US3338165A - Gelled nitromethane explosive containing fluid encapsulations - Google Patents
Gelled nitromethane explosive containing fluid encapsulations Download PDFInfo
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- US3338165A US3338165A US571735A US57173566A US3338165A US 3338165 A US3338165 A US 3338165A US 571735 A US571735 A US 571735A US 57173566 A US57173566 A US 57173566A US 3338165 A US3338165 A US 3338165A
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- nitromethane
- explosive
- gelled
- composition
- balloons
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- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 title claims description 60
- LYGJENNIWJXYER-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitromethane Chemical compound C[N+]([O-])=O LYGJENNIWJXYER-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims description 51
- 238000005538 encapsulation Methods 0.000 title 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 61
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 29
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 229920001568 phenolic resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920001807 Urea-formaldehyde Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- SLGWESQGEUXWJQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N formaldehyde;phenol Chemical compound O=C.OC1=CC=CC=C1 SLGWESQGEUXWJQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000001235 sensitizing effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000000020 Nitrocellulose Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229920001220 nitrocellulos Polymers 0.000 description 7
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000003349 gelling agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 150000001412 amines Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005422 blasting Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005474 detonation Methods 0.000 description 3
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(3-bromo-2-fluorophenyl)acetic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC1=CC=CC(Br)=C1F PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KXGFMDJXCMQABM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methoxy-6-methylphenol Chemical compound [CH]OC1=CC=CC([CH])=C1O KXGFMDJXCMQABM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OAKJQQAXSVQMHS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrazine Chemical compound NN OAKJQQAXSVQMHS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Pentane Chemical compound CCCCC OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006229 carbon black Substances 0.000 description 2
- JHIVVAPYMSGYDF-UHFFFAOYSA-N cyclohexanone Chemical compound O=C1CCCCC1 JHIVVAPYMSGYDF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- SNRUBQQJIBEYMU-UHFFFAOYSA-N dodecane Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCC SNRUBQQJIBEYMU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 2
- IIPYXGDZVMZOAP-UHFFFAOYSA-N lithium nitrate Chemical compound [Li+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O IIPYXGDZVMZOAP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- FDPIMTJIUBPUKL-UHFFFAOYSA-N pentan-3-one Chemical compound CCC(=O)CC FDPIMTJIUBPUKL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- VWDWKYIASSYTQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium nitrate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O VWDWKYIASSYTQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002562 thickening agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- XTFIVUDBNACUBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)N1CN([N+]([O-])=O)CN([N+]([O-])=O)C1 XTFIVUDBNACUBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZEMODTUZIWTRPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-n,4-n-diethylbenzene-1,4-diamine Chemical compound CCNC1=CC=C(NCC)C=C1 ZEMODTUZIWTRPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HZAXFHJVJLSVMW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Aminoethan-1-ol Chemical compound NCCO HZAXFHJVJLSVMW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000609240 Ambelania acida Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920001342 Bakelite® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XDTMQSROBMDMFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cyclohexane Chemical compound C1CCCCC1 XDTMQSROBMDMFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- LCGLNKUTAGEVQW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dimethyl ether Chemical compound COC LCGLNKUTAGEVQW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 240000007182 Ochroma pyramidale Species 0.000 description 1
- TZRXHJWUDPFEEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCC(CO[N+]([O-])=O)(CO[N+]([O-])=O)CO[N+]([O-])=O TZRXHJWUDPFEEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000026 Pentaerythritol tetranitrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- IQGQLPDCPXRNDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N [C].[N+](=O)([O-])C Chemical compound [C].[N+](=O)([O-])C IQGQLPDCPXRNDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001338 aliphatic hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000005215 alkyl ethers Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000003927 aminopyridines Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000010905 bagasse Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004637 bakelite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013312 flour Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002334 glycols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- NDEMNVPZDAFUKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N guanidine;nitric acid Chemical compound NC(N)=N.O[N+]([O-])=O.O[N+]([O-])=O NDEMNVPZDAFUKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NGAZZOYFWWSOGK-UHFFFAOYSA-N heptan-3-one Chemical compound CCCCC(=O)CC NGAZZOYFWWSOGK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000002576 ketones Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- LYGJENNIWJXYER-BJUDXGSMSA-N nitromethane Chemical group [11CH3][N+]([O-])=O LYGJENNIWJXYER-BJUDXGSMSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003129 oil well Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000620 organic polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960004321 pentaerithrityl tetranitrate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- ODGAOXROABLFNM-UHFFFAOYSA-N polynoxylin Chemical compound O=C.NC(N)=O ODGAOXROABLFNM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N propylene Natural products CC=C QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000004805 propylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004317 sodium nitrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010344 sodium nitrate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008719 thickening Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06C—DETONATING OR PRIMING DEVICES; FUSES; CHEMICAL LIGHTERS; PYROPHORIC COMPOSITIONS
- C06C5/00—Fuses, e.g. fuse cords
- C06C5/04—Detonating fuses
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06B—EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
- C06B23/00—Compositions characterised by non-explosive or non-thermic constituents
- C06B23/002—Sensitisers or density reducing agents, foam stabilisers, crystal habit modifiers
- C06B23/003—Porous or hollow inert particles
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06B—EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
- C06B25/00—Compositions containing a nitrated organic compound
- C06B25/36—Compositions containing a nitrated organic compound the compound being a nitroparaffin
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06C—DETONATING OR PRIMING DEVICES; FUSES; CHEMICAL LIGHTERS; PYROPHORIC COMPOSITIONS
- C06C5/00—Fuses, e.g. fuse cords
- C06C5/06—Fuse igniting means; Fuse connectors
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S149/00—Explosive and thermic compositions or charges
- Y10S149/118—Gel contains resin
Definitions
- This invention relates to stable, sensitized explosive compositions comprising nitromethane and as sensitizer, resin balloons.
