Underwater detonator damper

Abstract

Underwater detonator made of a biodegradable material for a pin-type detonator with a pin-type detonator adapter for receiving the pin-type detonator, a detonator adapter chamber arranged cylindrically along the longitudinal axis of the underwater detonator, which provides a cavity for receiving the detonator adapter with a pin-type detonator, the detonator adapter centers the pin-type detonator in the explosive portion along the detonator adapter chamber of the underwater detonator, the detonator adapter chamber has a first opening, the first opening being closable with a first sealing plug, the first sealing plug having a groove allowing a two-core detonator wire or detonator hose or fuse to pass through, an inner chamber,wherein the inner chamber surrounds the ignition adapter chamber and forms a fillable inner cavity, and the inner cavity can be filled through a second opening, and the second opening can be closed with a second sealing plug, an outer chamber, wherein the outer chamber surrounds the inner chamber and forms a fillable outer cavity, and the outer cavity can be filled through a third opening, and the third opening can be closed with a third sealing plug.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of underwater blasting in blasting training as well as for testing with various pin-type detonators in and for military use.

[0002] Underwater blasting introduces other environmental forces, particularly affecting flora and fauna. These are shock-like emissions characterized by sound waves (the detonation blast), pressure waves (the detonation pressure wave, especially the pressure shock), and gas bubble formation (detonation gases) underwater. Sound waves, in particular, propagate approximately 4.5 times faster underwater (the speed of sound is approximately 1407 m / s).

[0003] The execution of underwater blasting operations, particularly for training and testing purposes to practice the safe handling of detonators underwater, may be prohibited due to environmental regulations. This also applies to the ignition of a pre-ignition element. Igniting a pre-ignition element is, by definition, also a blasting operation. The pre-ignition element can, for example, be a pin-type detonator. A pin-type detonator could be, for instance, an electric or electronic detonator (military detonator), a hose detonation system, or a detonator with a fuse (detonator detonator). A pin-type detonator may also include, for example, a two-core detonating cable, a fuse, or a detonating hose.

[0004] Underwater explosions result in a sudden surge of sound and pressure due to the detonation, which can injure or kill swimmers and divers in the immediate vicinity of the blast. This has the disadvantage that swimmers and divers must leave the water before the detonation.

[0005] German patent application DE 32 37 727 A1 describes an explosive or training device specifically designed for underwater use. It is designed for easy and safe handling by combat divers and for attachment to underwater objects. The device has a U-shaped, metallic casing with two cavities that serve as buoyancy chambers. It also features a central explosive charge or acoustic detonator, a firing mechanism, and a mounting and tensioning device. However, the explosive or training device has the disadvantage that its size and weight make it less suitable for training exercises involving various pin-type detonators.

[0006] Patent DE 27 46 559 B2 relates to a housing for a hollow explosive charge and a method for underwater blasting. The housing is designed to be divided into a first and a second chamber. The first chamber contains the hollow explosive charge, while the second chamber comprises a cavity and a space for the explosive charge. An essential feature of the housing is that it has at least one liquid-permeable opening that allows pressure to be transferred from the surrounding water to the second chamber. A tube is also provided, which passes through this opening and serves to supply compressed air to displace any water that has entered the second chamber. The underwater blasting method involves lowering the housing with the second chamber open to the intended working depth, after which the water that has entered is forced out using compressed air.This system allows the housing to be used effectively in underwater conditions without damage from external hydrostatic pressure, as the internal and external pressures can be balanced. A disadvantage is the dependence on an external source. The need to use compressed air to remove any water that has entered the housing means that divers must be equipped with appropriate equipment, which reduces flexibility during operations or training exercises. Furthermore, a malfunction in the compressed air supply system can lead to a failure of the detonation process.

[0007] German patent DE 102 54 667 B4 shows an underwater charge with an explosive charge surrounded by a damping layer to increase performance. The damping layer can consist of several layers. One of the layers can be made of air. Another layer can be filled with a liquid.

[0008] DE 25 15 777 C3 shows a flexible plastic container for sealing an explosive charge in the field of seismic ground exploration.

[0009] DE 18 17 939 A shows a small-caliber explosive device with a detonator and an explosive in a cartridge-like cup.

[0010] DE 12 01 716 A shows an underwater bomb with an explosive charge. Depending on a set water depth, a detonator triggers the explosive charge.

