Mechanically Gassed Emulsion Explosives With Stable Gas Bubbles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emulsion explosives face challenges in achieving stable detonation due to issues with gas bubble migration and coalescence, particularly in low viscosity formulations lacking bubble stabilizing agents, leading to uneven distribution and potential undetonability.
Innovation Solution
Mechanically introducing gas bubbles into the emulsion matrix using a diffuser and subjecting it to shear stress through a homogenizer to increase viscosity, thereby stabilizing the emulsion and preventing bubble migration and coalescence without the need for traditional bubble stabilizing agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional bubble stabilizing agents are used in emulsion explosives, then gas bubble stability is improved, but product complexity and potential harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes traditional bubble stabilizing agents (surfactants, foaming agents, polymers) from the emulsion explosive formulation entirely. Instead of using chemical additives to stabilize gas bubbles, the patent relies on the inherent stability of mechanically introduced gas bubbles through proper emulsion matrix design and mechanical gassing processes, thereby eliminating the harmful effects associated with these stabilizing agents while maintaining bubble stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If emulsion viscosity is increased to prevent bubble migration, then bubble stability is improved, but ease of pumping and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary mechanical gassing and homogenization of the emulsion matrix before pumping and installation. Gas bubbles are mechanically introduced and uniformly distributed under controlled conditions in the emulsion plant, creating a stable foam structure in advance. This preliminary action ensures bubble stability is achieved during manufacturing without requiring high viscosity during subsequent pumping and handling operations, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
3Quantity of substance
If gas bubbles are introduced chemically, then bubble formation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and potential harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical gassing methods (using chemical reactions to generate gas bubbles) with mechanical gassing methods (using mechanical agitation, mixing, and foam generation equipment). This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for chemical gassing agents and their associated reaction control systems, while still achieving the desired gas bubble formation and distribution in the emulsion explosive.
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 resulting high-viscosity emulsion explosives exhibit enhanced stability and homogeneity, reducing the likelihood of undetonation and ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
mechanically introducing gas bubbles into the emulsion matrix using a diffuser
Implementation Method 2
subjecting it to shear stress through a homogenizer to increase viscosity
Data Source
AI summary
Emulsion explosives with gas bubbles that are resistant to in-borehole migration or coalescence are disclosed herein. Such emulsions can be sensitized by mechanically-introducing gas bubbles into the emulsion. Resistance to gas bubble migration and coalescence can be achieved by homogenization, without the need for bubble stabilization agents.