GB2132998A - Emulsion explosive composition containing ferrosilicon - Google Patents
Emulsion explosive composition containing ferrosilicon Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2132998A GB2132998A GB08329300A GB8329300A GB2132998A GB 2132998 A GB2132998 A GB 2132998A GB 08329300 A GB08329300 A GB 08329300A GB 8329300 A GB8329300 A GB 8329300A GB 2132998 A GB2132998 A GB 2132998A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- explosive
- fuel
- emulsion
- ammonium nitrate
- sorbitan
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 44
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 229910000519 Ferrosilicon Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 28
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims description 14
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(3-bromo-2-fluorophenyl)acetic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC1=CC=CC(Br)=C1F PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000004449 solid propellant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000012188 paraffin wax Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000003995 emulsifying agent Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 235000019271 petrolatum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- CUNWUEBNSZSNRX-RKGWDQTMSA-N (2r,3r,4r,5s)-hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol;(z)-octadec-9-enoic acid Chemical compound OC[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO.OC[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O CUNWUEBNSZSNRX-RKGWDQTMSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Toluene Chemical compound CC1=CC=CC=C1 YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004264 Petrolatum Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- -1 alkaline earth metal perchlorates Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000004665 fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 229940066842 petrolatum Drugs 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003638 chemical reducing agent Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229960005078 sorbitan sesquioleate Drugs 0.000 claims description 3
- IIZBNUQFTQVTGU-PTTKHPGGSA-N (z)-octadec-9-enoic acid;propane-1,2,3-triol Chemical compound OCC(O)CO.OCC(O)CO.OCC(O)CO.OCC(O)CO.OCC(O)CO.OCC(O)CO.OCC(O)CO.OCC(O)CO.OCC(O)CO.OCC(O)CO.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O.CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O IIZBNUQFTQVTGU-PTTKHPGGSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- ZORQXIQZAOLNGE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-difluorocyclohexane Chemical compound FC1(F)CCCCC1 ZORQXIQZAOLNGE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- IIZPXYDJLKNOIY-JXPKJXOSSA-N 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@H](COP([O-])(=O)OCC[N+](C)(C)C)OC(=O)CCC\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/CCCCC IIZPXYDJLKNOIY-JXPKJXOSSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- DYSXLQBUUOPLBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3-dinitrotoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC=CC([N+]([O-])=O)=C1[N+]([O-])=O DYSXLQBUUOPLBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- WOKDXPHSIQRTJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-[3-[3-[3-[3-[3-[3-[3-[3-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-2-hydroxypropoxy]propane-1,2-diol Chemical compound OCC(O)COCC(O)COCC(O)COCC(O)COCC(O)COCC(O)COCC(O)COCC(O)COCC(O)COCC(O)CO WOKDXPHSIQRTJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 244000068988 Glycine max Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000010469 Glycine max Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004166 Lanolin Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- CTQNGGLPUBDAKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N O-Xylene Chemical compound CC1=CC=CC=C1C CTQNGGLPUBDAKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910019142 PO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002202 Polyethylene glycol Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- IYFATESGLOUGBX-YVNJGZBMSA-N Sorbitan monopalmitate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@@H](O)[C@H]1OC[C@H](O)[C@H]1O IYFATESGLOUGBX-YVNJGZBMSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- HVUMOYIDDBPOLL-XWVZOOPGSA-N Sorbitan monostearate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@@H](O)[C@H]1OC[C@H](O)[C@H]1O HVUMOYIDDBPOLL-XWVZOOPGSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- IJCWFDPJFXGQBN-RYNSOKOISA-N [(2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-3-octadecanoyloxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-octadecanoyloxyethyl] octadecanoate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@@H](OC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC)[C@H]1OC[C@H](O)[C@H]1OC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC IJCWFDPJFXGQBN-RYNSOKOISA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910001963 alkali metal nitrate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910001485 alkali metal perchlorate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052784 alkaline earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910001964 alkaline earth metal nitrate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000004996 alkyl benzenes Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000014113 dietary fatty acids Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- HBRNMIYLJIXXEE-UHFFFAOYSA-N dodecylazanium;acetate Chemical compound CC(O)=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCN HBRNMIYLJIXXEE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000194 fatty acid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229930195729 fatty acid Natural products 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000295 fuel oil Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940039717 lanolin Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019388 lanolin Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000010445 lecithin Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000787 lecithin Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940067606 lecithin Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940057995 liquid paraffin Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010687 lubricating oil Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004200 microcrystalline wax Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019808 microcrystalline wax Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002480 mineral oil Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000001117 oleyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])/C([H])=C([H])\C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019809 paraffin wax Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010452 phosphate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K phosphate Chemical compound [O-]P([O-])([O-])=O NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001223 polyethylene glycol Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001593 sorbitan monooleate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000011069 sorbitan monooleate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940035049 sorbitan monooleate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000011071 sorbitan monopalmitate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001570 sorbitan monopalmitate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940031953 sorbitan monopalmitate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001587 sorbitan monostearate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000011076 sorbitan monostearate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940035048 sorbitan monostearate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001589 sorbitan tristearate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000011078 sorbitan tristearate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 229960004129 sorbitan tristearate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000008096 xylene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- GDDNTTHUKVNJRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-bromo-3,3-difluoroprop-1-ene Chemical compound FC(F)(Br)C=C GDDNTTHUKVNJRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 125000003827 glycol group Chemical group 0.000 claims 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 9
- ZCCIPPOKBCJFDN-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium nitrate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O ZCCIPPOKBCJFDN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 6
- VWDWKYIASSYTQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium nitrate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O VWDWKYIASSYTQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 6
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 abstract description 5
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000001993 wax Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 235000010344 sodium nitrate Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000004317 sodium nitrate Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 15
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 14
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 14
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 14
- 238000005474 detonation Methods 0.000 description 11
- TZRXHJWUDPFEEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCC(CO[N+]([O-])=O)(CO[N+]([O-])=O)CO[N+]([O-])=O TZRXHJWUDPFEEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000000026 Pentaerythritol tetranitrate Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229960004321 pentaerithrityl tetranitrate Drugs 0.000 description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 3
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000008347 soybean phospholipid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000640 Fe alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- SNIOPGDIGTZGOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitroglycerin Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCC(O[N+]([O-])=O)CO[N+]([O-])=O SNIOPGDIGTZGOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000676 Si alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000021355 Stearic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000008346 aqueous phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052785 arsenic Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- RQNWIZPPADIBDY-UHFFFAOYSA-N arsenic atom Chemical compound [As] RQNWIZPPADIBDY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000003610 charcoal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002425 crystallisation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008025 crystallization Effects 0.000 description 1
- UDWUWCBAWXRSNF-UHFFFAOYSA-O diazanium;nitrate;perchlorate Chemical compound [NH4+].[NH4+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-]Cl(=O)(=O)=O UDWUWCBAWXRSNF-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 1
- 229960003711 glyceryl trinitrate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 150000008282 halocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000010423 industrial mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Natural products CCCCCCCC(C)CCCCCCCCC(O)=O OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011574 phosphorus Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052698 phosphorus Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010561 standard procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008117 stearic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06B—EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
- C06B47/00—Compositions in which the components are separately stored until the moment of burning or explosion, e.g. "Sprengel"-type explosives; Suspensions of solid component in a normally non-explosive liquid phase, including a thickened aqueous phase
- C06B47/14—Compositions in which the components are separately stored until the moment of burning or explosion, e.g. "Sprengel"-type explosives; Suspensions of solid component in a normally non-explosive liquid phase, including a thickened aqueous phase comprising a solid component and an aqueous phase
- C06B47/145—Water in oil emulsion type explosives in which a carbonaceous fuel forms the continuous phase
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Colloid Chemistry (AREA)
- Solid Fuels And Fuel-Associated Substances (AREA)
- Liquid Carbonaceous Fuels (AREA)
Abstract
An explosive in the form of an emulsion which includes a discontinuous phase which includes water, and ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate and calcium nitrate as oxidising salts; a continuous phase which includes a paraffin hydrocarbon fuel and a hydrocarbon wax fuel; and as a solid fuel component dispersed in the continuous phase, finely divided ferrosilicon.
Description
SPECIFICATION
An emulsion explosive having a solid fuel component of ferrosilicon
THIS INVENTION relates to an explosive. In particular the invention relates to an explosive of the emulsion type in which an oxidizing salt-containing component forms the discontinuous phase in an emulsion wherein the continuous phase comprises a fuel component which is immiscible with the discontinuous phase.
