US2220892A - Method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosives - Google Patents
Method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosives Download PDFInfo
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- US2220892A US2220892A US289188A US28918839A US2220892A US 2220892 A US2220892 A US 2220892A US 289188 A US289188 A US 289188A US 28918839 A US28918839 A US 28918839A US 2220892 A US2220892 A US 2220892A
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- ammonium nitrate
- nitrate
- explosive
- ammonia
- explosives
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- PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(3-bromo-2-fluorophenyl)acetic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC1=CC=CC(Br)=C1F PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title description 32
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 title description 29
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 24
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 39
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 36
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 16
- 231100000489 sensitizer Toxicity 0.000 description 13
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 10
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 10
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 10
- XTVVROIMIGLXTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper(II) nitrate Chemical compound [Cu+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O XTVVROIMIGLXTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- MVXMNHYVCLMLDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-methoxynaphthalene-1-carbaldehyde Chemical compound C1=CC=C2C(OC)=CC=C(C=O)C2=C1 MVXMNHYVCLMLDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000005422 blasting Methods 0.000 description 6
- ZCCIPPOKBCJFDN-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium nitrate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O ZCCIPPOKBCJFDN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- DYSXLQBUUOPLBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3-dinitrotoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC=CC([N+]([O-])=O)=C1[N+]([O-])=O DYSXLQBUUOPLBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229910001959 inorganic nitrate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 4
- XZMCDFZZKTWFGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cyanamide Chemical compound NC#N XZMCDFZZKTWFGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005474 detonation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910017053 inorganic salt Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- SPSSULHKWOKEEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene Chemical compound CC1=C([N+]([O-])=O)C=C([N+]([O-])=O)C=C1[N+]([O-])=O SPSSULHKWOKEEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910002651 NO3 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- NHNBFGGVMKEFGY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+]([O-])=O NHNBFGGVMKEFGY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- IWOUKMZUPDVPGQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N barium nitrate Chemical compound [Ba+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O IWOUKMZUPDVPGQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 150000001912 cyanamides Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- VLZLOWPYUQHHCG-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitromethylbenzene Chemical class [O-][N+](=O)CC1=CC=CC=C1 VLZLOWPYUQHHCG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000644 propagated effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- DHEQXMRUPNDRPG-UHFFFAOYSA-N strontium nitrate Chemical compound [Sr+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O DHEQXMRUPNDRPG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000015 trinitrotoluene Substances 0.000 description 2
- ONDPHDOFVYQSGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc nitrate Chemical compound [Zn+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O ONDPHDOFVYQSGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- RJKGJBPXVHTNJL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-nitronaphthalene Chemical class C1=CC=C2C([N+](=O)[O-])=CC=CC2=C1 RJKGJBPXVHTNJL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O Ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 1
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000519 Ferrosilicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 206010070834 Sensitisation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052788 barium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N barium atom Chemical compound [Ba] DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000010290 biphenyl Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004305 biphenyl Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000006267 biphenyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021346 calcium silicide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- UFMZWBIQTDUYBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt dinitrate Chemical compound [Co+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O UFMZWBIQTDUYBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910001981 cobalt nitrate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- BSUSEPIPTZNHMN-UHFFFAOYSA-L cobalt(2+);diperchlorate Chemical compound [Co+2].[O-]Cl(=O)(=O)=O.[O-]Cl(=O)(=O)=O BSUSEPIPTZNHMN-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006735 deficit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- RLJMLMKIBZAXJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead nitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)O[Pb]O[N+]([O-])=O RLJMLMKIBZAXJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- ZUOUZKKEUPVFJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N phenylbenzene Natural products C1=CC=CC=C1C1=CC=CC=C1 ZUOUZKKEUPVFJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000008313 sensitization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052712 strontium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- CIOAGBVUUVVLOB-UHFFFAOYSA-N strontium atom Chemical compound [Sr] CIOAGBVUUVVLOB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06B—EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
- C06B31/00—Compositions containing an inorganic nitrogen-oxygen salt
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06B—EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
- C06B31/00—Compositions containing an inorganic nitrogen-oxygen salt
- C06B31/28—Compositions containing an inorganic nitrogen-oxygen salt the salt being ammonium nitrate
- C06B31/32—Compositions containing an inorganic nitrogen-oxygen salt the salt being ammonium nitrate with a nitrated organic compound
- C06B31/38—Compositions containing an inorganic nitrogen-oxygen salt the salt being ammonium nitrate with a nitrated organic compound the nitrated compound being an aromatic
- C06B31/42—Compositions containing an inorganic nitrogen-oxygen salt the salt being ammonium nitrate with a nitrated organic compound the nitrated compound being an aromatic with other explosive or thermic component
Definitions
- This invention relates to a new and improved method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosive compositions and more especially to the preparation of explosives possessing superior sensitiveness properties, particularly at high densities.
