US3580752A - Tmetn-inorganic nitrate explosives blended with water - Google Patents

Abstract

EXPLOSIVE MIXTURES ARE PROVIDED, BASED ON TRIMETHY ETHANE TRINITRATE AND AN INORGANIC NITRATE, HAVING A CONTROLLED RATE OF DETONATION AND GOOD SENSITIVITY AND EXPENSIVE POWER, DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF WATER IN AN AMOUNT OF AT LEAST 1%. A PROCESS ALSO IS PROVIDED FOR CONTROLLING THE RATE OF DETONATION WHILE RETAINING GOOD SENSITIVITY AND EXPLOSIVE POWER OF SUCH EXPLOSIVE MIXTURES, BY MIXING THE INORGANIC NITRATE WITH THE TRIMETHYLOLETHANE TRINITRATE, OPTIONALLY AT A TEMPERATURE WITHIN THE RANGE FROM ABOUT 100* TO ABOUT 150* F. IN THE PRESENCE OF WATER IN AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF 1%.

Description

United States Patent 3,580,752 TMETN-IN ORGANIC NITRATE EXPLOSIVES BLENDED WITH WATER George L. Griffith, Coopersburg, Pa., assignor to Commercial Solvents Corporation, Terre Haute, Ind. No Drawing. Filed Oct. 7, 1968, Ser. No. 765,656

Int. Cl. C061) /00 U.S. Cl. 149-38 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to explosive mixtures comprising trimethylolethane trinitrate and ammonium nitrate or other inorganic nitrate, having a controlled rate of detonation and good sensitivity'and explosive power, due to the use of water in formulating the explosive, and to a process for manufacturing such explosive mixtures of controlled rate of detonation and good sensitivity and explosive power, by blending the trimethoylolethane trinitrate with ammonium nitrate, optionally at a temperature within the range from about 100 to about 150 F. in the presence of water in a sufiicient amount in excess of about 1% to obtain the desired rate of detonation, and good sensitivity and explosive power. Trimethylolethane trinitrate is a liquid explosive having a high rate of detonation and a low sensitivity. It has found use in blending with other explosive sensitizers of high sensitivity, so as to make them safer to handle, without, however, reducing the sensitivity of the other explosive sensitizer to initiation by a detonator, as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,344,005, patented Sept. 26, 1967, to Bronsteinand Grifiith. However, the sensitivity of trimethylolethane trinitrate is such that it has not come into widespread use except in admixture with other explosive sensitizers.

It has recently been discovered in private research by the present inventor that trimethylolethane trinitrate can be formulated with inorganic nitrates to form explosive mixtures and gels which have a high rate of detonation and good sensitivity, using special mixing techniques, and/ or selected metal fuels. Such explosives frequently have a higher rate of detonation than is desirable for certain kinds of work where low rate explosives are required, and their sensitivity may also be lower than is desirable.

3 ,580,752 Patented May 25, 1971 In accordance with the invention, trimethylolethane trinitrate explosive mixtures are prepared, based on an inorganic nitrate oxidizer and trimethylolethane trinitrate as the principal if not the only explosive sensitizer. These explosive compositions have a controlled rate of detonation and good sensitivity and explosive power, because of the use of water in formulating the explosive.

It has been determined in accordance with the invention that if trimethylolethane trinitrate and inorganic nitrate are blended with water, optionally, at a temperature within the range from about to about F., the resulting explosive mixture has a lower rate of detonation than a dry mixture of the same composition, and in proportions of less than 0.5% water can have a higher sensitivity as well.

No explanation can be offered for this remarkable effect of water on the rate of detonation of the resulting explosive mixture. Evidently the water has an effect on the physical condition of the trimethylolethane trinitrate and the inorganic nitrate (most likely, the latter) in the resulting explosive mixture. It is also possible that a chemical or molecular association may occur. Whatever the reason, the effect on rate of detonation is striking and unmistakable.