- this invention relates to stable, gelled explosive compositions comprising nitromethane and as sensitizer, resin balloons.
- this invention relates to stable, gelled explosive compositions in the form of the explosive core for detonator cord comprising nitromethane and as sensitizer, a finely divided, air-entrapping material.
- this invention relates to novel detonating cord having a stable, sensitized explosive core in gelled form comprising nitromethane and a finely divided airentrapping material.
- Explosive compositions comprising nitromethane and a sensitizer for the nitromethane are well-known and are used in a variety of applications.
- Sensitized nitromethane explosive compositions are used in either the normally liquid form or in gelled form.
- Normally liquid nitromethane compositions are readily converted to semi-solid or thickened form typically referred to as gelled form nitromethane by incorporation with a suitable gelling agent for the nitromethane, such as for example nitrocellulose.
- suitable gelling agent for the nitromethane such as for example nitrocellulose.
- Other gelling or thickening agents for nitromethane are disclosed in application Ser. No. 446,736, filed Apr. 8, 1965, for L. R. Jones and in US. Patent 2,954,- 350, issued Sept. 27, 1960 to R. F. Purcell.
- nitromethane Numerous materials are known to sensitize nitromethane, of which the nitromethane soluble amines, in particular lower alkylimine, arylalkyleneamine, monoethanolamine, alkylphosphorousamide, aryldiamine, aminopyridine, N,N'-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine, hydrazine and alkylarylidiamine are generally most effective
- nitromethane containing explosive compositions sensitized for detonation with conventional blasting caps are desired.
- Nitromethane explosive compositions sensitized with the aforestated amines are generally unstable and decompose after storage for several days.
- the instability of the explosive compositions is a particular drawback when the compositions are used in gelled form as the explosive material in the explosive core of d t at cord.
- Detonator cord typically comprises an explosive core in the form of a solid explosive composition, a sheath, e.g.
- nitromethane sensitized by the aforestated amines is used in gelled form as the explosive core of detonator cord, pressure from gases formed from the decomposition of the nitromethane often causes ballooning or rupture of the outer covering of the detonator cord.
- the present invention in a first embodiment resides in the discovery that sensitized nitromethane explosive compositions which are stable against decomposition are obtained by incorporating into the explosive composition a sensitizing amount of resin balloon.
- the present invention in a second embodiment resides in the discovery that gelled, sensitized nitromethane explosive compositions which are stable against decomposition are obtained by incorporating into the gelled explosive composition a sensitizing amount of resin balloon.
- the present invention in a third embodiment resides in the discovery that gelled, sensitized nitromethane eX- plosive compositions which are stable against decomposition and suitable as explosive core of detonator cord are obtained by incorporating into the gelled explosive composition a sensitizing amount of a finely divided, air-entrapping material.
- finely divided, airentrapping materials include bagasse, wood flour, ground balsa, resin balloons and the like. Because of the excellent results obtained therewith resin balloons are preferred.
- the resin balloons of use in the explosive compositions of the present invention are water insoluble and nitromethane insoluble, thin-walled, hollow, spherical balloons of a polymerized thermosetting resin-selected from the group consisting of urea-formaldehyde and phenolformaldehyde.
