AMMONIUM NITRATE EMULSION or SUSPENSION or GEL, intermediate for blasting explosives, liquid

SP 309

This entry applies to non sensitized emulsions, suspensions and gels consisting primarily of a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel, intended to produce a Type E blasting explosive only after further processing prior to use. The mixture for emulsions typically has the following composition: 60-85 % ammonium nitrate, 5-30 % water, 2-8 % fuel, 0.5-4 % emulsifier agent, 0-10 % soluble flame suppressants, and trace additives. Other inorganic nitrate salts may replace part of the ammonium nitrate. The mixture for suspensions and gels typically has the following composition: 60-85 % ammonium nitrate, 0-5 % sodium or potassium perchlorate, 0-17 % hexamine nitrate or monomethylamine nitrate, 5-30 % water, 2-15 % fuel, 0.5-4 % thickening agent, 0-10 % soluble flame suppressants, and trace additives. Other inorganic nitrate salts may replace part of the ammonium nitrate. Substances shall satisfy the criteria for classification as an ammonium nitrate emulsion, suspension or gel, intermediate for blasting explosives (ANE) of test series 8 of the Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part I, Section 18 and be approved by the competent authority.