The explosive mixtures of the invention are formulated as dry or dry-appearing particulate mixtures, as semisolids, as gels, or as slurries in water, and containing at least 1% water. In particulate materials, the trimethylolethane trinitrate and the water although liquids are Wholly absorbed on the solid particles of inorganic nitrate and any other solid components that may be present. In genera] the effect of water on rate of detonation is not observed in amounts less than 1% and frequently more than 3% is needed. The larger the amount of water, in excess of about 1%, up to about 30%, the greater the elfect, and the lower the rate of detonation. Consequently, the explosive mixtures of the inventioncan be well formulated as aqueous slurries or gels. The compositions will not be particulate fiowable mixtures unless the amount of water can be kept below 5%. Thus, the compositions of the invention contain from about 1% to about 30% Water.

The water also has a desensitizing effect, but this effect requires larger amounts of water. Usually, up to 3% and sometimes up to 5% water can be used with no noticeable deleterious effect on sensitivity.

Any inorganic nitrate can be employed as the oxidizer in the compositions of the invention. Ammonium nitrate is the nitrate normally used. However, other inorganic nitrates can be employed,'alone or in admixture with the ammonium nitrate. Nitrates of the alkali and alkaline earth metals, such as sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, strontium nitrate, and barium nitrate, are exemplary inorganic nitrates. Mixtures of ammonium nitrate with alkali and/or alkaline earth metal nitrates in proportions within the range from about 25 to about 95% of ammonium nitrate, and from about 75 to about 5% of the other nitrates, are preferred in many instances, because of their high explosive power. Compositions based on ammonium nitrate as the sole inorganic nitrate are also preferred because of their high power.

Mill and prill inorganic nitrates are quite satisfactory. The inorganic nitrate can be fine, coarse, or a blend of fine and coarse materials.

In addition to the trimethylolethane trinitrate, the inorganic nitrate, and water, which are the essential ingredients, the explosive mixtures of the invention can include one or more fuels, such as a metal fuel, or a carbonaceous fuel, or both. Illustrative of particulate metals, for example, are aluminum powder, flake aluminum, atomized aluminium, ferrophosphorus, ferromanganese, and ferrosilicon. Aluminum is a preferred fuel, because it tends to increase rate of detonation and explosive power. A metal fuel when present usually comprises from about 0.5 to about 30% of the mixture.

Useful solid carbonaceous materials are powdered coal, coal dust, bran, pecan meal, and similar nutshell meals. The carbonaceous fuel when present usually comprises from about 0.5 to about 30% of the mixture. Mixtures of such fuels can also be used in amounts within the range from about 0.5 to about 30%.

Sulfur can also be added. An amount of from about 0.5 to about 5% can increase the rate of detonation.

Liquid carbonaceous fuels such as petroleum also display a depreciating effect on rate of detonation, and in addition, they reduce sensitivity. If they are used, these factors must be taken into account.

Stabilizers can be included in an amount within the range from about 0.1 to about 2% of the composition. Zinc oxide, ethyl centralite, diphenylamine, carbazole, calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide and sodium carbonate are useful stabilizers.

The relative proportions of inorganic nitrate and trimethylolethane trinitrate as well as any additional explosive sensitizers will depend upon the sensitivity and explosive effect desired, and are not critical. These in turn are dependent upon the particular nitrate or nitrates used. For optimum effect, the inorganic nitrate is used in amounts within the range from about 50 to about 90%, and the total explosive sensitizer including the tri-v methylolethane trinitrate in an amount within the range from about to about 50%. The preferred ratio of nitrate to total explosive sensitizer is from about 5:1 to about 2:1. However, from about 35 to about 75% in organic nitrate, and from about 25 to about 65% explosive sensitizer, give quite satisfactory results in the explosive mixtures of the invention.

The effect of the water on rate of detonation is found with the trimethylolethane trinitrate, but not with other explosive sensitizers, so far as is presently known. Consequently, the trimethylolethane trinitrate is the major, if not the only, explosive sensitizer, and preferably comprises at least 90% of the explosive sensitizer that is present. However, small amounts of other explosive 'sensitizers can be used, up to a maximum of 25% of the total explosive sensitizer, of which dinitrotoluene, trinitrotoluene, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, pentolite (an equal parts by weight mixture of pentaerythritol tetranitrate and trinitrotoluene), cyclonite (RDX), Composition B (a mixture of up to 60% RDX, up to 40% TNT, and 1 to 4% wax), cyclotol (Composition B without the wax), nitrostarch, nitrocellulose, tetryl, smokeless powder, and carbine ball powder are exemplary. Nitrocellulose is of particular interest in the formulation of gels, as is described below.

