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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Slurry explosives containing the combination of nitrogen-base salt and hard solid particles as sensitizer

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6331503

In recent years, blasting agents, particularly those of the type known as water gels or slurry explosives have gained considerable commercial acceptance. Generally, the slurry explosives are comprised of an inorganic oxidizing salt, predominantly ammonium nitrate, a thickening agent for the liquid, water, and fuel. The density, velocity of detonation, and ability to sustain detonation are increased so that the compositions propagate in small diameter boreholes. A water-bearing slurry explosive is described containing inorganic oxidizing salt, fuel, water and thickener together with nitrogen- base salt and solid particles having a hardness of at least 4 on the Mohs scale and that have an acoustic impedance at least 2 times that of the matrix of the slurry explosive. (15 claims)

Assignee:
TUL; EDB-81-108619
Patent Number(s):
US 3617404
OSTI ID:
6331503
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English