Such explosives, where the oxidizing salt-containing component contains water and is in the form of an aqueous solution are known as 'water-in-fuel' emulsions, and when the oxidizing salt component includes no water they can be regarded as 'melt-in-fuel' emulsions.
According to the invention there is provided an explosive in the form of an emulsion which includes
a discontinuous phase which includes an oxidising salt;
a continuous phase which includes a fuel which is immiscible with the discontinuous phase; and
as a solid fuel component dispersed in the continuous phase, finely divided ferrosilicon (FeSi).
It is comtemplated that the FeSi will typically be of a particle size comparable to or slightly finer than paint fine or flake aluminium. A suitable FeSi is available from G 8 W Base a Industrial Minerals (Proprietary) Limited, Wadeville, Transvaal, as 'Milled Ferrosilicon'. It is a finely ground charcoal grey powder, an alloy of iron and silicon, conforming with the following specification:
PROPERTY VALUE
Silicon content Not less than 70% m/m as Si
Silicon and Iron
Content Not less than 90% m/m as Si and Fe
Phosphorus content Not more than 0,05% m/m as P
Arsenic Content Not more than 0,05% m/m as As
Specific Surface Area Not less than 10 000 cm2/cm3
Particle size 10,um (ie 1 X 10-5m)mean particle size.
The FeSi will thus be finer than atomised aluminium (which has a mean particle size in the order of about 50 microns ie 5 x 1 0 - 5m). However, the above specification is merely illustrative and it is believed that any FeSi of comparable or higher (or even lower) purity can be used, provided it has a comparable particle size and routine testing is all that will be necessary to determine the suitability of a particular FeSi powder and the proportion in which it is to be used, to take into account variations in particle size and composition.
The FeSi is intended as an energetic fuel for at least partially replacing the aluminium typically used in emulsion explosives of the type in question. The FeSi may be used together with another solid fuel. For example, for a more energetic fuel, a mixture of FeSi and atomised aluminium in any proportion to one another can be used. The total proportion of the FeSi and other solid fuel together will typically be 2 to 14% m/m, preferably 4-10% mm of the emulsion explosive, ie proportions similar to those typically encountered for atomised aluminium when it is the only solid fuel used.
The emulsion is formed by dispersing the discontinuous phase in the continuous phase when they are both in liquid form, but the expression 'emulsion' is intended to be construed as covering also the emulsions at temperatures below that at which they were formed, so that the discontinuous phase may be a solid. The FeSi is dispersed in the emulsion after the emulsion has been formed, to form a suspension.
The oxidising salt may comprise a member selected from the group consisting of
alkali metal nitrates,
alkali metal perchlorates,
alkaline earth metal nitrates,
alkaline earth metal perchlorates,
ammonium nitrate
ammonium perchlorate, and
mixtures of one or more thereof.
The oxidising salt may be present as an aqueous solution.
Instead, the discontinuous phase may comprise ammonium nitrate and a compound which, together with the ammonium nitrate, form a melt which has a melting point which is lower than that of the ammonium nitrate, the compounds being capable of acting as an oxidising salt or fuel.
The liquid fuel may form from about 2 to 25% by mass of the emulsion, preferably being in the region of about 3 to 12% by mass thereof.
The liquid fuel may include an emulsifier, or a mixture of suitable emulsifiers.
The emulsifiers may comprise a member selected from the group consisting of sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, the mono- and diglycerides of fat-forming fatty acids, soya bean lecithin, derivatives of lanolin, alkyl benzene suplhonates, oleyl acid phosphate, laurylamine acetate, decaglycerol decaoleate, decaglycerol decastearate, polymeric emulsifiers containing polyethylene glycol back bones with fatty acid side chains, and one or more mixtures thereof.
The liquid fuel will be immiscible with and insoluble in water, and is preferably a non-selfexplosive organic fuel, being for example selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof. Thus the fuel may comprise a member selected from the group consisting of mineral oils, fuel oils, lubricating oils, liquid paraffin, microcrystalline waxes, paraffin waxes, xylene, petrolatum, toluene, dinitrotoluene, and one or more mixtures thereof.
The emulsifiers act as stabilizers to promote the formation of the emulsion and to combat coalescing and/or crystallization of the discontinuous phase.
In general when the discontinuous phase contains water, this water should be kept at a minimum consistent with forming a satisfactory emulsion and consistent with the avoidance of wasted energy arising from steam production upon detonation.