As indicated, the compositions of the invention can be well formulated as slurries, using water as the suspending liquid. The amount of water that is used is more than would be absorbed by the solid ingredients, and sufficient to produce a slurry. The slurry can have any desired consistency, from a thin, readily flowable material, to a viscous material of a semi-solid consistency. As little as 5% water may suflice. Usually, not more than 30% water need be used.

In order to prevent large amounts of unabsorbed water from decreasing the consistency unduly, a water-soluble or water-dispersi-ble thickener can be added to take up the water. The particular material employed will depend upon the composition. Various gums, such as guar gum and cross-linked guar gum, can be used, as well as carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, pysllium seed mucilage, polyacrylamide and pregelatinized starches, such as Hydroseal 3B. Small amounts of from 0.1 to 10% by weight are suflicient.

The explosive mixtures of the invention are prepared by blending at room or at an elevated temperature. Mixing the inorganic nitrate and trimethylolethane trinitrate while heating them to a temperature within the range from about to about F. will increase rate of detonation. In this case, the trimethylolethane trinitrate and inorganic nitrate oxidizer are added to the mixer, and mixing then effected at a temperature within the stated range. It is not necessary to heat the ingredients beyond the time required to ensure thorough mixing, usually from about fifteen minutes to about one-half hour.

It is desirable to blend the trimethylolethane trinitrate, the inorganic oxidizer and water under these conditions without the presence of the other explosive ingredients, so as to ensure an intimate association of the trimethylolethane trinitrate and inorganic nitrate. Since, however, the trimethylolethane trinitrate and inorganic oxidizer usually by far compose the major proportion of the composition, in order to shorten the time of mixing, minor amounts of any other explosive ingredients that are to be present can also be added at the same time. These additional components comprise the fuel, the stabilizer, and any additional explosive sensitizers. Alternatively, after mixing of the trimethylolethane trinitrate, inorganic oxidizer and water is complete, the other explosive ingredients can be added, and thoroughly blended with the mixture.

The base explosive mixture of the invention, composed of trimethylolethane trinitrate, inorganic nitrate, and petroleum oil, can be formulated to form a variety of explosives, including dry particulate mixes, such as permissible explosives, and gels, such as gelatin dynamites, ammonia dynamites, and ammonia gels. Various types of formulations are illustrated in the examples.

The compositions of the invention are particularly useful in the form. of explosive gels of the trimethylolethane trinitrate in combination with nitrocellulose. The nitrocellulose and trimethylolethane trinitrate are combined with a volatile nitroparaffin solvent in a sufficient amount to dissolve the nitrocellulose and the trimethylolethane trinitrate. The solvent is then removed from the resulting composition, and as this is done, the solution thickens, and a gel of the trimethylolethane trinitrate and nitrocellulose is obtained eventually. This gel composition is then formulated with additional explosive ingredients, including water, inorganic nitrate, and any other inorganic oxidizers, other sensitizing explosives, and fuels, as described above, and can be brought to any desired consistency or physical condition.

Any type of nitrocellulose can be employed in the formulation of these gels. A fully nitrated trinitrocellulose has the highest nitrogen content (14.14% nitrogen) but the commercially available trinitrocelluloses having from 13.5 to 14% nitrogen are quite satisfactory. Any nitrocellulose having from 0.5 to 3 nitro groups per anhydroglucose unit of the cellulose can be employed, with excellent results. The preferred nitrocelluloses have from about 8% to about 14.14% nitrogen.

The amount of nitrocellulose can be varied over a wide proportion, according to the sensitivity and consistency desired.

