Explosives and Blasting Procedures Manual

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Explosives and Blasting Procedures Manual Information Circular 8925 Explosives and Blasting Procedures Manual By Richard A. Dick, Larry R. Fletcher, and Dennis V. D'Andrea US Department of Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Kenneth K. Eltschlager Mining/Blasting Engineer 3 Parkway Center Pittsburgh, PA 15220 Phone 412.937.2169 Fax 412.937.3012 [email protected] UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR James G. Watt, Secretary BUREAU OF MINES Robert C. Horton, Director As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering the wisest use of our land and water re• sources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The Department also has a major re· sponsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in Island Territories under U.S. administration. This publication has been cataloged as follows: Dick, Richard A Explosives and blasting procedures manual, (Bureau of Mines Information circular ; 8925) Supt. of Docs. no.: I 28.27:8925. 1. Blasting-Handbooks, manuals, etc, 2. Explosives-Haodbooks, manuals, etc, I. Fletcher, Larry R. II. D'Andrea, Dennis V. Ill, Title, IV. Series: Information circular (United States, Bureau of Mines) ; 8925, TN295,U4 [TN279] 622s [622'.23] 82·600353 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Prin£ing Office Washington, D.C. 20402 CONTENTS Page Page Abstract ...................................................................... 1 Chapter 2.-lnitiation and Priming-Con. Introduction ................................................................ 2 Priming........................................................................ 43 Chapter 1.-Explosives Products Types of explosive used.......................................... 43 Primer makeup........................................................ 45 Chemistry and physics of explosives .. .... .................... 3 Primer location ... .. .... .. ...... ...... ... ..... ............. ... .. .. .... 46 Types of explosives and blasting agents .......... .......... 4 Multiple priming ........ .... ........................................... 47 Nitroglycerin-based high explosives........................ 5 References.................................................................. 47 Dry blasting agents ........................................ ,......... 7 Slurries.................................................................... 9 Chapter 3.-Biasthole Loading Two-component explosives..................................... 10 Permissible explosives . .. ... .. .. .. .... .. .. ... .. ..... .... .. ... .. ... 11 Checking the blasthole........... .... .... .. .. .. .... .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. 49 Primers and boosters ... .. ... ... .. ... .. .. .. .... ..... .... .. ... .. .... 1 1 General loading procedures........................................ 49 Liquid oxygen explosive and black powder............. 13 Small-diameter blastholes........................................... 50 Properties of explosives.............................................. 14 Cartridged products................................................. 50 Strength.................................................................... 14 Bulk dry blasting agents ... .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. ....... ... .. ... .. ... 50 Detonation velocity ... .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .... ... .. .......... ............ 14 Bulk slurries............................................................. 52 Density .. .. .. .. ... .. .. ... .. .. ..... .. .. ..... .. .. .... ... ... .... .... ......... 14 Permissible blasting ..................... ....... .......... ..... .... 52 Water resistance...................................................... 15 Large-diameter blastholes............................. ... ........... 52 Fume class .............................................................., 15 Packaged products.................................................. 52 Detonation pressure .... .......... ........ ... .. ... ..... ... .... ...... 16 Bulk dry blasting agents .. ... .. ... .. .. ..... ........... ..... ... .. 53 Borehole pressure................................................... 16 Bulk slurries............................................................. 54 Sensitivity and sensitiveness................................... 16 References.................................................................. 56 Explosive selection criteria.......................................... 17 Explosive cost ........ ......... ................................. ........ 17 Chapter 4.-Biast Design Charge diameter...................................................... 16. Cost of drilling........................................................... 16 Properties and geology of the rock mass,,................. 57 Fragmentation difficulties......................................... 18 Characterizing the rock mass .............. ::.................. 57 Water conditions...................................................... 18 Rock density and hardness..................................... 57 Adequacy of ventilation........................................... 18 Voids and incompetent zones ................................. 57 Atmospheric temperature ........ ................................ 19 Jointing.................................................................... 58 Propagating ground................................................. 