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U.S. Department of Energy
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Method of manufacturing a cap-sensitive and non-sensitive aqueous gel suspension explosive

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6649046
Non-cap sensitive aqueous gel explosives containing no suspended solid fuels are made by combining water, hexamethylenetetramine, ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate and nitric acid, along with sufficient polysaccharide gum to thicken the mixture. These explosives are rendered cap sensitive by mixing therewith paint grade aluminum powder or other conventional sensitizing agents. According to a preferred procedure, a cap sensitive aqueous gel explosive is made by a procedure in which nitric acid and aqueous hexamethylenetetramine solution are first combined under controlled conditions of temperature and pH and ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate, thickening agent, and aluminum powder are added in controlled amounts in a specified order. The product possess cap sensitivity, even at temperatures as low as -23..cap omega..C. (6 claims)
Assignee:
Gulf Oil Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 3962001
OSTI ID:
6649046
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English