The nitroparafiin employed has no effect on the consistency of the final gel, but the relative proportions of trimethylolethane trinitrate and nitrocellulose do. Inasmuch as the trimethylolethane trinitrate is a liquid, and the nitrocellulose is a solid, the larger the proportion of trimethylolethane trinitrate, the greater the tendency of the final gel to be a thick, semi-fluid, thixotropic or soft gel. Very hard gels can be obtained employing a large proportion of nitrocellulose. -In general, the proportions of trimethylolethane trinitrate and nitrocellulose required for a gel of given hardness are best determined by trial and error, because the hardness of the gel depends to a considerable extent upon the nitrogen content of the nitrocellulose.

Satisfactory hard explosive gels are obtained, of high sensitivity and adequate explosive power, when the composition contains from about to about 60 parts of nitrocellulose and from about 40 to about 90 parts of trimethylolethane trinitrate. Soft gels are obtained when the nitrocellulose proportion is from 0.2- to 10 parts, and trimethylolethane trinitrate is from 99.8 to 90 parts. Thus, the proportion of trimethylolethane trinitrate can be varied to a considerable extent, and any proportion within the range from about 40 parts toabout 99.8 parts of trimethylolethane trinitrate to from about 0.2 part to about 60 parts of nitrocellulose can be used.

The higher the proportion of nitrocellulose, the higher the sensitivity and explosive power of the composition.

The trimethylolethane trinitrate has a desensitizing effect.

In general, the upper limit on the amount of trimethylolethane trinitrate will depend upon the explosive power and sensitivity that is desired, and the lower proportion will depend upon the degree of desensitization of the nitrocellulose that is required, for the end use of the composition.

The nitroparaflin that is employed should be sufficiently volatile at atmospheric temperatures, or at a temperature below about 60 C., under vacuum, if necessary, so that it can be removed virtually quantitatively from the composition after the trimethylolethane trinitrate and nitrocellulose have been dissolved therein, so as to form the desired gel. Such nitroparaffins have from one to about six carbon atoms and one nitro group, and include nitromethane, nitroethane, l-nitropropane, 2-nitropropane, 1- nitrobutane and -1-nitrohexane. These nitroparafiins have a boiling point below about 150 0., but higher boiling nitroparafins can be used, if they are removed under vacuum. They are not explosive, and cannot be exploded with detonating caps, differing in this respect from the trimethylolethane trinitrate. A further distinction is their volatility, despite their high boiling point. Nitromethane, for example, the lowest molecular weight compound of this series, has a boiling point of 101.2 C., and yet it is quantitatively volatilized from the solution on standing in the atmosphere for from eight hours to three days. The relatively high boiling point is important to the formation of a gel, because it means that the nitroparaffin is only slowly volatilized from the solutions employed as a starting material in the preparation of the nitrocellulose gels. A slow volatilization of the nitroparaffin may facilitate the formation of the final explosive gel.

The amount of nitroparaffin solvent is not critical. A sufiicient amount is employed to dissolve the nitrocellulose and trimethylolethane trinitrate. Depending upon the solubility of the nitrocellulose and the trimethylolethane trinitrate, as little as 2O by weight of the composition can be employed. There is no upper limit, inasmuch as all of the nitroparafiin solvent will eventually be removed, but there is obviously no need to employ more than is necessary to dissolve the components, since any excess nitroparafiin must also be evaporated in forming the gel, with a resultant increase in the time required to form the gel, as well as in the cost of its preparation. Thus, the upper limit is normally not in excess of about 500% by wei-ght of the nitrocellulose-trimethylolethane trinitrate.

Such gels in accordance with the invention can be employed with water and inorganic nitrate oxidizer in the formation of a wide variety of explosive formulations, including gelatin dynamites, smokeless powders, permissible explosives, and nitrocarbonitnate explosives.

7 Percent by weight Trimethylolethane trinitrate 5-95 Nitrocellulose 0.1-15

Inorganic oxidizer 5-95 Combustible material or fuel 0-25 Water 1-5 Gelatin dynamites can be packaged in block form by filling the solution of trimethylolethane trinitrate-nitrocellulose and any other components in the nitroparafiin' solvent into containers of the desired size, and then allowing the solution to gel by removal of the solvent. This can be expedited by warming the containers in a vacuum oven. Then, after the gels have set, the containers are capped and sealed. Stick gelatin dynamites are easily prepared in this way.