- the resin balloons are of low density and small particle size. Typical resin balloons have a bulk density of less than 0.3 gr./cc. and a diameter of from about 2 to about 360 microns. Resin balloons are more fully described in US. Patent 3,101,288 to Coursen et al. issued Aug. 20, 1963. Such resin balloons are commercially available.
- the amount of resin balloons required to sensitize mtromethane explosive compositions will vary and will depend chiefly on the use desired for the particular explosive composition. Typically suitable amounts of resin balloons in the explosive compositions of the present invention are in the range of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight based on the weight of the explosive composition. While amounts greater than 20% by weight of resin balloons may be included in the explosive compositions of the present invention, such amounts are considered excess. For most applications and in particular when the explosive composition is used in gelled form as the eX- plosive core of detonator cord, amounts of resin balloons 1n the range of from about 1.5 to about 10% are preferred.
- Explosive compositions comprising nitromethane and resin balloons may be prepared in any suitable manner, as for example by mixing the resin balloons with the nitromethane. It is Well understood in the art that high temperatures during mixing should be avoided.
- Examples of fuels include elemental carbon in various forms, such as carbon black, graphite and the like; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane,-octane, dodecane and .cyclohexane; organic polymers such as liquid and solid polymers of ethylene and propylene; organic ketones such as diethyl ketone, ethyl butyl ketone, cyclohexanone and the like; and alkyl ethers of saturated glycols such as the monomethyl ether of ethylene glycol and the monoethyl ether of ethylene glycol and the like.
- oxidizers include ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, lithium nitrate and the like.
- additives examples include guanidine nitrate, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine.
- the explosive compositions of the present invention may be used in either the normally liquid or in gelled form. Normally liquid nitromethane is readily converted to gelled form by incorporation of a suitable thickening or gelling agent into the nitromethane as previously indicated.
- the explosive compositions of the present invention have a variety of uses well-known to the art. As previously indicated, gelled explosive compositions of the present invention are especially useful as the explosive core of detonator cord. The compositions of the present invention also are particularly useful in oil wells to fracture oil bearing formations.
- the resin balloons used were prepared from phenol-formaldehyde resins and were commercially sold by the Bakelite Company, a Division of Union Carbide Corporation under the trademark Microballoons.
- the resin balloons were of small particle size and low bulk density.
- Microballoons manufactured from ureaformaldehyde resins are also commercially available and if desired can be substituted for Microballoons manufactured from phenol-formaldehyde resins.
- Example 1 Tests were conducted to show the effectiveness of resin balloons in sensitizing nitromethane explosive compositions.
- the sensitized explosive compositions used in the tests designated A-G inclusive in the table below were prepared by blending resin balloons into a gelled nitromethane explosive composition prepared by blending 95 parts by weight nitromethane with 5 parts by weight nitrocellulose.
- the composition used in test H contained no resin balloons and was prepared by blending 95 parts by weight nitromethane with 5 parts by weight nitrocellulose.
- Example 2 A detonator cord was prepared by loading a piece of polyethylene tubing 14 inches in length and 4; inch in diameter (inside) with a gelled, sensitized nitromethane explosive composition comprising 95 parts by weight nitromethane, 5 parts by weight nitrocellulose and 5 parts Q by weight resin balloons. The cord was detonated with a No. 6 blasting cap. Detonation of the entire cord was obtained. The rate of detonation was in excess of 18,000 feet per second.
- Example 3 The following is an example of a stable, sensitized nitromethane explosive composition.
- Example 4 The following is an example of a stable, sensitized nitromethane explosive composition in gelled form.
- Example 5 The following is an example of a stable, sensitized nitromethane explosive composition in gelled form suitable for use as the explosive core in detonator cord.
- nitromethane explosive composition in gelled form suitable for use as the explosive core in detonator cord.
- An explosive composition comprising nitromethane and a sensitizing amount of a water-insoluble and nitromethane-insoluble polymerized thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins in the form of thin-walled, hollow, spherical balloons.
- a gelled explosive composition comprising nitromethane, a gelling agent for the nitromethane and a sensitizing amount of water-insoluble and nitromethaneinsoluble polymerized thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of phenol-formaldehyde and ureaformaldehyde resins in the form of thin-walled, hollow, spherical balloons.
- composition of claim 2 wherein the said balloons have a bulk density of less than about 0.3 g. per cc. and a diameter in the range of from about 2 to about 360 microns.
- composition of claim 2 wherein the amount of said balloons in the said composition is in the range of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight based on the weight of the composition.
- composition of claim 2 wherein the said gelling agent is nitrocellulose.
- composition of claim 2 in the form of an explosive core for detonator cord.