The density of the emulsion will be such as to form a suitable exlosives composition, and preferably may be between 1,30kg/land 1,50 kg/l at 25"C.
The explosive may thus include microballoons or another form of density reducing agent, to provide the emulsion with a desired density, eg 1,15-1,2 kg/l at 25"C. The emulsion may comprise up to 5% by mass of the microballoons, which may be of glass or a polymeric material, and preferably 1,5 to 2,5%, and they can also act to sensitize the explosive.
The following emulsions were prepared and used as control emulsions:
CONTROL EMULSION NO. 1
The formulation of this emulsion was as follows:
% BY MASS
Ammonium Nitrate 59,70
Sodium Nitrate 14,40
Calcium Nitrate 3,60
Water 12,35
P95 Oil 1,90
Sasolwaks M 1,30
Arlacel 83 0,72
Soya Lecithin 0,72
Surfactant 0,31
Atomized aluminium (50 micron 5,00 (ie 5 X 10~5m) (Supramex 2100)
The emulsion was prepared in a Hobart mixer having a steamjacketed bowl, with a wire whip according to the following standard method:
The oil phase comprising the oil, surfactants, and wax was heated to 85"C in the steamjacketed bowl. With the wire whip rotating at a speed of 285 rpm the aqueous phase comprising the water and oxidising salts was added to the oil phase at a temperature of 85"C.
The resultant emulsion was stirred for another two minutes at the same speed, which was then increased to 591 rpm for a period of ten minutes. After this the product had a petroleum-jelly like consistency. The aluminium was then added, followed by sufficient C15/250 glass microballoons (2,5-3,0 kg/100kg) at 65'Cto bring the density down to 1,15-1,2 kg/l. This product was sensitive to detonation by 0,36g (ie 3,6 X 10-4kg) of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) in 25mm (ie 2,5 X 10-2m) at 25"C after three months storage at ambient temperature.
The velocity of detonation was 4,1 x 1 O3m/s.
CONTROL EMULSION NO. 2
The formulation of this emulsion differed from that of the control emulsion No. 1 in that the oil and wax components thereof were replaced with an equivalent amount of unprocessed petrolatum, and this emulsion was prepared via the same method as described above for the control emulsion No. 1.
The emulsion detonated with 0,36g (ie 3,6 X 10-4kg) of PETN in 25mm (ie 2,5 x 10-2m at 25"C after four months storage at ambient temperature and after four months storage at 40"C.
The velocity of detonation was 4,1 X 1 03m/s These tests are still in progress so that the maximum storage periods have not yet been established.
EXAMPLE 1
The following emulsion in accordance with the invention was prepared:
% BY MASS
Ammonium nitrate 59,00
Sodium Nitrate 14,20
Calcium nitrate 3,50
Water 12,15
P95 oil 1,80
Sasolwaks M 1,20
Arlacel 83 0,72
Soya Lecithin 0,72
Surfactant 0,31
FeSi 6,40
P95 is a paraffinic hydrocarbon fuel available from B P Southern Africa (Proprietary) Limited;
Sasolwaks M is a hydrocarbon wax fuel available from Sasol Marketing Company Limited;
Arlacel 83 is a sorbitan sesquioleate emulsifier available from Atlas Chemical Company;
The surfactant is a polymeric emulsifier; and Cm 5/250 microballoons are available from 3M (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited.
The emulsion was prepared in the same fashion as the control, ecept that FeSi having a particle size of 10m (ie 1 x 10-5m) replaced the atomized aluminium. The emulsion was sensitive to detonation by 0,36g (ie 3,6 x 10-4kg) of PETN in 25 mm (ie 2,5 x 10-2m) at 25"C after three months storage at ambient temperature. The velocity of detonation was 4,1 x 103m/s.
EXAMPLE 2
Example 1 was repeated with 6,4% by mass of a relatively coarse grade FeSi having a particle size of 25,um (ie 2,5 x 10-5m). The emulsion was sensitive to detonation by 0,36g (ie 3,6 X 10-4kg) of PETN in 25mm (2,55 X 10-2m) at 25"C after three months storage at ambient temperature. The velocity of detonation was 4,1 x 1 03m/s.