Some hard gelatin dynamites can be prepared by first mixing the nitrocellulose, nitroparaffin, and trimethylolethane trinitrate, and then allowing the nitroparafiin to evaporate, forming a viscous liquid or gel. The viscous liquid or gel is then blended with the inorganic oxidizer, fuels, and any additional sensitizers desired, forming a damp granular mixture, in which the liquid or gel is coated or absorbed on the solid components. The mixture is then packaged in cartridges, using conventional dynamite pack machines.

Smokeless powders are in particular form, and are based on the trimethylolethane trinitrate-nitrocellulose gel as one component, in combination with the usual components to control the rae of burning. The types of smokeless powders that can be formulated, using the gels and hot inorganic nitrate in accordance with the invention, include double base powders and ball grain powders. Typical general formulations are as follows:

Double base powder: Percent by weight Polyol polynitrate 5-60 Nitrocellulose 5-95 Inorganic oxidizer 0-50 Combustible material or fuel 0-5 Water 1-5 Ball grain powder:

Polyol polynitrate 5-60 Nitrocellulose -40 Inorganic oxidizer 0-20 Combustible material or fuel 0-15 Water 1-5 Gelled pellets of smokeless powder can be prepared by stirring the solution composed of trimethylolethane trinitrate, nitroparaffin, solvent and nitrocellulose rapidly with hot water, heating the mixture at an elevated temperature 1n order to remove the nitroparaflin and set the gel particles, while at the same time dispersing the solution into small droplets so that the gel particles are formed in finelydivided dispersed form in the water. The particles can then be separated from the water by screening and drying. The resulting composition is a pelleted smokeless powder, the size of whose pellets depends upon the degree of dispersion and the mesh size of the screen through which the composition is passed.

The explosive mixtures of the invention are sufiiciently sensitive so that frequently they can be detonated with an ordinary initiator or blasting cap. However, when not, the compositions can be fired with the aid of a small booster charge. Combinations of the explosive mixtures as powders together with an initiator and/or booster in the same container can be prepared and marketed as a combined blasting agent. The explosive compositions and the booster or initiator can be separately packaged as a composite in a single container, and can also be marketed in this form. Any conventional initiator or booster charge available in the art can be employed. Pentaerythritol tetranitrate, penat 130 F. for-twenty minutes. 'Thesecompositions had the following formulation:

TABLE II tolite, tetryl and cyclonlte, preferably in cast form, are exemplary booster charges. 5 Parts by Weight The following examples in the opinion of the inventor p e u ber 7 3 9 represents the bestembodirnents ofthe invention. Composition:

The power of the explosive slurries of the examples i y e h e tr trate 15.00 15. 15,00 was determined using the standard tests for determining ff i fifi figfiz %88 gg 3-38 sensitivity, density, rate of detonation and stick weight. Nut 00 5: 00 5: 00

s Water 1.00 1.00 3.00

EXAMPLES 1 To 6 Total .10a.00 103.00 105. 00

Testsresglztlsz it (g, A group of six compositions was prepared, having the i y 0 0-535 0-992 St1ckwe1 ht 1 inchs 8' h 1.... formulation set out in Table I. Two were mixed cold (70 Sensitivit y (1 i n cli i 4 inch e a? 1? 3? F.) and four were mixed hot (130 F.), using various zgj g g g'gggf s inches X 8 inches) 2.749 2 782 2 4 grades of ammonium nitrate, and in the presence of from 1 to 3% water. l/cap- TABLE I Parts by weight Example number 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mixing temperature, F 70 130 70 130 130 130 Composition:

Timethyloleth arie trinitrate. Ammonium nitrate E-2, groun Ammonium nitrate, grained.