- composition of claim 6 wherein the amount of said spherical balloons in said composition is in the range of from about 1.5 to about 10% by weight based on the weight of the composition.
- a detonator cord including an explosive core, a sheath for said core and a cover for said sheath, the composition of said core comprising nitromethane, a gelling agent for said nitromethane and a sensitizing amount of a finely divided, air-entrapping material.
- the finely divided, air-entrapping material is a water-insoluble and nitromethane-insoluble, polymerized thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins in the form of thinwalled, hollow, spherical balloons.
- the detonator cord of claim 10 wherein the said balloons have a bulk density of less than 0.3 g. per cc. and a diameter in the range of from about 2 to about 360 microns.
- the detonator cord of claim 10 wherein the amount of said resin balloons in the composition of said core is in the range of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight based on the weight of the composition.
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Description
United States Patent Commercial Solvents Corporation, New York, N.Y., a
corporation of Maryland No Drawing. Filed Aug. 11, 1966, Ser. No. 571,735 12 Claims. (Cl. 102-27) This invention relates to stable, sensitized explosive compositions comprising nitromethane and as sensitizer, resin balloons. In a particular aspect, this invention relates to stable, gelled explosive compositions comprising nitromethane and as sensitizer, resin balloons. In a further aspect, this invention relates to stable, gelled explosive compositions in the form of the explosive core for detonator cord comprising nitromethane and as sensitizer, a finely divided, air-entrapping material. In a still further aspect, this invention relates to novel detonating cord having a stable, sensitized explosive core in gelled form comprising nitromethane and a finely divided airentrapping material.
Explosive compositions comprising nitromethane and a sensitizer for the nitromethane are well-known and are used in a variety of applications. Sensitized nitromethane explosive compositions are used in either the normally liquid form or in gelled form. Normally liquid nitromethane compositions are readily converted to semi-solid or thickened form typically referred to as gelled form nitromethane by incorporation with a suitable gelling agent for the nitromethane, such as for example nitrocellulose. Other gelling or thickening agents for nitromethane are disclosed in application Ser. No. 446,736, filed Apr. 8, 1965, for L. R. Jones and in US. Patent 2,954,- 350, issued Sept. 27, 1960 to R. F. Purcell.
Numerous materials are known to sensitize nitromethane, of which the nitromethane soluble amines, in particular lower alkylimine, arylalkyleneamine, monoethanolamine, alkylphosphorousamide, aryldiamine, aminopyridine, N,N'-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine, hydrazine and alkylarylidiamine are generally most effective When nitromethane containing explosive compositions sensitized for detonation with conventional blasting caps are desired.
Despite the effectiveness of the aforementioned nitromethane soluble amines in sensitizing nitromethane, explosive compositions comprising nitromethane and one or more of said amines present serious problems with respect to stability. Nitromethane explosive compositions sensitized with the aforestated amines are generally unstable and decompose after storage for several days. The instability of the explosive compositions is a particular drawback when the compositions are used in gelled form as the explosive material in the explosive core of d t at cord. Detonator cord typically comprises an explosive core in the form of a solid explosive composition, a sheath, e.g. a textile sheath for the explosive core and an outer cover of metal or a thermoplastic material such as polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene. When nitromethane sensitized by the aforestated amines is used in gelled form as the explosive core of detonator cord, pressure from gases formed from the decomposition of the nitromethane often causes ballooning or rupture of the outer covering of the detonator cord.
It is an object of the present invention to provide stable, sensitized nitromethane explosive compositions.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide stable, sensitized nitromethane explosive compositions in gelled form.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide stable, gelled, sensitized nitromethane explosive composition in the form of the explosive core for detonator cord.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a detonator cord having a stable, sensitized explosive cord.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specification and appended claims.
The present invention in a first embodiment resides in the discovery that sensitized nitromethane explosive compositions which are stable against decomposition are obtained by incorporating into the explosive composition a sensitizing amount of resin balloon.
The present invention in a second embodiment resides in the discovery that gelled, sensitized nitromethane explosive compositions which are stable against decomposition are obtained by incorporating into the gelled explosive composition a sensitizing amount of resin balloon.
The present invention in a third embodiment resides in the discovery that gelled, sensitized nitromethane eX- plosive compositions which are stable against decomposition and suitable as explosive core of detonator cord are obtained by incorporating into the gelled explosive composition a sensitizing amount of a finely divided, air-entrapping material. Examples of such finely divided, airentrapping materials include bagasse, wood flour, ground balsa, resin balloons and the like. Because of the excellent results obtained therewith resin balloons are preferred.
