Why is ANFO used?

It has found wide use in coal mining, quarrying, metal mining, and civil construction in applications where its low cost and ease of use may outweigh the benefits of other explosives, such as water resistance, oxygen balance, higher detonation velocity, or performance in small-diameter columns.

Why is nitrogen used in so many explosives?

But few chemists are likely to dare to create such a violent substance. Why go to such risks? These explosive nitrogen compounds are relatively light, as nitrogen is a light atom, and so they pack a lot of energy into a small mass of explosive.

Is ANFO stronger than TNT?

An ANFO explosion, although potentially powerful and even devastating, detonates more slowly than an explosion of nitroglycerin or TNT. This creates more of an explosive “push” than a high velocity TNT blast. ANFO ingredients are less expensive than other explosives and approximately 25\% more powerful than TNT.

How is ANFO used in mining?

Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil is a mixture of ammonium nitrate (AN) and fuel oil (FO). ANFO is commonly used in the mining industry as an explosive because of its low cost and is estimated to comprise 80\% of all explosives used annually in North America.

Why is ANFO explosive?

ANFO provides excellent heave energy compared with explosives that contain a high emulsion content. ANFO is a dry and free flowing product, allowing delivery by loose pour or pneumatic loading. The low bulk density of ANFO provides excellent charge distribution in the blast hole.

What is ANFO What is ANFO made out of?

The usual ANFO formulation contains about 94\% by weight ammonium nitrate and 6\% diesel fuel oil. If recycled (used) lubricating oil could be safely substituted for the fuel oil, up to about 27 million gallons could be consumed. This use of recycled oil (RO) can save energy and reduce oil imports.

Is nitrogen gas flammable or explosive?

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas, or a colorless, odorless, cryogenic liquid. The main health hazard associated with releases of this gas is asphyxiation, by displacement of oxygen. The cryogenic liquid will rapidly boil to the gas at standard temperatures and pressures.

What is the main ingredient of explosives?

Chemical composition A chemical explosive may consist of either a chemically pure compound, such as nitroglycerin, or a mixture of a fuel and an oxidizer, such as black powder or grain dust and air.

Is ANFO cap sensitive?

ANFO mixed at 6 pct fuel oil produces approximately the same amount of carbon monoxide as cap-sensitive explosives of equivalent oxygen balance.

Is ANFO a mixture?

Ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) is one of the most favorite explosives used in terrorist attacks. This explosive is a complex mixture of 95-96\% ammonium nitrate (AN) and 4-5\% liquid hydrocarbons (fuel oil).

Is ANFO safe?

ANFO is a very insensitive explosive, which makes it extremely safe to use. However, it is not detonator sensitive and therefore requires the use of a booster to provide reliable detonation.

What is ANFO explosive?

ANFO provides excellent heave energy compared with explosives that contain a high emulsion content. ANFO is a dry and free flowing product, allowing delivery by loose pour or pneumatic loading. The low bulk density of ANFO provides excellent charge distribution in the blast hole. DYNOMIX™ Booster Sensitive Explosive.

What is ANFO used for in construction?

When pneumatically loaded; ANFO may also be used effectively in underground development and tunneling applications. ANFO provides excellent heave energy compared with explosives that contain a high emulsion content. ANFO is a dry and free flowing product, allowing delivery by loose pour or pneumatic loading.

What type of fuel is used to prepare ANFO?

Mines typically prepare ANFO on-site using the same diesel fuel that powers their vehicles. While many fuels can theoretically be used, the low volatility and cost of diesel make it ideal. ANFO under most conditions is blasting cap –insensitive, so it is classified as a blasting agent and not a high explosive.

What is ANFO prilled ammonium nitrate?

Available in both bulk and bagged form, ANFO Prilled Ammonium Nitrate (AN) is a nominal blend of porous Ammonium Nitrate prill and fuel oil. It is a dry, free flowing explosive; formulated to ensure the appropriate oxygen balance providing optimal energy and sensitivity.