Nut meal 5. 00 5. 00 5100 Sulfur 2. 00 2. 00 2. 00 2. 0 Water 1. 00 1. 00 1. 00 2. 00 3. 00

Total 103. 00 103. 00 103. 00 103. 00 102. 00 105. 00

Test results:

Sand density (g./cc.) 1- 1. 06 0. 955 1. 195 0.885 0. 895 0. 975 Stick weight (g.) (1% inches x 8 inches) 148 134 166 125 128 137 Sensitivity (1 inch x 4 inches) Rate of detonation (1% inches x 8 inches) (meters/second) 2, 329 2, 413 2, 230 2, 252 2 102 2 074 No. 1 cap. 1 N0. cap. 3 No.6 cap.

Examples 1 and 3 are to be compared with Examples 2 and 4, respectively. The four compositions have identical formulations, and differ only in the temperatures at which the formulations were mixed.

In all cases, the trimethylolethane trinitrate and ammonium nitrate were mixed thoroughly for fifteen minutes at the temperature indicated in Table I. The remaining ingredients of the compositions were then added, and thoroughly blended in the mixture in another fifteen min-- utes of mixing.

A comparison of Example 1 with Example 2 and of Example 3 with Example 4 shows that the compositions mixed hot had a lower density, a higher rate of detonation, and a higher sensitivity, than the compositions mixed cold, although all had a good sensitivity and rate of detonation.

Examples 5 and 6 show the effect of 2% and 3% Water on rate of detonation. The Example 5 composition has a considerably lower rate of detonation than Example 4. Example 6 shows that increasing Water to 3% further decreases rate of detonation, as compared to Example 4. However, sensitivity is not affected.

It is evident from a comparison of Examples 2 and 4 with 5 and 6 that the amount of water present in the composition permits control of the rate of detonation, without diminishing sensitivity, in amounts as high as 3%.

EXAMPLES 7 to 9 A group of three formulations was prepared, containing flake aluminum as a metal fuel in addition to the carbonaceous fuel and the other components, and 1 to 3% water. The ammonium nitrate, t-rimethylolethane trinitrate and other ingredients were all mixed together It is evident from a comparison of Examples 7, 8 and 9 with Examples 2 and 4 that the addition of aluminum considerably increased the rate of detonation. All these compositions had good sensitivity, and Example 9, which had the most water, had the lowest rate of detonation.

EXAMPLES 10 to 12 Three formulations were prepared, mixing the ingredients at F., having amounts of trimethylolethane trinitrate ranging from 10% to 20%, and 1% water. These formulations had the following composition:

EXAMPLES 13 to 19 A group of seven thickened slurried formulations was prepared, and compared with a dry formulation of like composition. These formulations were mixed at room 1 O 3. A trimethylolethane trinitrate explosive composition in accordan e with claim 1, in which the inorganic nitrate is ammonium nitrate.

4. A trimethylolethane trinitrate explosive composition in accordance with claim 1, in which the inorganic nitrate temperature, the explosive ingredients being mixed, for 5 is a mixture of ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate. fifteen minutes, and the water and guar gum then blended 5. A trimethylolethane trinitrate explosive composition in. The formulations were as follows: in accordance with claim 1, in which the inorganic oxi- I TABLE IV Parts by weight Example Number 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Composition:

Trimethylolethane trinitrate 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 Ammonium nitrate-grained 83.00 80.90 78.80 70. 70 74.00 72.50 70.40 Flake aluminum 2.00 2.00 2. 2.00 2.00 2.00 2. 00 2.00 4. 00 0. 00 8.00 10.00 12.00 0.10 0.20 0. 30 0.40 0.50 0. 00

Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100. 00 100. 00 100. 00 100. 00

Test results:

Sand density (g./cc.) 1.03 1.18 1. 32 1. 40 1. 46 1. 40 1.40 Sensitivity (1 inch x 4 inches)- Rate of detonation (1% inches x 8inches)(meters/seeond) 3,031 2,832 2, 489 2, 489 2,388 Stick weight (g.) (1% inches x8 inches) 100 177 195 105 105 105 1N0. cap. 2 No. 2 cap. 3 No. 5 cap. 4 No. 16 cap. 5 N0. ROD.