The resin balloons of use in the explosive compositions of the present invention are water insoluble and nitromethane insoluble, thin-walled, hollow, spherical balloons of a polymerized thermosetting resin-selected from the group consisting of urea-formaldehyde and phenolformaldehyde. The resin balloons are of low density and small particle size. Typical resin balloons have a bulk density of less than 0.3 gr./cc. and a diameter of from about 2 to about 360 microns. Resin balloons are more fully described in US. Patent 3,101,288 to Coursen et al. issued Aug. 20, 1963. Such resin balloons are commercially available.
The amount of resin balloons required to sensitize mtromethane explosive compositions will vary and will depend chiefly on the use desired for the particular explosive composition. Typically suitable amounts of resin balloons in the explosive compositions of the present invention are in the range of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight based on the weight of the explosive composition. While amounts greater than 20% by weight of resin balloons may be included in the explosive compositions of the present invention, such amounts are considered excess. For most applications and in particular when the explosive composition is used in gelled form as the eX- plosive core of detonator cord, amounts of resin balloons 1n the range of from about 1.5 to about 10% are preferred.
Explosive compositions comprising nitromethane and resin balloons may be prepared in any suitable manner, as for example by mixing the resin balloons with the nitromethane. It is Well understood in the art that high temperatures during mixing should be avoided.
It is sometimes desirable to include one or more additives in the explosive compositions of the present invention in order to enhance or alter their performance in particular applications. For example, it is often desirableto include a fuel and/or an oxidizer in the explosive compositions of the present invention.
Examples of fuels include elemental carbon in various forms, such as carbon black, graphite and the like; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane,-octane, dodecane and .cyclohexane; organic polymers such as liquid and solid polymers of ethylene and propylene; organic ketones such as diethyl ketone, ethyl butyl ketone, cyclohexanone and the like; and alkyl ethers of saturated glycols such as the monomethyl ether of ethylene glycol and the monoethyl ether of ethylene glycol and the like.
Examples of oxidizers include ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, lithium nitrate and the like.
Examples of other additives include guanidine nitrate, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine.
The explosive compositions of the present invention may be used in either the normally liquid or in gelled form. Normally liquid nitromethane is readily converted to gelled form by incorporation of a suitable thickening or gelling agent into the nitromethane as previously indicated.
The explosive compositions of the present invention have a variety of uses well-known to the art. As previously indicated, gelled explosive compositions of the present invention are especially useful as the explosive core of detonator cord. The compositions of the present invention also are particularly useful in oil wells to fracture oil bearing formations.
The invention will be understood more fully by reference to the following specific examples. It is understood that the examples are presented for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a limitation of the invention.
In the examples the resin balloons used were prepared from phenol-formaldehyde resins and were commercially sold by the Bakelite Company, a Division of Union Carbide Corporation under the trademark Microballoons. The resin balloons were of small particle size and low bulk density. Microballoons manufactured from ureaformaldehyde resins are also commercially available and if desired can be substituted for Microballoons manufactured from phenol-formaldehyde resins.
Example 1 Tests were conducted to show the effectiveness of resin balloons in sensitizing nitromethane explosive compositions. The sensitized explosive compositions used in the tests designated A-G inclusive in the table below were prepared by blending resin balloons into a gelled nitromethane explosive composition prepared by blending 95 parts by weight nitromethane with 5 parts by weight nitrocellulose. The composition used in test H contained no resin balloons and was prepared by blending 95 parts by weight nitromethane with 5 parts by weight nitrocellulose.
In each test 100 grams of nitromethane explosive composition was placed in a 2" diameter plastic cup. The cup was placed behind a safety shield and was detonated by a No. 6 or No. 8 blasting cap. The blasting caps were commercially sold by Atlas Powder Company. The results of the tests are set forth in the table which follows:
The above results show the effectiveness of resin balloons as sensitizers for nitromethane.
Example 2 A detonator cord was prepared by loading a piece of polyethylene tubing 14 inches in length and 4; inch in diameter (inside) with a gelled, sensitized nitromethane explosive composition comprising 95 parts by weight nitromethane, 5 parts by weight nitrocellulose and 5 parts Q by weight resin balloons. The cord was detonated with a No. 6 blasting cap. Detonation of the entire cord was obtained. The rate of detonation was in excess of 18,000 feet per second.
Example 3 The following is an example of a stable, sensitized nitromethane explosive composition.
Parts by weight Nitromethane (liquid) Phenol-formaldehyde resin balloons 5 Example 4 The following is an example of a stable, sensitized nitromethane explosive composition in gelled form.