19. Bedding................................................................... 58 Storage considerations ........................................... , 19 Surface blasting.......................................................... 59 Sensitivity considerations ..... .... ..... .................. ........ 19 Blasthole diameter................................................... 59 Explosive atmospheres ........................................... 20 Types of blast patterns............................................ 61. References.................................................................. 20 Burden..................................................................... 61 Subdrilling................................................................ 62 Chapter 2.-lnitiation and Priming Collar distance (stemming)...................................... 62 Spacing................................................................... 63 Initiation systems .. ..... .... .... ......... ................................ 21 Hole depth............................................................... 64 Delay series .. .... .... ......... .... ..... .... ..... .... ....................... 21 Delays..................................................................... 64 Electric initiation .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .. ...... .. .. .. ... .. ... 22 Powder factor .... .... ..... .... .... ..... ... .. ...... .. .. ..... .... ..... ... 65 Types of circuits .... .. .. .. ......................... ................... 23 Secondary blasting ............................................ :..... 65 Circuit calculations .... .. ............. ..... .......................... 25 Underground blasting.................................................. 66- Power sources......................................................... ··25 0penlng cuts . ........ .... .. ........... ....... ... .... ........ ...... ... 66 Circuit testing........................................................... 28 Blasting rounds........................................................ 68 Extraneous electricity . .. .. .. ... .... .. .... .... .... .. ... .. ..... .... .. 30 Delays..................................................................... 69 Additional considerations......................................... 30 Powder factor .. .. ........ .... ......... .... ... .. .. .... .... .. .. ... .. .... 70 Detonating cord initiation .. ...... ... .. ... .. ... ............ ... .. ... .. 30 Underground coal mine blasting ...................... ...... ..... 70 Detonating cord products........................................ 31 Controlled blasting techniques.................................... 70 Field application ...................................................... 31 Line drilling ............... .......... .. .. .. .. .• .. .. ... ........... .... .... 70 Delay systems......................................................... 33 Presplitting... ..... ... .... ................ ... ....... ... ..... ... .. .... ... 71 General considerations ........................................... 34 Smooth blasting....................................................... 73 Detaline system....................................................... 34 Cushion blasting...................................................... 74 Cap-and-fuse initiation ...................... .......................... 35 References ............ :..................................................... 74 Components............................................................ 35 Field applications..................................................... 35 Delays..................................................................... 36 Chapter 5.-Environf1lental Effects of Blasting General considerations ... .. .. .. ... ... ..
Recommended publications
  • Punked the Warped Tech of a Victorian World That Never Was
    THE MAGAZINE OF TECHNOLOGY INSIDERS 10.08 STEAM PUNKED THE WARPED TECH OF A VICTORIAN WORLD THAT NEVER WAS www.spectrum.ieee.org volume 45 number 10 north american 10.08 UPDATE 13 OPEN-SOURCE VOTING Can open-source software save electronic voting? By Mark Anderson 14 VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY 16 CAR TALK 18 KEEPING MEMS MOVING 20 HOME FUEL CELLS TO SELL IN JAPAN OPINION 22 48 9 SPECTRAL LINES Is the United States ready for digital television? The transition may not be so smooth. By Tekla S. Perry 10 FORUM Futurist Ray Kurzweil gets the last word on the singularity. 21 TECHNICALLY SPEAKING New words are needed to reprocess old electronics. By Paul McFedries DEPARTMENTS 4 BACK STORY 28 On the road to Tikrit. SPARKS FLY: COVER STORY 6 CONTRIBUTORS Engineers build community and 22 HANDS ON more at TechShop 48 THE STEAMPUNK TechShop, a high-tech hands-on [top left]; strange workshop, is expanding—perhaps to steam-powered CONTRAPTORS a city near you. By David Schneider critters inhabit Do-it-yourself enthusiasts are drawing on the aesthetics of the I-Wei Huang’s CAREERS garage [top right]; 19th-century Victorian era to create fantastic brass-adorned, steam-driven 24 Sam Altman is only 23 and on and solar panels machines. All hail the steampunk subculture. By Erico Guizzo leave from Stanford, but his software on a U.S. Air Force base harvest may already be on your cellphone. energy from the 28 A LESS WELL-OILED WAR MACHINE By Susan Karlin sun [bottom]. One of the world’s most profligate users of energy, the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Chelmsford-1958.Pdf (14.23Mb)