- ammonium nitrate high explosives sensitized by means of non-explosive solid sens-itizers very careful control and handling are necessary in order that the product shall maintain its explosive properties unimpaired during storage.
- the aflinity of ammonium nitrate for water makes this particularly important, since ammonium nitrate has a tendency to become hard and insensitive in the presence of even small amounts of water.
- the object of the present invention is a novel method of preparing explosives of high ammonium nitrate content.
- a further object is a method of preparing such explosives whereby so they possess improved sensitiveness characteristics, particularly at high densities. Additional objects will be disclosed as the invention is further described hereinafter. l
- the foregoing objects are accomplished by the method of our invention whereby ammonium nitrate and a sensitizer therefor are heated with an additional inorganic salt capable of reacting with ammonia and are maintained exposed to the action of ammonia gas during at least a portion of the heating. vhilst the above procedure is our preferred one, in some cases heating of the mixture is unnecessary.
- One desirable procedure comprises including a metal cyanamide as an ingredient of the ammonium nitrate composition.
- Calcium cyanamide for example, on heating to 80-85 0., reacts as follows with ammonium nitrate:
- a metal cyanamide, and particularly calcium cyanamide is a convenient and preferred embodiment of-our invention
- the desired results may be obtained by other means.
- We may, for example, include in the ammonium nitrate composition an inorganic salt capable of forming an ammoniate with ammonia, or of reacting otherwise, and then introduce gaseous ammonia, whether formed externally or as a product of a reaction taking place within the mixture.
- Salts which are effective for the purpose include calcium nitrate, barium nitrate, strontium nitrate, zinc nitrate, lead nitrate, cobalt nitrate, copper nitrate, cobalt perchlorate, and the like.
- a suitable composition of explosive for use according to our invention may include a preponder- By the employment of ourant amount of ammonium nitrate, 'anorganic will serve as specific embodiments.
- Example 1 Ammonium nitrate in the amount of 17.6 lbs. j
- Example 2 Ammonium nitrate in the amount of 17.0 lbs. was introduced into the mixing vessel of Example 1 and heated to C. A mixture of 2.4 lbs. of dinitrotoluene and 0.6 lb. of calcium cyanamide was added to the heated ammonium nitrate, and the mixer closed. The whole was maintained at 80 C. for 15 minutes, after which it was allowed to cool to 35 C. The powder was packed in metal containers of 2" diameter at a density of 1.37. When tested at this density, the explosive propagated at a velocity of 3495 meters per second. This example illustrates the increased sensitiveness and propagating power, at high packing densities,- of explosive compositions according to our invention.
- Example 3 A blend of 17.3 lbs. of ammonium nitrate and 0.3 lb. of paraflin was introduced into a mixing vessel adapted to be closed tightly, and was heated to 80 C. A mixture of 1.8 lbs. of dinitrotoluene and 0.6 lb. of calcium cyanamide was then added to the heated blend and the-whole was maintained at 80 C. for 15 minutes. The blend was allowed to cool to 35 C. and was packed to various densities in metal containers of 2" diameter. The material was insensitive to the action of a No. 8 blasting cap at a density of 1.0, but at as high a density as 1.35 detonated with a velocity of 3400 meters per second when primed with a booster charge similar to that used in Example 1. At a density of 1.30, the material propagated across an air gap of 4 inches.