Parts by weight Nitromethane Carbon black 40 Ammonium nitrate 200 Nitrocellulose 6 Phenol-formaldehyde resin balloons 10 Example 5 The following is an example of a stable, sensitized nitromethane explosive composition in gelled form suitable for use as the explosive core in detonator cord.
nitromethane explosive composition in gelled form suitable for use as the explosive core in detonator cord.
Parts by weight Nitromethane 95 Nitrocellulose 5 Ba gasse 8 Since many embodiments of this invention may be made and since many changes may be made in the embodiments described, the foregoing is to be interpreted as illustrative only and the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.
I claim:
1. An explosive composition comprising nitromethane and a sensitizing amount of a water-insoluble and nitromethane-insoluble polymerized thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins in the form of thin-walled, hollow, spherical balloons.
2. A gelled explosive composition comprising nitromethane, a gelling agent for the nitromethane and a sensitizing amount of water-insoluble and nitromethaneinsoluble polymerized thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of phenol-formaldehyde and ureaformaldehyde resins in the form of thin-walled, hollow, spherical balloons.
3. The composition of claim 2 wherein the said balloons have a bulk density of less than about 0.3 g. per cc. and a diameter in the range of from about 2 to about 360 microns.
4. The composition of claim 2 wherein the amount of said balloons in the said composition is in the range of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight based on the weight of the composition.
5. The composition of claim 2 wherein the said gelling agent is nitrocellulose.
6. The composition of claim 2 in the form of an explosive core for detonator cord.
7. The composition of claim 6 wherein the spherical balloons have a bulk density of less than about 0.3 g.
per cc. and a diameter in the range of from about 2 to about 360 microns.
8. The composition of claim 6 wherein the amount of said spherical balloons in said composition is in the range of from about 1.5 to about 10% by weight based on the weight of the composition.
9. A detonator cord including an explosive core, a sheath for said core and a cover for said sheath, the composition of said core comprising nitromethane, a gelling agent for said nitromethane and a sensitizing amount of a finely divided, air-entrapping material.
10. The detonator cord of claim 9 wherein the finely divided, air-entrapping material is a water-insoluble and nitromethane-insoluble, polymerized thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins in the form of thinwalled, hollow, spherical balloons.
11. The detonator cord of claim 10 wherein the said balloons have a bulk density of less than 0.3 g. per cc. and a diameter in the range of from about 2 to about 360 microns.
12. The detonator cord of claim 10 wherein the amount of said resin balloons in the composition of said core is in the range of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight based on the weight of the composition.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,035,948 5/1962 Fox 14989 X 3,143,446 8/1964 Berman 149-19 X 3,204,560 9/1965 Gustavson 149-2 X 3,242,022 3/ 1966 Atkins et a1. 149-89 OTHER REFERENCES Bogin et al.: Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 34, No. 9, pp. 1091 to 1096 (1942).
Urbanski: Chemistry and Technology of Explosives, The Macmillan Company, New York, 1964, pp. 584 to 586.
DEWAYNE RUTLEDGE, Primary Examiner.
CARL D. QUARFORTH, Examiner.
L. A. SEBASTIAN, Assistant Examiner.
Claims (1)
1. AN EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITION COMPRISING NITROMETHANE AND A SENSSITIZING AMOUNT OF A WATER-INSOLUBLE AND NITROMETHANE-INSOLUBLE POLYMERIZED THERMOSETTING RESIN SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE AND UREA-FORMALDEHYDE RESINS IN THE FORM OF THIN-WALLED, HOLLOW, SPHERICAL BALLOONS.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US571735A US3338165A (en) | 1966-08-11 | 1966-08-11 | Gelled nitromethane explosive containing fluid encapsulations |
| IL28378A IL28378A (en) | 1966-08-11 | 1967-07-23 | Explosive compositions |
| GB34141/67A GB1147307A (en) | 1966-08-11 | 1967-07-25 | Improvements in or relating to explosive compositions |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US571735A US3338165A (en) | 1966-08-11 | 1966-08-11 | Gelled nitromethane explosive containing fluid encapsulations |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US3338165A true US3338165A (en) | 1967-08-29 |