EXAMPLE 3
Example 1 was repeated with 6,4% by mass of the FeSi with a particle size of 10,um (ie 1 x 10-5m), but the P95 oil and the Sasolwaks M were replaced by 3,2% by mass of unprocessed petrolatum. The emulsion was sensitive to 0,369 (ie 3,6 x 10-4k9) of PETN in 25mm (ie 2,5 x 10-2m) at 25"C after four months storage at 40"C and after four months storage at ambient temperature. The velocity of detonation was 4,0 X 103m/s. These tests are still in progress so that the maximum storage periods have not yet been established.
EXAMPLE 4
Example 1 was repeated with 3.2% by mass of FeSi having a particle size of 1 0m (ie 1 X 10-5m) and 3.2% by mass of atomised aluminium with a particle size of 50ym (ie 5 x 10-5m). The relative proportions of the other ingredients were adjusted to achieve oxygen balance of the explosive. The emulsion was sensitive to detonation by 0,36g (ie 3,6 x 10-4kg) of PETN in 25 mm (ie 22,5 X 10-2m) at 25"C after three months storage at ambient temperature. The velocity of detonation was 4,1 x 103m/s.
As can be seen from the examples, the properties of the explosive according to the invention were found to be comparable with the corresponding control.
FeSi has been used as a fuel in nitroglycerine explosives instead of aluminium but led to increased impact sensitivity. It has also been used partially to replace aluminium in slurry explosives but led to a decrease in storage stability. In contrast, in the emulsion explosives of the present invention, there is no increase in impact sensitivity and storage stability is good.
FeSi is substantially less expensive than aluminium, and does not have to be coated with stearic acid or the like, as in the case of aluminium, for storage stability, leading to further cost reduction. In tests it has been found that the use of FeSi results in a reduction in postdetonation fumes, no ammonia fumes being produced in the field, unlike the use of aluminium.
Claims (17)
1. An explosive in the form of an emulsion which includes a discontinuous'phase which includes an oxidising salt;
a continuous phase which includes a fuel which is immiscible with the discontinuous phase; and
as a solid fuel component dispersed in the continuous phase, finely divided ferrosilicon (FeSi).
2. An explosive as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the ferrosilicon has a mean particle size of less than 100 microns (kiel X 10-4m).
3. An explosive as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 which includes, in addition to the ferrosilicon, another solid fuel component.
4. An explosive as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the total solid fuel content makes up from 2 to 14% m/m of the explosive.
5. An explosive as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the oxidising salt includes a member selected from the group consisting of:
alkali metal nitrates,
alkali metal perchlorates,
alkaline earth metal nitrates,
alkaline earth metal perchlorates,
ammonium nitrate,
ammonium perchlorate, and
mixtures of one or more thereof
6. An explosive as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the oxidising salt is present as an aqueous solution.
7. An explosive as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the discontinuous phase includes ammonium nitrate and a compound, which together with the ammonium nitrate, forms a melt which has aa melting point which is lower than that of the ammonium nitrate, the compound being capable of acting as an oxidising salt or fuel.
8. An explosive as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fuel forms 2 to 25% by mass of the emulsion.
9. An explosive as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel is organic and non-self-explosive.
10, An explosive as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the fuel includes a member selected from the group consisting of mineral oils, fuel oils, lubricating oils, liquid paraffin, micro-crystalline waxes, paraffin waxes, xylene, petrolatum, toluene, dinitrotoluene, and one or more mixtures thereof.
11. An explosive as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fuel includes an emulsifier.
1 2. An explosive as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the emulsifier comprises a member selected from the group consisting of sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, the mono- and di-glycerides of fat forming fatty acids, soya bean lecithin, derivatives of lanolin, alkyl benzene sulphonates, oleyl acid phosphate, laurylamine acetate, decaglycerol decaoleate, decaglycerol, decastearate, polymeric emulsifiers containing polyethylene glycol backbones and fatty acid side chains, and suitable mixtures of one or more thereof.
1 3. An explosive as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the density of the emulsion is from 1,30 kg/l to 1,50 kg/l at 25"C.
1 4. An explosive as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12, which includes a density reducing agent.
1 5. An explosive as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the density reducing agent comprises micro-balloons.
1 6. An explosive as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the micro-balloons are of glass or a polymeric material and form up to 5% by mass of the emulsion.
