Emulsion blasting agent

Patent · Tue Feb 27 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:6967650

Jessop, H A; Sudweeks, W B

An emulsified aqueous explosive blasting composition is described which has a discontinuous aqueous phase and a continuous oil phase. The composition consists of discrete droplets of an aqueous solution of inorganic oxidizer salt(s), a water-immiscible liquid hydrocarbon fuel forming a continuous phase throughout which the droplets are dispersed, and an emulsifier that forms an emulsion of the oxidizer salt solution droplets throughout the continuous hydrocarbon liquid phase. Preferably, the composition contains a uniformly dispersed density reducing agent such as small glass or plastic spheres or microballoons, which increase composition sensitivity under relatively high pressures. The key ingredient is the emulsifier, which is a fatty acid amine or ammonium salt having a chain length ranging from 14 to 22 carbon atoms. Preparation of the explosive involves predissolving the emulsifier in the hydrocarbon fuel prior to adding both ingredients to the oxidizer salt solution for mixing. This enhances the ease of emulsification and, thus, reduces the amount of mixing or agitation required. 15 claims.

• Assignee: Ireco Chemicals
• Patent Number(s): US 4141767
• OSTI ID: 6967650
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450100* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
ADDITIVES
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
EMULSIFIERS
EMULSIONS
EXPLOSIVES
HYDROCARBONS
MICROSPHERES
MIXTURES
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PRODUCTION
SALTS
SOLUTIONS