    Jown of Chelmdtord ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1958 Itt Hfomonam FIRE CHIEF ALLAN KIDDER Allan Kidder, Chief of the Fire Department, died on November 4, 1958. Chief Kidder was first appointed a call firefighter in 1931. After serving his country in World War II, he returned to the Fire Department in 1946 as a regular firefighter. He rose rapidly in rank until in 1954 he was appointed as Chelmsford's first full- time Fire Chief. His untimely passing put an end to a career dedicated to the Fire Service, a career in which he earned the respect of his fellow-workers and of the Townspeople. SULLIVAN BROS. LOWELL, MASS. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ^Jown of CkeLsfoJ FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1958 ANNUAL TOWN REPORT Report of the Town Clerk ELECTED TOWN OFFICIALS MODERATOR Edward J. Desaulnier, Jr. (Term Expires 1960) Resigned Jan. 13, 1959 TOWN CLERK Charlotte P. DeWolf (Term Expires 1960) SELECTMEN AND BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE Edgar P. George Term Expires 1959 Robert F. McAndrew Term Expires 1960 Raymond J. Greenwood Term Expires 1961 TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR Charlotte P. DeWolf, Temporary until Feb. 1959 Walter R. Wilkins, Jr. Term Expires 1960 BOARD OF ASSESSORS Warren Wright Term Expires 1959 John J. Dunigan - Term Expires 1960 Claude A. Harvey _ Term Expires 1961 TREE WARDEN Myles J. Hogan (Term Expires 1960) BOARD OF HEALTH William R. Greenwood _ Term Expires 1959 Edmund J. Welch Term Expires 1960 Oliver A. Reeves Term Expires 1961 8 ANNUAL TOWN REPORT SCHOOL COMMITTEE Allan R. Davidson Term Expires 1959 Henrick R.
    [Show full text]
  • Dave's Decision: Whether to Weather
    Volume 37, No. 5 June, 2008 PUBLISHED BY THE LIONEL® COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA IN FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, OCTOBER, DECEMBER Dave’s Decision: Whether to Weather The Lion Roars June, 2008 LAST CHANCE TO ORDER Deadline Imminent The Lionel Collectors Club of America offers these two This limited-edition production run will include these quality distinctive cars of the northeast region — “Susie Q” and Ontario features: Northland RR — to members as the 2008 Convention car. Limit: • produced by Lionel® exclusively for LCCA two sets per member. • die-cast, fully sprung trucks with rotating roller bearing caps; truck sideframes are painted to match the cars The Susquehanna car will include the classic rendering of the • roof hatches actually open and close “Susie Q” character never before presented on a hopper car. This • crisp graphics with SUSIE Q and ONR décor pair will appeal to Susie Q and Canadian model railroaders, niche • added-on (not molded-in) ladders and brake wheels collectors seeking rolling stock of northeastern regional railroads, • detailed undercarriage and collectors of LCCA Convention cars. • discrete LCCA 2008 Convention designation on the underside. Order Form for “Susie Q” and ONR Cars Once submitted, LCCA will consider this a firm, non-refundable order. Deadline for ordering: June 30, 2008. Note: UPS cannot deliver to a post office box. A street address is required. Name: ____________________________________________________________________ LCCA No.: ________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________________________ State: ____ Zip + 4: __________________ Phone: (______) ______________________ e-mail: __________________________________________________________ [ ] Check this box if any part of your address is new. Do the Math: [ ] Payment Plan A: My check for the full amount is enclosed made payable to 2008 LCCA Convention Car “LCCA” with “TLR/2008CC” written on the memo line.
    [Show full text]
  • Development of a Correlation Between
    DEVELOPMENT OF A CORRELATION BETWEEN ROTARY DRILL PERFORMANCE AND CONTROLLED BLASTING POWDER FACTORS by JOHN CHARLES LEIGHTON B.A.Sc, The University of British Columbia, 1978 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF APPLIED SCIENCE in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES Department of Mining and Mineral Process Engineering We accept this thesis as conforming to the required standard THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA August 1982 © John Charles Leighton, 1982 In presenting this thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for an advanced degree at the University of British Columbia, I agree that the Library shall make it freely available for reference and study. I further agree that permission for extensive copying of this thesis for scholarly purposes may be granted by the head of my department or by his or her representatives. It is understood that copying or publication of this thesis for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. John Charles Leighton Department of MIVMVI3 The University of British Columbia 1956 Main Mall Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Y3 Date DE-6 (.3/81) - i i - ABSTRACT Despite the availability of established, sophisticated methods for plan• ning and designing stable slopes in rock, comparatively little attention is usually paid to the problems of carrying out the excavation. Blasting should be carefully planned to obtain optimum fragmentation as well as steep, stable pit walls for a minimum stripping ratio. The principal difficulty facing a blast designer is the lack of prior information about the many critical blasting characteristics of the rock mass.