These were all thick slurries, and had good rates of dizer is in an amount from about 50 to about 90% and the detonation compared to the dry formulation. It is evident 3O trimethylolethane trinitrate is in an amount from about that sensitivity is decreased by the water, in amounts from to about 50% upwards of 4%. However, sensitivity is good even at 12% 6. A trimethylolethane trinitrate explosive composition water. in accordance with claim 5, in the form of an aqueous EXAMPLE slurry.

35 7. A trimethylolethane trinitrate explosive composition A trimethylolethane trinitrate-nitro'cellulose gel was in accofdaflce with Claim 1 comprising a Solid carbona- Prepared by dissolving 4 Pal-ts f nitrocellulose 125% ceousfuel 1n an amount from about 0.5 to about 30% of N) in 120 parts of nitromethane. To this was added with the InlXturF- I stirring 15 parts of trimethylolethane trinitrate. The mix- 40 A trlmethylolethqne trmltratq FXPIOSIVC composltwn ture was then spread in a thin layer in a tray, allowing 1n accordance w1th clalm 1 COlIlPllSlIlg a metal f uel 1n an the nitromethane to evaporate, leaving a pliable, clear gel. amount P about to P9 of P Q A gelatin dynamite was prepared fr h gel, having 9. A trimethylolethane trin trate explosive composition the f llo i f l ti in accordance w1th claim 8 1n WhlCh the metal fuel 1s aluminum.

Gel: Percent by weight 10. A trimethylolethane trinitrate explosive composi- Trimethylolethane trinitrate 161) mm In ac ordance wlth clalm 1 comprising sulfur in an Nitrocellulose 12.5% N) 4.0 ammo-5 to Ammonium nitrate (grained) 57 6 11. A tnmethylolethane tr1n1trate exploswe COIIlpOSl- I tlon in accordance w1th claim 1 comprising an additional f .mtrate sensitizing explosive selected from the group consisting of l oxlde dinitrotoluene, trinitrotoluene, an equal parts by weight 011 9- 5 mixture of pentaerythritol tetranitrate and trinitrotoluene,

Alummum a mixture of up to 60% cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, up

Gua gum 1.0 to 40% trinitrotoluene, and 1 to 4% wax, a mixture of up Water 3.0 to cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine and up to 40% trinitrotoluene, nitrostarch, trinitrophenylmethylnitramine,

The ammonium nitrate s brought t 130 F, d smokeless powder, and carbine ball powder in an amount mixed hot with the gel. The remaining ingredients were P to about 25% 0f the total explosive Sensitizathen mixed in. This composition had a good sensitivity, a 60 high density and a low rate of detonation. References Cted Having regard to the foregoing disclosure, the follow- U I ST A E S ing is claimed as the inventive and patentable embodi- 2,821,466 1/1958 Russell 149-8 ments thereof: 3,344,005 9/1967 Bronstein et a1. 149-88 1. A trimethylolethane trinitrate explosive composition 3,423,256 l/1969 Grifiith 149-47 having a low rate of detonation and good sensitivity, com- 3,489,523 1/1970 Griffith et -9 1X prising a mixture of an inorganic nitrate oxidizer and trimethylolethane trinitrate as the sole sensitizing explosive, BENJAMIN PADGETT Prlmafy EXamlllel' and water in an amount of at least 1% to reduce rate of S. J. LECHERT, JR., Assistant Examiner detonation.

2. A trimethylolethane trinitrate explosive composition in accordance with claim 1, wherein the amount of water is within the range from about 1 to about 30% US. Cl. X.R.

223g? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION 3, 580, 752 Dated May 25, 1971 Patent No.

Inventofls) George L. Griffith It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

FColumn 1, line 36, "trimethoylolethane" should be ---trimethylolethame-Z Column 3, line 43, after "in", please insert Column 4, line 5, "pysllium" should be --psylIium--. Column 6, line 35, "me" should be --rate--. Column 7, Table I, Example 6, line 7, "2.0" should be --2.00-. Column 8, Table II, Example 8, line 10, i'LOO" should be --2.00--,' line 11, "103.00" should be --104.00--.

Signed and sealed this 25th day of January 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EPWARD Q J ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Autesting Officer Commissioner of Patents