- Example 4 Ammonium nitrate in the amount of 12.8 lbs. was introduced into a mixing vessel such as used in Example 1, and was heated to a temperature of 80 C. A blend of 1.5 lbs. of trinitrotoluene, 0.45 lb. of calcium cyanamide, 0.225 lb. of brewers grits, and 0.03 lb. of a coating material was then added to the heated ammonium nitrate, and the entire mixture was maintained at. 80 C. for 15 minutes with continuous agitation. The blend was allowed to cool to 25 C., and was then packed into 1% x 8" cartridges of a density such that the average weight per cartridge was 168 grams.
- the cartridges were sensitive to, and capable of initiation by, a commercial blasting cap, showing a velocity of 4100 meters per second.
- the sensitiveness by the whole-stick propagation test was 10 inches. and the explosive showed a comparatively good de ree of water resistance.
- Example 5 A mixture was made, in a mixing vessel capable of being closed tightly, of 16.3 lbs. of ammonium nitrate, 2.4 lbs. of dinitrotoluene, and 1.0 lb. of hydrated cupric nitrate. Suflicient gaseous ammonia was introduced to constitute slightly more than 0.3 lb. The container was maintained tightly closed for a short period of time, and the powder was then packed to a density of 1.30 in metal containers of 2" diameter. At this density the explosive gave consistent high velocity detonations when suitably primed.
- Example 6 Ammonium nitrate in the amount of 16.6 lbs. was blended with 1.8 lbs. dinitrotoluene, 0.3 lb. parafiin, and 1.0 lb. calcium nitrate in a mixing vessel capable of being closed tightly. Sufl'icient gaseous ammonia was introduced to comprise slightly more than 0.3 lb. and the container was closed. After being maintained for a period of time in the presence of ammonia gas, the powder was packed into metal containers of 2" diameter. At a density of 1.3, the velocity of detonation was determined at 3200 meters per second. This example illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the ingredients were mixed cold.
- the sensitizers have been nitro-aromatic compounds, and specifically nitrotoluenes. It should-be understood, however, that various organic sensitizers are available and applicable other than nitrotoluenes, for example, the various nitronaphthalenes, diphenylamirle, diphenyl, and the like.
- the organic sensitizer is preferably one having a melting point such that the material is at least partially fused at the temperature of mixing of the explosive; hence it should desirably have a fusion point below C. In carrying out our method likewise, where the ingredients are heated together under confinement, it will be desirable to maintain the temperature below 100 C. It will be understood also that inorganic sensitizers may be used,
- compositions according to our invention will contain more than 50% ammonium nitrate and preferably more than 75%.
- the organic sensitizer will desirably be present in an amount between 0.5 and 20%, while the product of the reaction between the inorganic salt and ammonia should be present in an amount between 0.1 and 10%. Specific favorable compositions are shown in the examples cited previously.
- the explosive will be enclosed in a completely water-tight container, such as a metal can.
- a completely water-tight container such as a metal can.
- the invention applicable to capinsensitive explosives, but it is effective also in the case of cap-sensitive explosives which are thereby made more certainly detonable. It may likewise be utilized to sensitize cap-insensitive compositions and make them sensitive to commercial blasting caps. Furthermore, it is applicable in the case of certain explosives of high ammonium nitrate content, which thereby become practical for use in smaller diameters than would otherwise be possible.
- the method of our invention is applicable to the preparation of the explosive compositions disclosed in our copending applicaton, Serial No. 289,187, dated August 9, 1939.
- the method of preparing explosive compopositions of high ammonium nitrate content comprises mixing together ammoniumvnitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, an inorganic nitrate other than those of the alkali metals and capable of reacting with ammonia, and ammonia, and maintaining said mixture in the presence of gaseous ammonia.
- the method of preparing explosive compositions of high ammonium nitrate content comprises heating together ammonium nitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, and an inorganic nitrate other than those of the alkali metals and capable of reacting with ammonia, maintaining said mixture exposed to the action of ammonia gas during said heating, and cooling said mixture while still in the presence of gaseous ammonia.
- ammonium nitrate explosive compositions which method comammonium nitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, and a metal cyanamide, heating said mixture and maintaining the same exposed to the action of ammonia gas during said heating, and cooling said mixture while still in the presence of gaseous ammonia.
