Compact chemical energy system for seismic applications

Patent · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:871758

Engelke, Raymond P ^[1]; Hedges, Robert O ^[1]; Kammerman, Alan B ^[1]; Albright, James N ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos, NM

A chemical energy system is formed for producing detonations in a confined environment. An explosive mixture is formed from nitromethane (NM) and diethylenetriamine (DETA). A slapper detonator is arranged adjacent to the explosive mixture to initiate detonation of the mixture. NM and DETA are not classified as explosives when handled separately and can be safely transported and handled by workers in the field. In one aspect of the present invention, the chemicals are mixed at a location where an explosion is to occur. For application in a confined environment, the chemicals are mixed in an inflatable container to minimize storage space until it is desired to initiate an explosion. To enable an inflatable container to be used, at least 2.5 wt % DETA is used in the explosive mixture. A barrier is utilized that is formed of a carbon composite material to provide the appropriate barrel geometry and energy transmission to the explosive mixture from the slapper detonator system.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Los Alamos, NM)
• Patent Number(s): US 5789697
• OSTI ID: 871758
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

compact
chemical
energy
seismic
applications
formed
producing
detonations
confined
environment
explosive
mixture
nitromethane
nm
diethylenetriamine
deta
slapper
detonator
arranged
adjacent
initiate
detonation
classified
explosives
handled
separately
safely
transported
workers
field
aspect
chemicals
mixed
location
explosion
occur
application
inflatable
container
minimize
storage
space
desired
enable
wt
barrier
utilized
carbon
composite
material
provide
appropriate
barrel
geometry
transmission
chemical energy
slapper detonator
composite material
carbon composite
storage space
energy transmission
explosive mixture
composite mat
/102/149/