    [Show full text]
  • Sample Chapter Template for AFFA
    The Training Material on “Dangerous Goods Handling (All modes)” has been produced under Project Sustainable Human Resource Development in Logistic Services for ASEAN Member States with the support from Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). Copyright Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2014. All rights reserved. Dangerous Goods Handling Chapter 2: International Classification of Dangerous Goods Objectives This chapter will explain UN Transport regulations, its history and basis as model regulations for international classification system for other modes of transport. The linkage into the ASEAN Protocol 9 framework on the international carriage of dangerous goods in ASEAN will also be explained. 9 classes of dangerous goods classification shall be key content in this chapter. Other relevant basic terms such as Class, Division, Packaging Group (PG), UN Number (UNNO) and Proper Shipping Names (PSN) will also be covered. As supplement knowledge in classification of substances or mixtures that have more than one hazard, the explanation on precedence of hazard characteristics will be given. Basic hazard communication such as Labelling requirements, Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) or Multi-modal Dangerous Goods Form shall be explained. 1. Introduction 1.1 United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNTDG/UNRTDG) These Recommendations have been developed by the United Nations Economic and Social Council's Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in the light of technical progress, the advent of new substances and materials, the exigencies of modern transport systems and, above all, the requirement to ensure the safety of people, property and the environment. They are addressed to governments and international organizations concerned with the regulation of the transport of dangerous goods.
    [Show full text]
  • Explosive Weapon Effectsweapon Overview Effects
    CHARACTERISATION OF EXPLOSIVE WEAPONS EXPLOSIVEEXPLOSIVE WEAPON EFFECTSWEAPON OVERVIEW EFFECTS FINAL REPORT ABOUT THE GICHD AND THE PROJECT The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) is an expert organisation working to reduce the impact of mines, cluster munitions and other explosive hazards, in close partnership with states, the UN and other human security actors. Based at the Maison de la paix in Geneva, the GICHD employs around 55 staff from over 15 countries with unique expertise and knowledge. Our work is made possible by core contributions, project funding and in-kind support from more than 20 governments and organisations. Motivated by its strategic goal to improve human security and equipped with subject expertise in explosive hazards, the GICHD launched a research project to characterise explosive weapons. The GICHD perceives the debate on explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) as an important humanitarian issue. The aim of this research into explosive weapons characteristics and their immediate, destructive effects on humans and structures, is to help inform the ongoing discussions on EWIPA, intended to reduce harm to civilians. The intention of the research is not to discuss the moral, political or legal implications of using explosive weapon systems in populated areas, but to examine their characteristics, effects and use from a technical perspective. The research project started in January 2015 and was guided and advised by a group of 18 international experts dealing with weapons-related research and practitioners who address the implications of explosive weapons in the humanitarian, policy, advocacy and legal fields. This report and its annexes integrate the research efforts of the characterisation of explosive weapons (CEW) project in 2015-2016 and make reference to key information sources in this domain.
    [Show full text]
  • Min/Q0213 Nsqf Level: 2
    [Type here] Model Curriculum Assistant Support - Underground Mines SECTOR: Mining SUB-SECTOR: Mining Operations OCCUPATION: Loading & Hauling - Underground REF ID: MIN/Q0213 NSQF LEVEL: 2 Assistant Support – Underground Mines 1 [Type here] Assistant Support – Underground Mines 2 [Type here] TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Curriculum 01 2. Trainer Prerequisites 10 3. Annexure: Assessment Criteria 11 Assistant Support – Underground Mines 3 [Type here] Assistant Support-Underground Mines CURRICULUM / SYLLABUS This program is aimed at training candidates for the job of a “Assistant Support-Underground Mines”, in the “Mining & Allied” Sector/Industry and aims at building the following key competencies amongst the learner Program Name Assistant Support – Underground Mines Qualification Pack Name & MIN/Q0213 Reference ID. ID Version No. 1.0 Version update date 03-06-2017 Pre-requisites to Training Class VIII Pass Training Outcomes After completing this programme, participants will be able to: assists operators and technicians in underground mines, including in haulage, conveyor operation, Drilling, coal cutting, water pump operation, SDL/LHD operation, Roof bolting and other equipment operations. repair and maintenance of mining equipments including HEMM. ensure the cleanliness of the equipment & worksite, carries the tools and tackles from store to required site and assist the operator and technicians in checks and operation and repair and maintenance jobs. become well versed with Environment Health & Safety: Well versed with on-site occupational health and safety measures relating to blasting and use of personal protective equipment. identify and use basic tools, equipment & materials: Understanding of carrying out welding of equipments. Assistant Support – Underground Mines 4 [Type here] This course encompasses 3 out of 3 National Occupational Standards (NOS) of “Assistant Support-Underground Mines” Qualification Pack issued by “Skill Council for Mining Sector”.