- the method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosive compositions comprises mixing together a preponderant amount of ammonium nitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, and calcium cyanamide, heating said mixture, and maintaining the same exposed to the action of ammonium gas during said heating, and cooling said mixture while still in the presence of gaseous ammonia.
- the method of preparing explosive compositions of high ammonium nitrate content comprises mixing together ammonium nitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, an inorganic nitrate other than those of the alkali metals and capable of reacting with ammonia, and
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Description
Patented Nov. 12, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE f METHOD OF PREPARING AMIVIONIUM NITRATE EXPLOSIVES No Drawing.
Application August 9, 1939,
Serial No. 289,188
8 Claims.
This invention relates to a new and improved method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosive compositions and more especially to the preparation of explosives possessing superior sensitiveness properties, particularly at high densities.
In the case of existing ammonium nitrate high explosives sensitized by means of non-explosive solid sens-itizers, very careful control and handling are necessary in order that the product shall maintain its explosive properties unimpaired during storage. The aflinity of ammonium nitrate for water makes this particularly important, since ammonium nitrate has a tendency to become hard and insensitive in the presence of even small amounts of water.
The object of the present invention is a novel method of preparing explosives of high ammonium nitrate content. A further object is a method of preparing such explosives whereby so they possess improved sensitiveness characteristics, particularly at high densities. Additional objects will be disclosed as the invention is further described hereinafter. l The foregoing objects are accomplished by the method of our invention whereby ammonium nitrate and a sensitizer therefor are heated with an additional inorganic salt capable of reacting with ammonia and are maintained exposed to the action of ammonia gas during at least a portion of the heating. vWhile the above procedure is our preferred one, in some cases heating of the mixture is unnecessary.
Various methods are available for carrying out our invention. One desirable procedure comprises including a metal cyanamide as an ingredient of the ammonium nitrate composition. Calcium cyanamide, for example, on heating to 80-85 0., reacts as follows with ammonium nitrate:
The same effect wouldbe obtained when other metal cyanamides than that of calcium were used,
If the heat- (Cl. 52r19) for example the cyanamides of barium, strontium,
zinc, and copper.
While the use of a metal cyanamide, and particularly calcium cyanamide, is a convenient and preferred embodiment of-our invention, the desired results may be obtained by other means. We may, for example, include in the ammonium nitrate composition an inorganic salt capable of forming an ammoniate with ammonia, or of reacting otherwise, and then introduce gaseous ammonia, whether formed externally or as a product of a reaction taking place within the mixture. Salts which are effective for the purpose include calcium nitrate, barium nitrate, strontium nitrate, zinc nitrate, lead nitrate, cobalt nitrate, copper nitrate, cobalt perchlorate, and the like.
In carrying out our invention we find its greatest advantage to lie in its application to ammonium nitrate compositions of a relatively low order of sensitiveness. method, greatly increased sensitiveness is obtained. It is particularly applicable in high density ammonium nitrate compositions, and by its use densities may be employed satisfactorily sives without impairment of propagation properties.
A suitable composition of explosive for use according to our invention may include a preponder- By the employment of ourant amount of ammonium nitrate, 'anorganic will serve as specific embodiments.
Example 1 Ammonium nitrate in the amount of 17.6 lbs. j
was introduced into a mixing vesselhavingaxtight cover and adapted to be closed tightlyand was j heated to 80 C. 2.4 lbs. of dinitrotoluene was then added and the mix was maintained at a tem perature of 80 C. for 15 minutes. allowed to cool to 35 C. The materialwas packed into water-tight metal containers. of 2-inch di-' ameter at a density of 1.20. Powder thus packed was tested for propagation when primed with a It was then the prior art at a density around'1. 20.
Example 2 Ammonium nitrate in the amount of 17.0 lbs. was introduced into the mixing vessel of Example 1 and heated to C. A mixture of 2.4 lbs. of dinitrotoluene and 0.6 lb. of calcium cyanamide was added to the heated ammonium nitrate, and the mixer closed. The whole was maintained at 80 C. for 15 minutes, after which it was allowed to cool to 35 C. The powder was packed in metal containers of 2" diameter at a density of 1.37. When tested at this density, the explosive propagated at a velocity of 3495 meters per second. This example illustrates the increased sensitiveness and propagating power, at high packing densities,- of explosive compositions according to our invention.
