Explosive mixtures containing readily gasified additives

Abstract

A readily gasified additive has been added to AN (ammonium nitrate) based bulk explosives (ANFO, emulsions, and combinations thereof) with positive results, due to the time, temperature, and pressure conditions generated in a blasthole. The preferred final explosive mixture is primarily comprised of AN, fuel oil, and a carbonaceous additive material that is characterized as being readily gasified as indicated by its rapid release of volatile materials and char formation, the high internal porosity and surface area of the base material and its char, and the uniform distribution of catalytic mineral matter throughout the material. It is understood that other readily gasified additives may be similarly effective.

1 . An explosive mixture comprising:
 an oxidizing agent, and   a carbonaceous material.   
     
     
         2 . The mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein the oxidizing agent may be present as, or contained within, a solid or liquid, including solutions, suspensions, or emulsions. 
     
     
         3 . The mixture according to  claim 2 , wherein the oxidizing agent is ammonium nitrate. 
     
     
         4 . The mixture according to  claim 1 , further comprising a liquid fuel component. 
     
     
         5 . The mixture according to  claim 4 , wherein the liquid fuel component is a fuel oil or diesel fuel. 
     
     
         6 . The mixture according to  claim 4 , wherein the amount of the liquid fuel component is 0-10% by weight. 
     
     
         7 . The mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein said carbonaceous material is characterized as being readily gasified, as indicated by its rapid release of volatile materials and rapid char formation, high internal porosity and surface area of the base material and its char, and uniform distribution of catalytic mineral matter throughout the material. 
     
     
         8 . The mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein said carbonaceous material is present in the amount of 5% to 80% by weight. 
     
     
         9 . The mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein said carbonaceous material has a particle size such that it displaces the oxidizing agent in solid mixtures. 
     
     
         10 . An explosive mixture comprising:
 an oxidizing agent,   a liquid fuel component, and   a carbonaceous material   wherein the oxidizing agent may be present as, or contained within, a solid or liquid, including solutions, suspensions, or emulsions, wherein the liquid fuel component is present up 10% by weight, and wherein the carbonaceous material is coal which is characterized as being readily gasified.   
     
     
         11 . The mixture according to  claim 10 , wherein the oxidizing agent is ammonium nitrate. 
     
     
         12 . The mixture according to  claim 10 , wherein the liquid fuel component is a fuel oil or diesel fuel. 
     
     
         13 . The mixture according to  claim 10 , wherein the carbonaceous material is coal which is characterized as being readily gasified, as indicated by its rapid release of volatile materials and rapid char formation, high internal porosity and surface area of the base material and its char, and uniform distribution of catalytic mineral matter throughout the material. 
     
     
         14 . The mixture according to  claim 10 , wherein said carbonaceous material is present in the amount of 5% to 80% by weight. 
     
     
         15 . The mixture according to  claim 10 , wherein said carbonaceous material has a particle size such that it displaces the oxidizing agent in solid mixtures. 
     
     
         16 . An explosive mixture comprising an oxidizing agent, a liquid fuel component, and a carbonaceous material, wherein the oxidizing agent is ammonium nitrate, wherein the liquid fuel component is a fuel oil or diesel fuel, and wherein the carbonaceous material is coal which is characterized as being readily gasified as indicated by its rapid release of volatile materials and rapid char formation, high internal porosity and surface area of the base material and its char, and uniform distribution of catalytic mineral matter throughout the material, and wherein said carbonaceous material has a particle size great enough such that it displaces the oxidizing agent in solid mixtures.