    [Show full text]
  • ~ Coal Mining in Canada: a Historical and Comparative Overview
    ~ Coal Mining in Canada: A Historical and Comparative Overview Delphin A. Muise Robert G. McIntosh Transformation Series Collection Transformation "Transformation," an occasional paper series pub- La collection Transformation, publication en st~~rie du lished by the Collection and Research Branch of the Musee national des sciences et de la technologic parais- National Museum of Science and Technology, is intended sant irregulierement, a pour but de faire connaitre, le to make current research available as quickly and inex- plus vite possible et au moindre cout, les recherches en pensively as possible. The series presents original cours dans certains secteurs. Elle prend la forme de research on science and technology history and issues monographies ou de recueils de courtes etudes accep- in Canada through refereed monographs or collections tes par un comite d'experts et s'alignant sur le thenne cen- of shorter studies, consistent with the Corporate frame- tral de la Societe, v La transformation du CanadaLo . Elle work, "The Transformation of Canada," and curatorial presente les travaux de recherche originaux en histoire subject priorities in agricultural and forestry, communi- des sciences et de la technologic au Canada et, ques- cations and space, transportation, industry, physical tions connexes realises en fonction des priorites de la sciences and energy. Division de la conservation, dans les secteurs de: l'agri- The Transformation series provides access to research culture et des forets, des communications et de 1'cspace, undertaken by staff curators and researchers for develop- des transports, de 1'industrie, des sciences physiques ment of collections, exhibits and programs. Submissions et de 1'energie .
    [Show full text]
  • Identification, Chemistry, and Behavior of Seal Bombs Used to Control
    f MARCH 1990 h IDENTIFICATION, CHEMISTRY, AND BEHAVIOR OF SEAL BOMBS USED TO CONTROL DOLPHINS IN THE YELLOWFIN TUNA PURSE-SEINE FISHERY IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC: POTENTIAL HAZARDS By Albert C. Myrick Jr. Martin Fink Cheryl B. Glick ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT LJ-90-08 f This administrative Report is issued as an informal document to ensure prompt dissemination of preliminary results, interim reports and special studies. We recommend that it not be abstracted or cited. 5H // Sic 2 ft,o. 90-0? C. ^ IDENTIFICATION, CHEMISTRY, AND BEHAVIOR OF SEAL BOMBS USED TO CONTROL DOLPHINS IN THE YELLOWFIN TUNA PURSE-SEINE FISHERY IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC: POTENTIAL HAZARDS By 12 1 Albert C. Myrick Jr., Martin Fink, and Cheryl B. Glick 1. Southwest Fisheries Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, CA 92038 2. San Diego County Sheriff's Dept., Crime Laboratory, 3520 Kurtz Street, San Diego, CA 92110 LIBRARY March 1990 FEB 28 2008 National oceanic & Atmospheric Administration U.S. Dept, of Commerce ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT LJ-90-08 CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT...................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION.................................................. 1 METHODS AND MATERIALS........................................ 3 RESULTS Description.............................................. 4 Chemical Analysis and Apparent TNT Equivalents........ 5 Charge-Weights and Relative Strengths.................. 7 Behavior of Units Detonated............................. 7 Relative Strengths Based on Combined Characteristics..
