US4456494A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for making an aqueous slurry-type blasting composition
Assignee: ENERGY SCIENCES PARTNERS Ltd A OF WA LP
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Filing: 1982-08-03
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Granted: 1984-06-26
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Expires: 2002-08-03
Abstract
Abstract A blasting composition, method, and system for making such is disclosed. The blasting composition consists essentially of a particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer, a particulate metal fuel, water, and a gelling agent. The composition is prepared by blending 10-20% by weight of the total amount of water to be added to the composition, with the particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer; adding a dry blend of gelling agent and particulate metal fuel to the damp oxidizer; briefly mixing the two components; adding the remainder of the water; and slowly subjecting the mixture to a tumbling action for a brief period of time sufficient to obtain a uniform composition.
Inventors
- 👤 Michel E. Maes
- 👤 Robert L. Shaw
- 👤 Royal L. Reinsch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 22:10
CPC Classifications
C; C06; C06B; C06B47/00; C06B47/14; C06B21/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for making a homogeneous, aqueous slurry-type blasting composition containing a particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer and a particulate metal fuel, comprising: blending a particulate gelling agent together with a finely divided powdered metal to form a dry mixture thereof; blending 10-20% by weight of the total amount of water to be used in the composition with the particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer; adding the dry blend of gelling agent and powdered metal to the damp, particulate, inorganic nitrate oxidizer; blending the damp inorganic oxidizer and powdered metal/gelling agent together for a brief period of time; and adding the remaining water to the composition while slowly subjecting the mixture to tumbling for a time sufficient to obtain a uniform composition.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for making a homogeneous, aqueous slurry-type blasting composition containing a particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer and a particulate metal fuel, comprising: blending a particulate gelling agent together with a finely divided powdered metal to form a dry mixture thereof; blending 10-20% by weight of the total amount of water to be used in the composition with the particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer; adding the dry blend of gelling agent and powdered metal to the damp, particulate, inorganic nitrate oxidizer; blending the damp inorganic oxidizer and powdered metal/gelling agent together for a brief period of time; and adding the remaining water to the composition while slowly subjecting the mixture to tumbling for a time sufficient to obtain a uniform composition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the composition consists essentially of 50-80% by weight particulate inorganic nitrate, 0.5-10% by weight finely divided aluminum flake, 0.5-10% by weight gelling agent, and 15-35% by weight water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the mixing time after addition of the remaining water ranges from 2-30 seconds and the inorganic nitrate is ammonium nitrate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the gelling agent is guar gum.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 2 wherein a cross-linking agent is included with the gelling agent in an amount ranging from 0.02-0.5% by weight.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for making a homogeneous, aqueous, slurry-type blasting composition which contains a particulate nitrate oxidizer, a finely divided metal fuel, and a gelling agent, comprising: grinding means for grinding the particulate nitrate to a uniform particle size; means for feeding the particulate oxidizer in weighed amounts to a mixer having tumbling blades therein which subject the material in the mixture to a slow tumbling action; means for feeding a measured amount of water into the mixer containing the particulate oxidizer prior to addition of a dry mixture of gelling agent and powdered metal, and after addition of the gelling agent and powdered metal; and means for packing the blended explosive composition in cartridges.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for making a homogeneous, aqueous, slurry-type blasting composition which contains a particulate nitrate oxidizer, a finely divided metal fuel, and a gelling agent, comprising: grinding means for grinding the particulate nitrate to a uniform particle size; means for feeding the particulate oxidizer in weighed amounts to a mixer having tumbling blades therein which subject the material in the mixture to a slow tumbling action; means for feeding a measured amount of water into the mixer containing the particulate oxidizer prior to addition of a dry mixture of gelling agent and powdered metal, and after addition of the gelling agent and powdered metal; and means for packing the blended explosive composition in cartridges.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 6 wherein the composition consists essentially of 50-80% by weight particulate nitrate oxidizer, 1-4% by weight finely divided aluminum, 15-35% by weight water, and 0.5-10% by weight gelling agent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 6 wherein the means for packing is an auger packer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-06-26 | 1987-12-26 | 1988-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-06-26 | 1991-12-26 | 1992-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-06-26 | 1995-12-26 | 1996-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |