Detonator-Sensitive Booster Charges Using Nitroalkane Slurry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detonator-sensitive booster charges face issues with long-term availability, health hazards, high production costs, and complexity due to the use of outdated military explosives or gelatinous explosives, which are difficult to produce and handle safely.
Innovation Solution
A detonator-sensitive booster charge comprising a mixture of nitroalkane and cavity-forming means, such as hollow glass microspheres, with a concave curvature and metallic coating, designed to enhance detonation velocity and safety, and a thixotropic agent for uniform distribution, along with a slot for an ignition device like a blasting cap or detonating cord.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If classic primer cartridges made of gelatinous explosives are used, then detonation sensitivity is improved, but health hazards and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gelatinous explosives with a slurry composition consisting of ammonium nitrate particles, fuel oil, and water in specific proportions. This parameter change in chemical composition eliminates nitric acid esters while maintaining detonation sensitivity through the controlled slurry formulation and cavity structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite slurry material combining ammonium nitrate (oxidizer), fuel oil (fuel), and water (binder), rather than traditional gelatinous explosives. This composite approach achieves the required detonation sensitivity without the harmful nitric acid ester components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and health safety.
2Reliability
If pressed cylindrical explosive devices made of military explosives are used, then detonation reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, long-term unavailable military explosives (TNT, Composition B) with a cost-effective slurry composition using readily available ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and water. The slurry is contained in disposable plastic capsules, achieving reliable detonation at lower cost and improved availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from proprietary military explosives to commercial-grade ammonium nitrate-based slurry. By controlling the particle size distribution, fuel-to-oxidizer ratio, and water content, the patent achieves reliable detonation performance with inexpensive, easily manufactured components.
3Ease of operation
If gelatinous explosives are used in booster charges, then ignition capability is improved, but production complexity and handling safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the physical state from gelatinous to slurry form, with controlled viscosity through water content adjustment. The slurry is contained in pre-formed plastic capsules with defined geometry, simplifying production while maintaining ignition capability through the cavity structure and controlled composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the booster charge into discrete plastic capsules containing standardized slurry compositions. Each capsule is a self-contained unit with defined dimensions and charge mass, simplifying production, handling, and assembly compared to traditional gelatinous explosive fabrication processes.
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 solution achieves high detonation velocities without forming carcinogenic or physiologically problematic substances, is inexpensive, and has a long shelf life, with self-deactivation in case of damage, ensuring safe handling and reduced storage and transportation costs, while avoiding hazardous production processes.
Implementation Method 1
a detonator-sensitive booster charge (1) comprising a mixture including a nitroalkane (2) and cavity-forming means (3), as well as a slot (4) for an ignition device
Implementation Method 2
The microspheres can be hollow glass microspheres, resin beads, ceramic beads, etc.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to detonator-sensitive assembled booster charges for use in blasting engineering. The booster charge comprises nitroalkane and a cavity-forming agent.