that a detonator can be inserted through the capwell and embedded directly in the explosive composition inside the container. In addition, the primer contains grooves in the bottom of the container and in the cap. The grooves communicate with the apertures and the recess in the cap and the cord tunnels to create a continuous conduit so that a fuse cord can be threaded therethrough to secure the cord to the primer and selectively position the primer in a borehole at the blast site.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the manufacture of a broken-emulsion which is comprised of polyglycol bottoms and emulsion. The broken-emulsion can be made from waste emulsion and can subsequently be used as a fuel component and/or oxidizer in an explosive.

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

Abstract: A pulverable casing (10) includes a housing (12) which is made from a ceramic material and which defines a circular housing closure surface (18). There is a cover (14) on the housing (12). The cover (14) is also made from a ceramic material and defines a circular cover closure surface (20). Cover (14) has a rounded conical exterior surface (24) that defines a skirt angle S of about 120.degree.. The cover closure surface (20) is dimensioned and configured to engage the housing closure surface (18) to define a housing-cover joint (22) which defines a joint angle .alpha. of about 130.degree.. In a particular embodiment, the exterior surface (24) of the cover (14) is rounded to a radius of about 1.8 inches and has a diameter D of about 3.28 inches.

Abstract: In well perforating operations, it is necessary to detonate shaped charges suspended in the well. To avoid dangerous detonation at the surface, a pressure responsive mechanism is set to respond to a pressure indicative of operation at a selected depth. This pressure setting arms the detonator in cooperation with an electrical arming mechanism operative in response to a selected current flow at a required voltage for a selected interval.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a method for preparing an explosive composition with an adjusted rate of detonation which matches the rock stratum in which blasting is to occur. The composition is comprised of a mixture of glass microballoons and plastic spheres, which mixture has been found to provide one with adjustable rates of detonation with essentially no significant difference in the carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and water contents or ratios and at the same time with the same overall energy.

Abstract: A light weight explosive mass for a spherical charge of high explosives used to simulate nuclear bursts at ground or above ground level or underwater wherein the sphericity of the loaded explosive mass must be maintained within tight tolerance, exemplary of which are particulate ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) explosive and liquid nitromethane explosive, contained in a flexible fabric shell that becomes spheroidal by reason of being filled with the explosive, is disclosed.

Abstract: A propellant stick kerfing apparatus includes a support frame, a conveyor mounted on the support frame and operable for conveying a succession of spaced propellant sticks along a path of travel with the sticks extending in transverse relation to the direction of travel, a drive arrangement mounted on the support frame and coupled to the conveyor for driving the conveyor to advance the succession of propellant sticks along the path of travel, and pairs of upper and lower blades mounted stationarily on the support frame and defining cutting edges for making transaxial kerfs in the propellant sticks from opposite upper and lower sides thereof as the succession of spaced sticks are advanced along the path of travel between the cutting edges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deslagging a cyclone furnace in which a series of flexible hollow tubes are inserted into the combustion chamber and the explosive charges in each hollow tube are detonated sequentially. Each of the hollow tubes is biased outwardly against the accumulated slag and ash in the combustion chamber. The hollow tubes may be formed in arcs or rings in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber, and spacer rings may be positioned between each ring.

Abstract: A blasting agent is disclosed for use in a borehole having a pressure resistant closure. The blasting agent is used in combination with a primary initiating system comprised of a detonator and an initiator for the detonator. The blasting agent is preferably a semi-fluid explosive material having a predetermined sensitivity. The sensitivity is related to the borehole diameter and the initiating system's strength, wherein the blasting agent upon initiation is transformed into explosive products by means of reaction front which consumes substantially all the blasting agent as the reaction front passes through the blasting agent. The reaction front has an average velocity of propagation of between 200 meters/second and 1,000 meters/second for at least 30% of the total length of blasting agent located in the borehole. Another aspect of the invention is a method of blasting wherein the average velocity of propagation of the explosive front in the blasting agent is in a range of between 200 m/sec and 1,000 m/sec.

Abstract: A water-in-oil type emulsion explosive envelope comprises a water-in-oil type emulsion explosive and a paper wrapping the explosive. In this envelope, the paper is coated with a low-temperature melt resin and wrapped double so as to adhere joint faces to each other through heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an encased propellant which comprises overwrapping at least one charge of propellant with an elastomeric coating composition to produce the desired encased propellant. The process is suitably effected by molding, casting, dipping, or otherwise applying the coating composition to the charge of propellant. The process and composition of the present invention is expected to be useful in the production of encased tank ammunition, and the like.

Abstract: An explosive sheet which is formed by a layer of explosive material, a layer of foil, and an inert space forming material. These three layers are repeated to number, n, times to form a composite plane-wave forming explosive sheet.

Abstract: The invention provides shaping apparatus for an explosive charge, particularly for use with plastic explosive in forming shaped charges. The shaping apparatus comprises a hollow cylindrical body (1), a substantially conical partition (2) within said body for shaping an explosive charge (3) inserted into the body on one side of said partition (2) and means (5) on the other side of said partition (2) for supporting a detonator (6).

Abstract: A booster for high efficiency initiation of an explosive material comprising a body portion having substantially tapered sides and a substantially flat interface surface at the larger end of the body portion extending generally laterally thereof for contacting the explosive material. A plurality of passageways may be formed in the booster to receive a means for detonating same. When compared with traditional cylindrical boosters of either equal weight or equally sized interface surfaces, the disclosed booster resulted in shorter run-up distance and a more effective release of explosive energy. Although numerous geometric configurations of the booster are disclosed, a presently preferred embodiment thereof takes the shape of a conical frustum, the larger planar surface of which is to be oriented as the interface surface toward the explosive material to be detonated.