    [Show full text]
  • Catalog 2012
    Order Online: www.blasterstool.com E-mail: [email protected] Quality Products, Ph: 800-634-6250 / 502-859-3850 Competitive Pricing, Fax: 502-859-3851 Customer Satisfaction. 25 Years of Service Specializing in Accessories for: Blasting / Explosives EOD / Law Enforcement Catalog: 12.13 www.blasterstool.com / 800-634-6250 Blasters Tool and Supply Company is dedicated to provide exceptional customer service and competitive pricing. It is Contact Information: our dedication that has moved us to the leader in blasting Phone: and EOD/Law Enforcement supplies. Our commitment to 800-634-6250 or 502-859-3850 provide complete customer satisfaction has encouraged our customers to return time after time. Fax: 502-859-3851 Please review our new catalog and discover the new products that we now offer. The catalog is full of items Website: to make your job easier and safer. When selecting new www.blasterstool.com products, quality comes first. So you can purchase with confidence. E-mail: [email protected] For your payment convenience we offer Net 30 day terms with an approved credit application or we also accept Visa, Address: Master Card or American Express. Blasters Tool & Supply Co., Inc. 1100 Dylan Drive If there is ever any question to our services or products, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 please do not hesitate to contact us. Terms and Ordering Information Customer Service / Sales: Our staff is ready to assist you in any way. Please call 800-634-6250 or 502-859-3850 for information on any product or service. Pricing: Prices are provided on a separate price list. If you did not receive a price list, please call and we will gladly send you one.
    [Show full text]
  • Toxic Fume Comparison of a Few Explosives Used in Trench Blasting
    Toxic Fume Comparison of a Few Explosives Used in Trench Blasting By Marcia L. Harris, Michael J. Sapko, and Richard J. Mainiero National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Pittsburgh Research Laboratory ABSTRACT Since 1988, there have been 17 documented incidents in the United States and Canada in which carbon monoxide (CO) is suspected to have migrated through ground strata into occupied enclosed spaces as a result of proximate trench blasting or surface mine blasting. These incidents resulted in 39 suspected or medically verified carbon monoxide poisonings and one fatality. To better understand the factors contributing to this hazard, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) carried out studies in a 12-foot diameter sphere to identify key factors that may enhance the levels of CO associated with the detonation of several commercial trenching explosives. The gaseous detonation products from emulsions, a watergel, and ANFO blasting agents as well as gelatin dynamite, TNT, and Pentolite boosters were measured in an argon atmosphere and compared with those for the same explosives detonated in air. Test variables included explosive formulation, wrapper, aluminum addition, oxygen balance, and density. Major contributing factors to CO production, under these laboratory test conditions, are presented. The main finding is the high CO production associated with the lack of afterburning in an oxygen poor atmosphere. Fumes measurements are compared with the manufacturer’s reported IME fume class and with the Federal Relative Toxicity Standard 30 CFR Part 15 in order to gain an understanding of the relative toxicity of some explosives used in trench blasting. INTRODUCTION Toxic gases such as CO and NO are produced by the detonation of explosives.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 2 EXPLOSIVES
    Chapter 2 EXPLOSIVES This chapter classifies commercial blasting compounds according to their explosive class and type. Initiating devices are listed and described as well. Military explosives are treated separately. The ingredi- ents and more significant properties of each explosive are tabulated and briefly discussed. Data are sum- marized from various handbooks, textbooks, and manufacturers’ technical data sheets. THEORY OF EXPLOSIVES In general, an explosive has four basic characteristics: (1) It is a chemical compound or mixture ignited by heat, shock, impact, friction, or a combination of these conditions; (2) Upon ignition, it decom- poses rapidly in a detonation; (3) There is a rapid release of heat and large quantities of high-pressure gases that expand rapidly with sufficient force to overcome confining forces; and (4) The energy released by the detonation of explosives produces four basic effects; (a) rock fragmentation; (b) rock displacement; (c) ground vibration; and (d) air blast. A general theory of explosives is that the detonation of the explosives charge causes a high-velocity shock wave and a tremendous release of gas. The shock wave cracks and crushes the rock near the explosives and creates thousands of cracks in the rock. These cracks are then filled with the expanding gases. The gases continue to fill and expand the cracks until the gas pressure is too weak to expand the cracks any further, or are vented from the rock. The ingredients in explosives manufactured are classified as: Explosive bases. An explosive base is a solid or a liquid which, upon application or heat or shock, breaks down very rapidly into gaseous products, with an accompanying release of heat energy.
    [Show full text]