Homogenized Emulsion Explosive Bubble Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanically-gassed emulsion explosives face issues with gas bubble migration and coalescence due to low viscosity, leading to uneven distribution of gas bubbles and potential undetonability.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system and method for manufacturing mechanically-gassed homogenized emulsion explosives, which involves multiple stages of gassing and homogenization to increase the viscosity of the emulsion, thereby reducing gas bubble migration and coalescence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the emulsion explosive is kept at low viscosity for ease of handling and delivery, then the ease of operation is improved, but gas bubble migration and coalescence increase leading to poor homogeneity and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the viscosity of the emulsion explosive within a specific range (100-10,000 cP) to optimize both handling characteristics and gas bubble stability. By adjusting viscosity parameters, the system achieves sufficient gas bubble retention while maintaining ease of delivery and handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the emulsion explosive with gas bubbles in a controlled manner. The emulsion serves as both the explosive medium and the matrix that holds gas bubbles, creating a composite structure where the continuous phase maintains cohesion while dispersed gas bubbles provide sensitivity without causing harmful migration or coalescence.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple stages of gassing and homogenization are implemented to improve gas bubble distribution, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the gassing process into multiple discrete stages with specific parameters. Each stage involves controlled gas injection followed by homogenization, allowing precise control over gas bubble size, distribution, and concentration. This segmented approach achieves uniform gas bubble distribution while keeping each individual stage relatively simple and controllable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing homogenization steps between gas injection stages. This preliminary homogenization ensures that gas bubbles are evenly distributed before the next gassing stage begins, preventing coalescence and achieving uniform final distribution. The preliminary action of homogenization prepares the emulsion for the next phase of gas incorporation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the viscosity of the emulsion is increased to reduce gas bubble mobility, then the compositional stability is improved, but the ease of delivery and handling decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing viscosity within the range of 100-10,000 cP. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient viscosity to prevent gas bubble migration and maintain compositional stability, while remaining low enough to allow easy delivery through standard equipment and handling operations. The specific viscosity range represents the optimal balance point between these competing requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The increased viscosity of the homogenized emulsion explosive results in improved compositional stability, reduced gas bubble mobility, and enhanced detonation reliability, eliminating the issues of uneven gas distribution and undetonability.
Implementation Method 1
A homogenizer may be configured to homogenize the stream by applying shear stress to the stream. The homogenizer may comprise a plurality of homogenizing stages, each stage having such an arrangement of elements.
Implementation Method 2
The system may be configured to sensitize the emulsion matrix by introducing gas bubbles into the stream.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for delivering explosive mixtures with gas bubbles that are resistant to in-borehole migration or coalescence are disclosed herein. Such explosive can be sensitized by mechanically introducing gas bubbles into the explosive matrix in a number of gassing stages. Resistance to gas bubble migration and coalescence without the need for bubble stabilization agents can be achieved by homogenization in a number of homogenizing stages.