Ammonium Nitrate Explosives for Civil Applications

This work describes the science and technology of formulation and manufacturing of non-nitroglycerine explosives with ammonium nitrate

as the main ingredient. Based on the author’s industry experience of more than thirty years, it provides an unparalleled treatment of one of

the commercially most important classes of explosives and therefore stimulates further research and development efforts in the field of

explosives for civil applications.

 

Explosives based on ammonium nitrate can be handled more easily than other explosives because they are more stable and less sensitive to

external stimuli such as pressure, shaking or inadvertent ignition. Consequently, they provide more safety for both the manufacturer and

the end user, making them the explosives of choice for civil applications such as mining, construction and pyrotechnics.

 

This book is an invaluable addition to the library of any Explosives and Mining Specialist, Pyrotechnician, Materials Scientist, Military

Authority, and Safety Officer.

PREFACE
 
CLASSIFICATION OF EXPLOSIVES
Initiation Sensitivity
Size
Usage
Physical Form
 
EXPLOSIVE SCIENCE
Introduction
Initiation and Detonation
Propagation and Detonation
Reaction Chemistry in Explosives
 
AMMONIUM NITRATE EXPLOSIVES
Introduction
Tests
Assessment of Safety and Stability Characteristics
Summary
 
AMMONIUM NITRATE AND AN/FO
Introduction and History
Physical and Chemical Properties of Ammonium Nitrate
Manufacture of Ammonium Nitrate
Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil Explosives
 
SLURRIES AND WATER GELS
Development
Design
Process Technology
Quality Checks
Process Hazards (Dust Explosions/Fire Hazards/Health Hazards)
Role of GG
Permissible Explosives
General Purpose Small-Diameter Explosives (GPSD)
Sensitizers
 
EMULSION EXPLOSIVES
Introduction
Concept of Emulsion Explosives
General Composition of Emulsion Explosives
Structure and Rheology
Composition and Theory of Emulsion Explosives
Manufacture
Quality Checks
Explosive Properties of Emulsion Matrix/Explosives
Permissible Emulsions
General Purpose Small-Diameter (GPSD) Emulsion Explosives
Bulk Emulsions
Heavy AN/FO
Packaged Large-Diameter Emulsion Explosives
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Areas of Interest
Development Work and Upscaling
Management of R&D
 
FUNCTIONAL SAFETY DURING MANUFACTURE OF AN EXPLOSIVES
Introduction - Personal View Point on Safety
Safety Considerations in AN Explosives
Explosion Hazards in Equipment
Concluding Remarks
 
ECONOMICS OF AN-BASED EXPLOSIVES
In Manufacture
In Applications
Blast Design
Influence of Explosives in Underground Mining
 
CURRENT STATUS AND CONCLUDING REMARKS
 
APPENDIX A
 
APPENDIX B: GUIDELINES FOR INVESTIGATION OF AN ACCIDENT
Introduction
Detailed Inspection
Interviewing and Questioning
Collection of Samples
Examination of Witnesses
Examination of Dead/Injured
 
INDEX
 

• By (author) Erode G. Mahadevan