Gel explosives-a tool to improve the efficiency of drilling and blasting operations

Results of the comparative analysis of measurements of impact parameters of explosions of several types of explosives in various environments are presented. The dependence of change of relative operability of water and gel structures was established. Results of experimental studies of influence on detonation characteristics of a compounding of water gels and their contents in explosives based on utilized single base propellant are presented. Influence of composition of water gel on detonation characteristics of explosive structures was established. On the base of results of studies by the electromagnetic method the features of detonation of water gel explosives based on expired single base propellants has revealed and interpretation of its mechanism was offered. It is shown that application of gunpowder water gel explosives for cutting non conditional rock formations and for using as a part of the combined charges at mass explosions allows to increase efficiency of drilling-and-blasting works considerably. Certainly, the leading role in the modern field of destruction of rocks belongs to the emulsion explosives. In the same time increasing of efficiency and profitability of drilling-and-blasting works can be reached by complex application of emulsion explosives in a combination with traditional (regular) and/or new types of explosives. Essentially new type of industrial explosive is Gelpor, based on single base propellant (pyroxyline gunpowder) taken from utilized ammunition. Water gel explosives based on single base propellants was developed [1] and improved [2-4] in Russia. Single base propellants extracted from expired ammunition can be applied as components of the industrial explosives. Application of similar industrial explosives has shown increase in efficiency of conducting mining and also in destruction of concrete designs and other engineering works with application of explosion [8].