Family
ID=24284825
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US571735A Expired - Lifetime US3338165A (en) | 1966-08-11 | 1966-08-11 | Gelled nitromethane explosive containing fluid encapsulations |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3338165A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1147307A (en) |
| IL (1) | IL28378A (en) |
Cited By (20)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3409484A (en) * | 1967-09-15 | 1968-11-05 | Commercial Solvents Corp | Thickened inorganic oxidizer salt slurried explosive containing an alkylamine nitrate and an air-entrapping material |
| US3409485A (en) * | 1967-09-15 | 1968-11-05 | Commercial Solvents Corp | Thickened inorganic oxidizer salt slurried explosive containing tris(hydroxymethyl)-nitromethaneand air-entrapping material |
| US3419444A (en) * | 1967-05-03 | 1968-12-31 | Commercial Solvents Corp | Thickened aqueous inorganic nitrate salt-nitroparaffin explosive composition sensitized with an air entrapping material |
| US3447978A (en) * | 1967-08-03 | 1969-06-03 | Atlas Chem Ind | Ammonium nitrate emulsion blasting agent and method of preparing same |
| US3457126A (en) * | 1967-05-16 | 1969-07-22 | Ici Australia Ltd | Aqueous explosive composition containing a porous water insoluble synthetic organic polymeric cellular material |
| US3475236A (en) * | 1968-04-17 | 1969-10-28 | Seispower Corp | Non-aqueous cap-sensitive explosive containing gelled nitromethane and inorganic nitrate oxidizer salt |
| US3546034A (en) * | 1968-06-19 | 1970-12-08 | Commercial Solvents Corp | Ammonium nitrate-nitromethane type blasting agent containing urea as a crystallization inhibitor |
| US3619306A (en) * | 1967-09-13 | 1971-11-09 | Dynamit Nobel Ag | Molded explosive bodies having variable detonation speeds |
| US3663324A (en) * | 1969-10-27 | 1972-05-16 | Talley Frac Corp | Liquid explosive containing a nitramine explosive dissolved in a nitroparaffin |
| US3718512A (en) * | 1970-10-08 | 1973-02-27 | Kinetics Int Corp | Porous particles containing dispersed organic liquid and gaseous components |
| US4038112A (en) * | 1975-05-12 | 1977-07-26 | Talley-Frac Corporation | Well-fracturing explosive composition |
| FR2518086A1 (en) * | 1981-12-15 | 1983-06-17 | France Etat | Cellular, pyrotechnic material of adjustable porosity - comprising explosive material, inorganic oxidising agent, organic microspheres and hardenable binder |
| US4394199A (en) * | 1981-09-08 | 1983-07-19 | Agnus Chemical Company | Explosive emulsion composition |
| US5202051A (en) * | 1987-04-29 | 1993-04-13 | Shell Oil Company | Stabilization of epoxy/nitroparaffin solutions |
| US20040200372A1 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2004-10-14 | Gladden Ernest L. | Non-electric detonator |
| US6960267B1 (en) | 2003-06-26 | 2005-11-01 | Nixon Iii William P | Multi-component liquid explosive composition and method |
| US20070214990A1 (en) * | 2000-05-24 | 2007-09-20 | Barkley Thomas L | Detonating cord and methods of making and using the same |
| WO2014076099A3 (en) * | 2012-11-14 | 2014-07-31 | EST Energetics GmbH | Detonator-sensitive assembled booster charges for use in blasting engineering and the use thereof |
| US9175933B2 (en) | 2014-02-21 | 2015-11-03 | The United States Of America, As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Simple low-cost hand-held landmine neutralization device |
| EP3228972A1 (en) | 2016-04-06 | 2017-10-11 | Nitrates & Innovation | Two-part container assembly ready to be fixed together by screwing in order to form an explosif cartridge |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3035948A (en) * | 1959-04-29 | 1962-05-22 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Gelled nitroalkane propellants |
| US3143446A (en) * | 1959-11-27 | 1964-08-04 | Gen Electric | Propellant charge containing fluid encapsulations |
| US3204560A (en) * | 1961-04-24 | 1965-09-07 | Lockheed Aircraft Corp | Solid rocket propellant containing metal encapsulated gas |
| US3242022A (en) * | 1963-09-27 | 1966-03-22 | Dow Chemical Co | Gelled nitroalkane compositions for blasting |
-
1966
- 1966-08-11 US US571735A patent/US3338165A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1967
- 1967-07-23 IL IL28378A patent/IL28378A/en unknown
- 1967-07-25 GB GB34141/67A patent/GB1147307A/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3035948A (en) * | 1959-04-29 | 1962-05-22 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Gelled nitroalkane propellants |
| US3143446A (en) * | 1959-11-27 | 1964-08-04 | Gen Electric | Propellant charge containing fluid encapsulations |