[0011] German patent DE 10 55 417 B discloses a method for underwater blasting. The method uses air-filled balloons to slow down the shock waves of underwater explosions.

[0012] DE 188 891 A shows a demolition cartridge for underwater explosions.

[0013] The object of the present inventions is therefore to minimize the danger zone of an underwater explosion and to provide a simple training device for handling pin-type detonators underwater.

[0014] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Technically advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0015] The underwater detonator damper for a pin-type detonator includes - a pin-shaped ignition adapter, which serves to hold the pin-shaped ignition device, - a detonator adapter chamber, which is arranged cylindrically along the longitudinal axis of the underwater detonator damper, which serves as a cavity for receiving the pin-shaped detonator, the detonator adapter centers the pin-shaped detonator in the explosive part along the detonator adapter chamber of the underwater detonator damper, the detonator adapter chamber has a first opening, wherein the first opening can be closed with a first sealing plug, the first sealing plug has a groove so that a two-core detonator cable or a detonating hose or a fuse can be passed through it, - an inner chamber, wherein the inner chamber surrounds the ignition adapter chamber and forms a fillable inner cavity, and the inner cavity is fillable through a second opening, and the second opening is closable with a second sealing plug, wherein the inner cavity is filled with air or a Newtonian fluid, - an outer chamber, wherein the outer chamber surrounds the inner chamber and forms a fillable outer cavity, and the outer cavity is fillable through a third opening, and the third opening is closable with a third sealing plug, wherein the outer cavity is filled with air or a Newtonian fluid.

[0016] The advantages achieved with the invention result from the idea of ​​using an underwater detonator damper in which a pin-shaped detonator is surrounded by hollow chambers, so that during an underwater explosion, the sound and pressure waves can be significantly dampened by the various hollow chambers. This allows for safe training in the handling of underwater explosions with a pin-shaped detonator. Thus, the sound waves (detonation bang), pressure waves (detonation pressure wave, especially the pressure surge), and gas bubble formation (detonation gases) are considerably reduced in underwater training, impacting flora and fauna. Furthermore, the danger zone can be reduced. The danger zone encompasses a predetermined diameter from the blast site above water. The smallest danger zone, for example, is 300 m in radius.No divers are allowed underwater during an underwater explosion.

[0017] The underwater detonator damper can have various geometric shapes. For example, it can be designed as a sphere, cuboid, or cylinder. It can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

[0018] The pin-type detonator adapter must be selected according to the type of pin-type detonator to ensure it can be properly accommodated. This allows the underwater detonator damper to be used for practicing the handling of various pin-type detonators.

[0019] The ignition adapter chamber, which is cylindrically arranged along the longitudinal axis of the underwater detonator silencer, centers the pin-shaped detonator. Central positioning of the explosive portion of the pin-shaped detonator (detonator) within the ignition adapter chamber ensures that the sound waves (detonation bang), pressure waves (detonation pressure wave, especially the pressure surge), and gas bubbles (detonation gases) propagate evenly and symmetrically from the explosive portion of the detonator in the center. This results in a detonation (explosion) at the center of the underwater detonator silencer.

[0020] The first opening of the detonator adapter chamber is then sealed with the first sealing plug. This plug has a groove that allows a two-core detonator, a detonating tube, or a fuse to be inserted. This triggers the pin-shaped detonator and secures the detonator adapter and its contents within the underwater detonator damper. Beeswax, for example, can be used as the sealing plug, simultaneously sealing the first opening. The groove tightly encloses the two-core detonator, the detonating tube, or the fuse, ensuring a secure and tight seal even under vibration and movement. The groove also reduces stress on the two-core detonator, the detonating tube, or the fuse, as it eliminates any sharp edges that could cause damage.

[0021] The inner chamber surrounds the detonator adapter chamber and has a second opening that can be sealed with a plug. Advantageously, the inner cavity is filled with air or a Newtonian fluid, such as cornstarch. The second opening is sealed with the second plug, preventing the air inside from escaping, especially when a beeswax plug is used as a natural sealant. This also prevents water from entering the inner cavity when the underwater detonator is used underwater.

[0022] The outer chamber surrounds the inner chamber and they are arranged concentrically. The outer chamber has an outer cavity, which is also filled with air or a Newtonian fluid, such as cornstarch. The third opening is sealed with the third sealing plug to prevent air from escaping and water from entering when the underwater detonator damper is used underwater.