Example 3 A blend of 17.3 lbs. of ammonium nitrate and 0.3 lb. of paraflin was introduced into a mixing vessel adapted to be closed tightly, and was heated to 80 C. A mixture of 1.8 lbs. of dinitrotoluene and 0.6 lb. of calcium cyanamide was then added to the heated blend and the-whole was maintained at 80 C. for 15 minutes. The blend was allowed to cool to 35 C. and was packed to various densities in metal containers of 2" diameter. The material was insensitive to the action of a No. 8 blasting cap at a density of 1.0, but at as high a density as 1.35 detonated with a velocity of 3400 meters per second when primed with a booster charge similar to that used in Example 1. At a density of 1.30, the material propagated across an air gap of 4 inches.
Example 4 Ammonium nitrate in the amount of 12.8 lbs. was introduced into a mixing vessel such as used in Example 1, and was heated to a temperature of 80 C. A blend of 1.5 lbs. of trinitrotoluene, 0.45 lb. of calcium cyanamide, 0.225 lb. of brewers grits, and 0.03 lb. of a coating material was then added to the heated ammonium nitrate, and the entire mixture was maintained at. 80 C. for 15 minutes with continuous agitation. The blend was allowed to cool to 25 C., and was then packed into 1% x 8" cartridges of a density such that the average weight per cartridge was 168 grams. Under such conditions, the cartridges were sensitive to, and capable of initiation by, a commercial blasting cap, showing a velocity of 4100 meters per second. The sensitiveness by the whole-stick propagation test was 10 inches. and the explosive showed a comparatively good de ree of water resistance.
Example 5 A mixture was made, in a mixing vessel capable of being closed tightly, of 16.3 lbs. of ammonium nitrate, 2.4 lbs. of dinitrotoluene, and 1.0 lb. of hydrated cupric nitrate. Suflicient gaseous ammonia was introduced to constitute slightly more than 0.3 lb. The container was maintained tightly closed for a short period of time, and the powder was then packed to a density of 1.30 in metal containers of 2" diameter. At this density the explosive gave consistent high velocity detonations when suitably primed. It was demonstrated that the reaction product of ammonia with the cupric nitrate had efiected a sensitization of the explosive, since a similar composition, withthe only difierence that no ammonia was introduced, failed to detonate consistently at densities above 1.20.
Example 6 Ammonium nitrate in the amount of 16.6 lbs. was blended with 1.8 lbs. dinitrotoluene, 0.3 lb. parafiin, and 1.0 lb. calcium nitrate in a mixing vessel capable of being closed tightly. Sufl'icient gaseous ammonia was introduced to comprise slightly more than 0.3 lb. and the container was closed. After being maintained for a period of time in the presence of ammonia gas, the powder was packed into metal containers of 2" diameter. At a density of 1.3, the velocity of detonation was determined at 3200 meters per second. This example illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the ingredients were mixed cold.
In the foregoing examples the sensitizers have been nitro-aromatic compounds, and specifically nitrotoluenes. It should-be understood, however, that various organic sensitizers are available and applicable other than nitrotoluenes, for example, the various nitronaphthalenes, diphenylamirle, diphenyl, and the like. The organic sensitizer is preferably one having a melting point such that the material is at least partially fused at the temperature of mixing of the explosive; hence it should desirably have a fusion point below C. In carrying out our method likewise, where the ingredients are heated together under confinement, it will be desirable to maintain the temperature below 100 C. It will be understood also that inorganic sensitizers may be used,
for example, aluminum, ferrosilicon, calcium silicide, sulfur, and the like.
The compositions according to our invention will contain more than 50% ammonium nitrate and preferably more than 75%. The organic sensitizer will desirably be present in an amount between 0.5 and 20%, while the product of the reaction between the inorganic salt and ammonia should be present in an amount between 0.1 and 10%. Specific favorable compositions are shown in the examples cited previously.