| US3204560A (en) * | 1961-04-24 | 1965-09-07 | Lockheed Aircraft Corp | Solid rocket propellant containing metal encapsulated gas |
| US3242022A (en) * | 1963-09-27 | 1966-03-22 | Dow Chemical Co | Gelled nitroalkane compositions for blasting |
Cited By (26)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3419444A (en) * | 1967-05-03 | 1968-12-31 | Commercial Solvents Corp | Thickened aqueous inorganic nitrate salt-nitroparaffin explosive composition sensitized with an air entrapping material |
| US3457126A (en) * | 1967-05-16 | 1969-07-22 | Ici Australia Ltd | Aqueous explosive composition containing a porous water insoluble synthetic organic polymeric cellular material |
| US3447978A (en) * | 1967-08-03 | 1969-06-03 | Atlas Chem Ind | Ammonium nitrate emulsion blasting agent and method of preparing same |
| US3619306A (en) * | 1967-09-13 | 1971-11-09 | Dynamit Nobel Ag | Molded explosive bodies having variable detonation speeds |
| US3409484A (en) * | 1967-09-15 | 1968-11-05 | Commercial Solvents Corp | Thickened inorganic oxidizer salt slurried explosive containing an alkylamine nitrate and an air-entrapping material |
| US3409485A (en) * | 1967-09-15 | 1968-11-05 | Commercial Solvents Corp | Thickened inorganic oxidizer salt slurried explosive containing tris(hydroxymethyl)-nitromethaneand air-entrapping material |
| US3475236A (en) * | 1968-04-17 | 1969-10-28 | Seispower Corp | Non-aqueous cap-sensitive explosive containing gelled nitromethane and inorganic nitrate oxidizer salt |
| US3546034A (en) * | 1968-06-19 | 1970-12-08 | Commercial Solvents Corp | Ammonium nitrate-nitromethane type blasting agent containing urea as a crystallization inhibitor |
| US3663324A (en) * | 1969-10-27 | 1972-05-16 | Talley Frac Corp | Liquid explosive containing a nitramine explosive dissolved in a nitroparaffin |
| US3718512A (en) * | 1970-10-08 | 1973-02-27 | Kinetics Int Corp | Porous particles containing dispersed organic liquid and gaseous components |
| US4038112A (en) * | 1975-05-12 | 1977-07-26 | Talley-Frac Corporation | Well-fracturing explosive composition |
| US4394199A (en) * | 1981-09-08 | 1983-07-19 | Agnus Chemical Company | Explosive emulsion composition |
| FR2518086A1 (en) * | 1981-12-15 | 1983-06-17 | France Etat | Cellular, pyrotechnic material of adjustable porosity - comprising explosive material, inorganic oxidising agent, organic microspheres and hardenable binder |
| US5202051A (en) * | 1987-04-29 | 1993-04-13 | Shell Oil Company | Stabilization of epoxy/nitroparaffin solutions |
| US20100037793A1 (en) * | 2000-05-24 | 2010-02-18 | Lee Robert A | Detonating cord and methods of making and using the same |
| US20070214990A1 (en) * | 2000-05-24 | 2007-09-20 | Barkley Thomas L | Detonating cord and methods of making and using the same |
| US20040200372A1 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2004-10-14 | Gladden Ernest L. | Non-electric detonator |
| US7188566B2 (en) | 2001-04-24 | 2007-03-13 | Dyno Nobel Inc. | Non-electric detonator |
| US6960267B1 (en) | 2003-06-26 | 2005-11-01 | Nixon Iii William P | Multi-component liquid explosive composition and method |
| WO2014076099A3 (en) * | 2012-11-14 | 2014-07-31 | EST Energetics GmbH | Detonator-sensitive assembled booster charges for use in blasting engineering and the use thereof |
| AU2013346947B2 (en) * | 2012-11-14 | 2017-06-15 | EST Energetics GmbH | Detonator-sensitive assembled booster charges for use in blasting engineering and the use thereof |
| US10227266B2 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2019-03-12 | EST Energetics GmbH | Detonator-sensitive assembled booster charges for use in blasting engineering and the use thereof |
| US9175933B2 (en) | 2014-02-21 | 2015-11-03 | The United States Of America, As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Simple low-cost hand-held landmine neutralization device |
| US9506729B2 (en) | 2014-02-21 | 2016-11-29 | The United States Of America, As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Field mixable two-component liquid explosive |
| US9797693B1 (en) | 2014-02-21 | 2017-10-24 | The United States Of America, As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Adjustable stand for holding a liquid explosive |
| EP3228972A1 (en) | 2016-04-06 | 2017-10-11 | Nitrates & Innovation | Two-part container assembly ready to be fixed together by screwing in order to form an explosif cartridge |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB1147307A (en) | 1969-04-02 |
| IL28378A (en) | 1971-02-25 |
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