[0023] Both the air or Newtonian fluid in the inner cavity of the inner chamber and the air or Newtonian fluid in the outer cavity of the outer chamber ensure that underwater detonation does not produce a classic sound wave and pressure wave propagation or gas bubble formation. Instead, the design with the inner and outer cavities significantly distorts the propagation of sound waves (detonation bang), pressure waves (detonation pressure wave, especially the pressure surge), and gas bubble formation (detonation gases). The design of the underwater detonator damper dampens the sound waves (detonation bang), pressure waves (detonation pressure wave, especially the pressure surge), and gas bubble formation (detonation gases) compared to detonation with conventional pin-type detonators without an underwater detonator damper.

[0024] Dampening the resulting sound waves (detonation bang), pressure waves (detonation pressure wave, especially the pressure surge), and gas bubble formation (detonation gases) reduces the risks to humans and the underwater environment. Simultaneously, it facilitates improved training in the handling of pin-type detonators underwater, as the danger zone can be reduced. Dampening the sound waves (detonation bang), pressure waves (detonation pressure wave, especially the pressure surge), and gas bubble formation (detonation gases) minimizes the hazardous area for humans and marine life and reduces the harmful effects on underwater fauna.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the filling medium is colored. This serves, among other things, to visualize the detonation gas bubble (gas bubble formation) and as an indicator of a detonation (blast). By coloring the filling medium, the propagation and effect of the detonation gas bubble can be visualized. This helps to analyze the efficiency of the blast and to understand how the energy is distributed in the water. Furthermore, the environmental impact can be monitored through the use of dyes. The use of a colored filling medium can show how material stirred up by the blast is distributed in the water. This can lead to a better understanding of environmental impacts and their minimization. In addition, the colored filling medium can be used in underwater blasting exercises to improve personnel's understanding and safe handling of a pin-type detonator.

[0026] According to a further technically advantageous embodiment, the wall between the inner and outer chambers is equipped with rupture discs. Likewise, the outer wall of the outer chamber is equipped with rupture discs. The rupture discs are arranged offset from one another. The rupture disc is designed to fail and burst at a specific, predefined pressure. This can be achieved, for example, by using a thinner wall. Thus, the sound waves and pressure waves can be refracted and dampened multiple times, and the formation of gas bubbles (detonation gases) can be restricted and fragmented.

[0027] According to a technically advantageous design, the underwater detonator damper is made of a biodegradable material. Biodegradable materials are produced from natural sources and designed to decompose into natural elements such as carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. This decomposition occurs through natural processes and microorganisms, resulting in less environmental impact compared to non-biodegradable plastics.

[0028] Particularly underwater, larger pieces of non-biodegradable plastics can be dangerous for aquatic life. Biodegradable materials break down into smaller, less harmful organic fragments that pose little physical threat to aquatic fauna. These biodegradable materials can be decomposed by microorganisms in the water, ultimately breaking them down into carbon dioxide and biomass. This natural degradation prevents the accumulation of waste in waterways.

[0029] Unlike many conventional plastics, which can release harmful additives when they decompose, biodegradable materials often contain fewer or no toxic additives. This reduces the risk of eutrophication, which occurs when nutrients and pollutants accumulate in the water and lead to excessive algae growth.