17. A new explosive substantially as herein described and exemplified.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA828101 | 1982-11-04 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8329300D0 GB8329300D0 (en) | 1983-12-07 |
| GB2132998A true GB2132998A (en) | 1984-07-18 |
Family
ID=25576355
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08329300A Withdrawn GB2132998A (en) | 1982-11-04 | 1983-11-02 | Emulsion explosive composition containing ferrosilicon |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2093983A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2132998A (en) |
| ZW (1) | ZW23483A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0238210A3 (en) * | 1986-03-14 | 1989-05-24 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Solid explosive composition |
| EP0598115A4 (en) * | 1989-08-23 | 1993-01-18 | Nippon Oils & Fats Co Ltd | W/o emulsion explosive composition. |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1216229A (en) * | 1967-06-02 | 1970-12-16 | Du Pont | Improvements in or relating to water-bearing explosives |
| GB1329512A (en) * | 1970-02-17 | 1973-09-12 | Du Pont | Water-bearing explosives |
| GB1335097A (en) * | 1970-08-18 | 1973-10-24 | Du Pont | Emulsion type blasting agent |
| GB1536180A (en) * | 1976-12-29 | 1978-12-20 | Ici Ltd | Slurry explosive composition |
| GB2004265A (en) * | 1977-09-19 | 1979-03-28 | Clay R | Blasting composition |
-
1983
- 1983-10-31 ZW ZW234/83A patent/ZW23483A1/en unknown
- 1983-11-02 GB GB08329300A patent/GB2132998A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1983-11-03 AU AU20939/83A patent/AU2093983A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1216229A (en) * | 1967-06-02 | 1970-12-16 | Du Pont | Improvements in or relating to water-bearing explosives |
| GB1329512A (en) * | 1970-02-17 | 1973-09-12 | Du Pont | Water-bearing explosives |
| GB1335097A (en) * | 1970-08-18 | 1973-10-24 | Du Pont | Emulsion type blasting agent |
| GB1536180A (en) * | 1976-12-29 | 1978-12-20 | Ici Ltd | Slurry explosive composition |
| GB2004265A (en) * | 1977-09-19 | 1979-03-28 | Clay R | Blasting composition |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0238210A3 (en) * | 1986-03-14 | 1989-05-24 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Solid explosive composition |
| EP0598115A4 (en) * | 1989-08-23 | 1993-01-18 | Nippon Oils & Fats Co Ltd | W/o emulsion explosive composition. |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8329300D0 (en) | 1983-12-07 |
| AU2093983A (en) | 1984-05-10 |
| ZW23483A1 (en) | 1985-07-12 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1115959A (en) | Blasting composition | |
| CA1170835A (en) | Explosive | |
| CA1262823A (en) | Explosive which includes an explosive emulsion | |
| CA1110073A (en) | Blasting explosives composition | |
| CA1135512A (en) | Water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition | |
| AU643821B2 (en) | Stabilized emulsion explosive | |
| CA1166016A (en) | Emulsion explosives containing high concentrations of calcium nitrate | |
| GB2055358A (en) | Emulsion-type explosive composition and method for the preparation thereof | |
| US5159153A (en) | Emulsion that is compatible with reactive sulfide/pyrite ores | |
| CA1160847A (en) | Blasting composition containing particulate oxidizer salts | |
| EP0252580A2 (en) | Explosive compound | |
| US3711345A (en) | Chemical foaming of water-bearing explosives | |
| US4872929A (en) | Composite explosive utilizing water-soluble fuels | |
| AU639562B2 (en) | Emulsion that is compatible with reactive sulfide/pyrite ores | |
| US4552597A (en) | Soft composite explosives and process for making same | |
| CA1299371C (en) | Dry mix explosive composition | |
| GB2132998A (en) | Emulsion explosive composition containing ferrosilicon | |
| US4308081A (en) | Water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent | |
| CA1220943A (en) | Cast explosive composition | |
| AU2607688A (en) | Methods and compositions related to emulsified gassing agents for sensitizing explosive compositions | |
| EP0438896B1 (en) | Shock-resistant, low density emulsion explosive | |
| JP3766198B2 (en) | Water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition | |
| NZ225094A (en) | Water-in-fuel emulsion explosive, with bentonite added as a viscosity-increasing agent | |
| CA1227038A (en) | Method of making an explosive in the form of an emulsion | |
| CA1239288A (en) | Enhancement of emulsification rate using combined surfactant composition |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |