Study of the Influence of Sensitizer Content on the Density of a Bulk Emulsion Explosive Used in Underground Operations

Emulsion matrix sensitization is typically performed by chemical reduction of the density using different sensitization agents. Mixing of the components takes place directly inside the loading hose, which is equipped with static mixing devices. Precise dosing of the components, due to the multi-ingredient nature of the mixture, has a significant impact on the detonation and operational parameters of the end product. However, the operation and maintenance of the mixing-charging units in underground mines is very difficult due to the local conditions. As a consequence, different values for the detonation parameters may be expected when charging the same explosive into blastholes using two different charging units. The present article presents the results of laboratory testing of the influence of the sensitizing agent content on the density of a bulk emulsion explosive. Analysis confirmed that increasing the concentration of the sensitizing agent by 30% and 50% led to density reductions by 4% and 7%, respectively. In turn, reducing the sensitizer content by the same percentages resulted in an increase in the final density by 7% and 8%, respectively.