The advantages of our invention are very considerable. By way of illustration, certain types of ammonium nitrate explosives are disclosed in the art which are sensitized by means of nonexplosive sensitizers. Compositions of this type are generally relatively insensitive. Certain of them are so much so that they are incapable of detonation by means of a commercial blasting cap but can be detonated when initiated by a suitable amount of a booster charge of trinitrotoluene, and then explode .with undiminished high velocity. Explosives of this type are particularly efiective in quarry blasting, and it is frequently desirable to obtain as high a loading density as possible in the borehole in order to secure the maximum blasting execution. With explosives of such a relatively low order of sensitiveness, however, densities greater than 1.15 are generally undesirable in the case of compositions of the prior art, since there is too great a chance of failure to detonate. Operating in accordance with the present invention, however, densities up to 1.7 are practically utilizable. Preferably the explosive will be enclosed in a completely water-tight container, such as a metal can. Not only is the invention applicable to capinsensitive explosives, but it is effective also in the case of cap-sensitive explosives which are thereby made more certainly detonable. It may likewise be utilized to sensitize cap-insensitive compositions and make them sensitive to commercial blasting caps. Furthermore, it is applicable in the case of certain explosives of high ammonium nitrate content, which thereby become practical for use in smaller diameters than would otherwise be possible.
The method of our invention is applicable to the preparation of the explosive compositions disclosed in our copending applicaton, Serial No. 289,187, dated August 9, 1939.
We have described our invention at length in the foregoing, but it will be understood that many variations in procedures and compositions may be introduced without departure from the spirit of the invention. We wish to be limited, therefore, only by the following patent claims.
We claim:
1. The method of preparing explosive compopositions of high ammonium nitrate content, which method comprises mixing together ammoniumvnitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, an inorganic nitrate other than those of the alkali metals and capable of reacting with ammonia, and ammonia, and maintaining said mixture in the presence of gaseous ammonia.
2. The method of preparing explosive compositions of high ammonium nitrate content, which method comprises heating together ammonium nitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, and an inorganic nitrate other than those of the alkali metals and capable of reacting with ammonia, maintaining said mixture exposed to the action of ammonia gas during said heating, and cooling said mixture while still in the presence of gaseous ammonia.
3. The method of claim 2, in which the inorganic nitrate is calcium nitrate.
4. The method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosive compositions, which method comammonium nitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, and a metal cyanamide, heating said mixture and maintaining the same exposed to the action of ammonia gas during said heating, and cooling said mixture while still in the presence of gaseous ammonia.
7. The method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosive compositions, which method comprises mixing together a preponderant amount of ammonium nitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, and calcium cyanamide, heating said mixture, and maintaining the same exposed to the action of ammonium gas during said heating, and cooling said mixture while still in the presence of gaseous ammonia.
8. The method of preparing explosive compositions of high ammonium nitrate content, which method comprises mixing together ammonium nitrate, an organic sensitizer therefor, an inorganic nitrate other than those of the alkali metals and capable of reacting with ammonia, and
heating said mixture in a closed system.
MELVIN ALONZO COOK. CLYDE OLIVER DAVIS. WALTER EASTBY LAWSON.
Priority Applications (1)
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US289188A US2220892A (en) | 1939-08-09 | 1939-08-09 | Method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosives |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US289188A US2220892A (en) | 1939-08-09 | 1939-08-09 | Method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosives |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US2220892A true US2220892A (en) | 1940-11-12 |
Family
ID=23110418
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US289188A Expired - Lifetime US2220892A (en) | 1939-08-09 | 1939-08-09 | Method of preparing ammonium nitrate explosives |
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US (1) | US2220892A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2434872A (en) * | 1942-11-06 | 1948-01-20 | Ici Ltd | Manufacture of compact combustible explosive charges |
US5962808A (en) * | 1997-03-05 | 1999-10-05 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Gas generant complex oxidizers |
US6077371A (en) * | 1997-02-10 | 2000-06-20 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Gas generants comprising transition metal nitrite complexes |
-
1939
- 1939-08-09 US US289188A patent/US2220892A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2434872A (en) * | 1942-11-06 | 1948-01-20 | Ici Ltd | Manufacture of compact combustible explosive charges |
US6077371A (en) * | 1997-02-10 | 2000-06-20 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Gas generants comprising transition metal nitrite complexes |
US5962808A (en) * | 1997-03-05 | 1999-10-05 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Gas generant complex oxidizers |
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