Ammonium nitrate is widely known to be an excellent fertilizer in the agriculture sector. However, it is also used frequently in construction and industrial settings as well. The chemical compound of ammonium nitrate explosives is valuable in quarry work, demolition projects and the mining industry. It is popular because of its favorable cost and availability.
Because the granules of ammonium nitrate are so porous, it absorbs fuel in large amounts with ease. When exposed to a flame, it will produce a great, elongated and persistent explosion. The compound will remain quite stable in most cases. However, it will become explosive under some conditions.
Commercial and Industrial Use
Ammonium nitrate is commonly used to make explosives. In fact, it is the primary ingredient in a type of ammonium nitrate explosives known as ANFO, or ammonium nitrate fuel oil. This is a combination of 6% fuel oil and 94% ammonium nitrate.
The ammonium nitrate works as an oxidizing agent for the fuel. In North America, ANFO is used in at least 80% of the explosives that are used for a variety of projects. The reason for this is primary due to the high stability and cost efficiency.
Ammonium nitrate explosives known as Amatol is developed from combining ammonium nitrate and trinitrotoluene. This mixture is more commonly known as TNT. It was used frequently in both World Wars. It was found in a variety of military weapons, such as aircraft shells and missiles.
Responsible Usage
For security and safety reasons, there are a number of approved practice codes and legal requirements related to storing ammonium nitrate explosives. The compound dissolves when it comes in contact with water. So, it has to be stored in a dry place away from the watercourses and surface water drains. If the groundwater becomes polluted, operations must be put in place to clean up the contamination.
Noise from the explosions must be taken into consideration as well. The authorities should be notified in advance of any planned blasts. This makes it easier for public complaints and queries to be handled efficiently. Notices of planned blasting times should be posted at the entrance to the job site, additional points of access as well as in any popular public areas.
There are a large number of factors to be considered in order to determine the idea blast design when using ammonium nitrate explosives. The type, strength and density of the material to be blasted are all important elements. For this reason, an explosives expert should be on the job site to ensure safe placement and detonation of the materials.