GB1300609A - Apparatus for loading pourable, pumpable or blowable material into a confined space - Google Patents

Abstract

1300609 Blasting ICI (AUSTRALIA) Ltd 5 Aug 1970 [22 Aug 1969] 37800/70 Heading F3A [Also in Divisions C1 and E1] An apparatus for loading into a confined space a pourable, pumpable or blowable material which is susceptible to deterioration in contact with water, e.g., an explosive charge or a foundation forming material, comprises, a water-resistant, flexible tubular liner 2, Fig. 1, folded in concertina-fashion in an annular space between rigid tubes 3 and 5. The apparatus is suspended above the space 1 or introduced therein, and the liner is extended into the space, whilst being filled with the loading material which is fed through a hose 4. In the case of an explosive charge, a primer 8 is provided to cause detonation. The lower end of the liner may be perforated so that any water in the space 1 can enter the apparatus as it is introduced into the space: this equalizes the pressure on opposite sides of the liner and thereby prevents rupture. However, on introducing the loading material, the water is expelled from the liner without loss of the loading material owing to the size of the perforations. In another embodiment the liner is supported by a one way valve (14, Fig. 3, not shown) as the apparatus is introduced into the space. A cap (15, Figs. 4 and 5, not shown) is provided to protect the liner, and a rubber ring (18, Figs. 6 and 7, not shown) is arranged to unfold and guide the liner as it is extended. In another embodiment, Fig. 12, the apparatus is connected to the loading tube 4 by an adapter 28, and a ball valve 29 or a flap valve (27, Figs. 11 and 13, not shown) permits the escape of gas where the loading material is gas-propelled. An expansible core (not shown) may be provided in the bottom end of the liner. The tubes 3 and 5 may be circular, oval, square, hexagonal, octagonal or of irregular cross-section. The tube 3 may be tapered. The tubes are formed of aluminium, iron, P.V.C., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, acrylonitrile - butadiene - styrene rubber, timber or paper. The liner is made of textile or paper, polyethylene, P.V.C., polyethyleneterephthalate, nitrocellulose or rubber. An explosive charge for loading with the apparatus comprises a composition of ammonium and sodium nitrate, aluminium, sugar, water, surfactant and thickening agent.