Mechanically gassed emulsion explosives and related methods and systems
AssigneeDyno Nobel Inc.
InventorsJohn Halander, Casey L. Nelson, Jeremiah R. Beagley, Cornelis Kome
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Abstract
Emulsion explosives with gas bubbles that are resistant to in-borehole migration or coalescence are disclosed herein. Such emulsions can be sensitized by mechanically introducing gas bubbles into the emulsion. Gassing can be performed at any of multiple points from initial formation of the emulsion to delivery of the emulsion into the borehole. Resistance to gas bubble migration and coalescence can be achieved by homogenization, without the need for bubble stabilization agents.
Claims18
A method of delivering an emulsion explosive, the method comprising:
- dividing an oxidizer salt solution into a first portion and a second portion;
- atomizing a fuel with a gas to form an atomized fuel, wherein the fuel is substantially devoid of a bubble stabilizing agent;
- mixing the first portion of the oxidizer salt solution with the atomized fuel to form a fuel-rich emulsion explosive having bubbles of the gas dispersed therein, and having an initial viscosity;
- mixing the fuel-rich emulsion explosive with the second portion of the oxidizer salt solution to form a more balanced emulsion explosive having an increased viscosity;
- homogenizing the more balanced emulsion explosive to form a homogenized emulsion explosive having a further increased viscosity;
- flowing the homogenized emulsion explosive through a conduit into a borehole;
- and
- introducing a stream of the gas into the homogenized emulsion explosive proximal to an outlet of the conduit.
A method of delivering an emulsion explosive, the method comprising:
- inserting a conduit into a borehole;
- flowing an emulsion matrix through the conduit;
- introducing a compressed gas into the emulsion matrix proximal an outlet of the conduit to form an emulsion explosive;
- and
- conveying the emulsion explosive into the borehole.
A system for delivering an emulsion explosive, comprising:
- a reservoir configured to store an emulsion matrix;
- a gas supply configured to produce a compressed gas;
- a conduit configured for insertion into a borehole, wherein the conduit is fluidically connected to the reservoir and configured to convey the emulsion matrix, and wherein the conduit is also fluidically connected to the gas supply and configured to convey the compressed gas to a point proximal to an outlet of the conduit and introduce the compressed gas into the emulsion matrix at said point to form an emulsion explosive;
- and
- a nozzle located at and operably connected to the outlet of the conduit, wherein the nozzle is configured to convey the emulsion explosive to the borehole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.