Ammonium nitrate blasting agent and method of production

Abstract

A method of producing an ammonium nitrate blasting agent and such an agent. The method comprises the steps of first combining together a crystal habit modifier with an aqueous solution of ammonium nitrate. Using the mixture of the crystal habit modifier and the ammonium nitrate solution, ammonium nitrate crystals are formed having a particle size of about 1 to about 500 microns. The ammonium nitrate crystals are then combined with an organic carbonaceous fuel at a ratio such that the organic carbonaceous fuel is from about 2 to about 10 percent by weight of the blasting agent.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to the field of explosives and blasting agents, and in particular to an ammonium nitrate blasting agent and its method of production. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Explosives or blasting agents, and in particular ammonium nitrate explosives, are used for a wide variety of different industrial applications ranging from mining, to mineral exploration, to civil engineering applications. Currently, there are three major classifications of commercial explosives that are based upon ammonium nitrate. These three classes are ANFO (explosives grade ammonium nitrate prills and fuel oil), watergels (slurry explosives) and ammonium nitrate based emulsions. Each form of explosive has its own particular advantages and disadvantages. [0003] ANFO is a low cost explosive with a low velocity of detonation and with poor water resistance. ANFO also has a relatively low density of approximately 0.85 g / cc, resulting in relatively low bul...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The invention therefore provides an ANFO blasting agent that may be manufactured with a density that may be tailored to suit a variety of different specific applications or requirements. The blasting agent of the invention exhibits velocities of detonation beyond those of traditional ANFO, and may be formed with varying degrees of sensitivity. The inventive product has also been shown to exhibit relatively good water resistance when compared to standard ANFO. Manufacturing is accomplished by means of a process that is both safe and that provides the ability to make the blasting agent on demand in a cost effective manner.

Problems solved by technology

ANFO is a low cost explosive with a low velocity of detonation and with poor water resistance.

ANFO also has a relatively low density of approximately 0.85 g / cc, resulting in relatively low bulk strength.

The disadvantages of watergels lies in the their high manufacturing costs, which makes them considerably more expensive than ANFO.

As in the case of watergels, emulsions are expensive to manufacture resulting in pricing considerably higher than ANFO products.

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