Low temperature limits for mixing recycled oil, diesel fuel, and ammonium nitrate to make ANFO-type blasting agents | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

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Citation
Tags

HERO ID

1693501

Reference Type

Journal Article

Title

Low temperature limits for mixing recycled oil, diesel fuel, and ammonium nitrate to make ANFO-type blasting agents

Author(s)

Ruhe, TC; Bajpayee, TS; INT SOC EXPLOS ENGINEERS

Year

1996

Book Title

PROCEEDINGS OF THE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING TECHNIQUE, VOL II

Page Numbers

232-243

Web of Science Id

WOS:A1996BG72F00020

Abstract

The Bureau of Mines conducted research to determine the safe operating conditions for using recycled (used) lubricating oil from mining equipment as a partial replacement for diesel fuel to make ANFO-type blasting agents. The use of recycled oil (RO) saves energy, reduces oil imports, and reduces mining costs.

Low ambient temperatures may cause these recycled oils to become too viscous for proper absorption by ammonium nitrate (AN) prills and result in poor blast performance, safety hazards, and environmental problems. To help quantify and resolve these issues, viscosity, mixing, and performance tests were conducted at various temperatures. Diesel fuels No. 1 and No. 2 were studied separately and in blends with 25, 50, and 75% RO.

Good quality ANFO mixes (94-6) were produced with dry absorbent prills and blended fuel (No. 1 diesel plus RO) at temperatures as low as -40 degrees F (-40 degrees C) with 75% No. 1/25% RO, and at -20 degrees F (-29 degrees C) with 50/50. Diesel fuel No. 2 also made good mixes as low as -30 degrees F (-34 degrees C) with 75% No. 2/25% RO, and at 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C) with 50/50.

Reference detonation velocity tests were conducted in 1.4 '' (3.6 cm) diameter steel pipe at 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) on No. 1 diesel ANFO (94-6), giving an average value of 9722 ft/s (2964 mis). Comparison tests showed good ANFO performance at low temperatures. Blended fuel ANFO (75% No. 1/25% RO) mixed, loaded, and tested at -40 degrees F (-40 degrees C), produced an average velocity of 9247 ft/s (2818 mis). A 50/50 blend gave a velocity of 8083 ft/s (2464 m/s) at -20 degrees F (-29 degrees C).

Based on these results, a practical field method has been developed to help evaluate whether a specific oil blend will mix properly with AN at a low ambient temperature. This method will help to promote the safe and reliable use of RO ANFO at low temperatures, with adequate performance.