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1 A cross-sectional view of a spherical underwater detonator damper, an ignition adapter chamber and an electrical or electronic ignition device with a two-wire ignition lead, Fig. 2 A cross-sectional view of an underwater detonator damper in its assembled state with the individual components, Fig. 3 A cross-sectional view of an underwater detonator damper in the assembled state with a Newtonian fluid in the inner and outer cavities, Fig. 4 A cross-sectional view of an underwater detonator damper with a porous structure of the inner and outer cavity.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a spherical underwater detonator 10 in its unassembled state, with three cavities (41, 51, 61). The detonator adapter 30 is located outside the detonator adapter chamber 40, and the first opening 42 is open to receive the detonator adapter 30 centrally. The pin-like detonator 20 is an electrical or electronic detonator. A two-core detonator cable 21 is used. This cable is guided through the groove 40 of the first sealing plug 43. The cylindrical detonator adapter 40 is centrally located within the underwater detonator 10 and serves to receive the detonator adapter 30. The detonator adapter chamber 40 is centered along the longitudinal axis of the underwater detonator 10. The detonator adapter chamber 40 is concentrically surrounded by the inner chamber 50.The inner chamber 50 has a second opening 52 through which air can flow into the inner cavity. This second opening can be closed with the second sealing plug 53, preventing air from escaping the inner cavity 51. The outer chamber 60, which concentrically surrounds the inner chamber 50, has an outer cavity 61, which is also filled with air. The outer cavity 61 has a third opening 62, which can be closed with a third sealing plug 63. When the electrical or electronic detonator 20 is detonated in the underwater detonator 10, the pressure at a distance of approximately 25 cm is reduced by 90% compared to a detonation without the underwater detonator 10.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an assembled underwater detonator 10 in a spherical shape. The detonator adapter 30 is designed for the electrical or electronic detonator 20 such that the explosive portion of the electronic or electrical detonator 20 is centered within the underwater detonator 10. The explosive portion of the detonator 20 lies between the arrowheads of reference numerals 20 and 30. The first sealing plug 43 with a groove 44 is used to lock and seal the first opening 42 of the detonator adapter chamber 40. The two-core detonator lead is guided to the outside via the groove 44. Mounting lugs 70 are provided on the outer wall of the underwater detonator 10. The underwater detonator 10 can be secured underwater using these mounting lugs 70.

[0033] In Fig. 3 the inner and outer cavities 51, 61 of the underwater detonator damper 10 are each filled with a Newtonian fluid 80, 81.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows an underwater detonator silencer 10 in which the inner and outer cavities 51, 61 have a porous structure. The porous structure is made possible by manufacturing the underwater detonator silencer using an additive manufacturing process.

[0035] In contrast to the illustrated examples, the following alternatives or modifications are possible: The underwater detonator damper can also be made from a metal-like material with integrated rupture discs. This allows for multiple uses of the underwater detonator damper.

[0036] Furthermore, various geometric shapes of the underwater detonator are conceivable for use in different underwater training exercises. The underwater detonator can also have various modifications and variations. It is conceivable that the underwater detonator could have more than three cavities. Various options are possible for filling or designing these cavities; for example, one cavity could contain air, another a filling medium, another rupture discs, and yet another a honeycomb or porous structure. Reference symbol list 10 underwater detonator dampers 20 Pen-shaped ignition device 21 Ignition lead '30 Ignition adapters 40 Ignition adapter chamber 41 Cavity 42 First opening 43 First sealing plug 44 Nut 50 Inner Chamber 51 Inner cavity 52 Second Opening 53 Second sealing plug 60 Outer Chamber 61 Outer cavity 62 Third Opening 63 Third sealing plug 70 fastening eyelet 80.81 Newtonian fluid

Claims

[1] Underwater detonator damper (10) for a pin-type detonator (20) with: - a pin-shaped ignition adapter (30) for receiving the pin-shaped ignition device (20), - a detonator adapter chamber (40), which is arranged cylindrically along the longitudinal axis of the underwater detonator damper (10), which provides a cavity (41) for receiving the detonator adapter (30) with a pin-like detonator (20), the detonator adapter (30) centers the pin-like detonator (20) in the explosive part along the detonator adapter chamber (40) of the underwater detonator damper (10), the detonator adapter chamber (40) has a first opening (42), wherein the first opening (42) can be closed with a first sealing plug (43), the first sealing plug has a groove (44) so ​​that a two-core detonating cable (21) or a detonating hose or a detonating cord can be passed through it, - an inner chamber (50), wherein the inner chamber (50) surrounds the ignition adapter chamber (40) and forms a fillable inner cavity (51), and the inner cavity (51) can be filled through a second opening (52), and the second opening (52) can be closed with a second sealing plug (53), wherein the inner cavity (51) is filled with air or a Newtonian fluid (80), an outer chamber (60), wherein the outer chamber (60) surrounds the inner chamber (50) and forms a fillable outer cavity (61), and the outer cavity (61) can be filled through a third opening (62), and the third opening (62) can be closed with a third sealing plug (63), wherein the outer cavity (61) is filled with air or a Newtonian fluid (81). [2] Underwater detonator damper according to claim 1, wherein the filling medium is colored. [3] Underwater detonator damper (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall between the inner and outer chamber (50, 60) and the wall of the outer chamber (60) have several bursting discs on the outside, the bursting discs being arranged offset from each other. [4] Underwater detonator damper (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the underwater detonator damper is made of a biodegradable material.

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