The present invention provides a method of stabilizing a nitrate-based explosive through the use of a NOx scavenger. The present invention further provides a blasting agent including ammonium nitrate and a NOx scavenger. The present invention further provides for a method of blasting adapted for use in reactive and/or elevated temperature ground.

The present disclosure provides an emulsion explosive composition for a booster of a bulk explosive. The composition contains 88% to 98% by weight of an oxidizer aqueous solution, 0.1% to 6% by weight of an emulsifier, 0.1% to 5% by weight of fuel oil, and 0.1% to 1.0% by weight of plastic micro balloons (PMB). The oxidizer aqueous solution is an oxidizer aqueous solution containing ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate, water, and at least one selected from monomethyl amine nitrate (MMAN) and ethylene diamine dinitrate (EDDN). The prepared emulsion has a particle size in the range of 0.5 m to 2.0 m.

The present disclosure provides an emulsion explosive composition for a booster of a bulk explosive. The composition contains 88% to 98% by weight of an oxidizer aqueous solution, 0.1% to 6% by weight of an emulsifier, 0.1% to 5% by weight of fuel oil, and 0.1% to 1.0% by weight of plastic micro balloons (PMB). The oxidizer aqueous solution is an oxidizer aqueous solution containing ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate, water, and at least one selected from monomethyl amine nitrate (MMAN) and ethylene diamine dinitrate (EDDN). The prepared emulsion has a particle size in the range of 0.5 m to 2.0 m.

The present invention is directed to an explosive composition comprised of heavy ANFO and expanded polymeric beads that have a density that is less than the density of the heavy ANFO. The expanded polymeric beads have a size that is determined or based on the size of ammonium nitrate prills used in the heavy ANFO portion of the composition. In one embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads that are utilized in the composition are at least 70% of the lower limit of the mesh size of the predominant ammonium nitrate prill mesh size. In another embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads are at least 70% of a size that is related to the average mesh size of the ammonium nitrate prills.

The present invention relates to a water-based non-sensitized matrix or explosive suspension which itself has a rheological behavior such that it allows mechanically loading upward boreholes. This suspension behaves like a viscous liquid when it is forced to flow due to the action of a loading pump, and, however, has the characteristics of a soft solid when it is on standby once inside the borehole. The composition essentially consists of an aqueous solution of oxidizing salts and optionally water-soluble fuels and/or sensitizers, and one or more water-soluble polymers conferring the desired rheological characteristics. Particles of oxidizing salts with a grain size such that they enhance the rheological behavior characteristic of the suspension are dispersed in this aqueous solution.

The present invention relates to a water-based non-sensitized matrix or explosive suspension which itself has a rheological behavior such that it allows mechanically loading upward boreholes. This suspension behaves like a viscous liquid when it is forced to flow due to the action of a loading pump, and, however, has the characteristics of a soft solid when it is on standby once inside the borehole. The composition essentially consists of an aqueous solution of oxidizing salts and optionally water-soluble fuels and/or sensitizers, and one or more water-soluble polymers conferring the desired rheological characteristics. Particles of oxidizing salts with a grain size such that they enhance the rheological behavior characteristic of the suspension are dispersed in this aqueous solution.

The invention relates to a bis-polyisobutylene alcohol amine compound and compositions thereof. The invention also is directed to a new process for making the bis-polyisobutylene alcohol amine by reacting a polyisobutylene epoxide with a polyamine, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, a protic solvent initiator and/or a diluent. In addition, the invention further relates to the many uses of the bis-polyisobutylene alcohol amine including but not limited to its use in lubricants, surfactants, emulsifiers, resins, and the like.

The present invention provides a modular installation (1) for carrying out a method of manufacturing an explosive emulsion precursor comprising at least three containers: a first container (100) for preparing an aqueous phase, including a dissolution first tank (110); and at least one second and/or third container (200, 300) including a second tank for preparing oily phase (210) and a third tank for preparing emulsion (310); and at least one fourth and/or fifth container (400, 500) including means (410) for feeding heat and means (510) for feeding electrical energy; and said first, second and/or third containers (100, 200, 300) being juxtaposed over at least a portion of one of their walls (100a, 300b, 200b) and being provided with openings (170, 370a, 275, 375, 270b) in their walls.

The present invention provides a modular installation (1) for carrying out a method of manufacturing an explosive emulsion precursor comprising at least three containers: a first container (100) for preparing an aqueous phase, including a dissolution first tank (110); and at least one second and/or third container (200, 300) including a second tank for preparing oily phase (210) and a third tank for preparing emulsion (310); and at least one fourth and/or fifth container (400, 500) including means (410) for feeding heat and means (510) for feeding electrical energy; and said first, second and/or third containers (100, 200, 300) being juxtaposed over at least a portion of one of their walls (100a, 300b, 200b) and being provided with openings (170, 370a, 275, 375, 270b) in their walls.

The present invention is directed to an explosive composition comprised of heavy ANFO and expanded polymeric beads that have a density that is less than the density of the heavy ANFO. The expanded polymeric beads have a size that is determined or based on the size of ammonium nitrate prills used in the heavy ANFO portion of the composition. In one embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads that are utilized in the composition are at least 70% of the lower limit of the mesh size of the predominant ammonium nitrate prill mesh size. In another embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads are at least 70% of a size that is related to the average mesh size of the ammonium nitrate prills.