Md.

Fazal Hussain,

L.Min.E, AMIE(Mining), M. Tech(ISM),

FMMC

Dy Manager,
R&D Department
1. Classification of explosives

2. Type and evolution of explosives

3. Properties of explosives

4. Tests of explosives and accessories

5 Solid Blasting

6. Testing of explosives and accessories in SCCL

7. Magazines for storage of explosives
8 Maintenance operation of magazines.
Consumption of permitted explosives SCCL

P1 P5

Permitted 4767 T 5435 T

Explosive
Permitted Detonators 21332 million nos

As per orders placed for two year from 2011-13

Explosive is a Chemical Compound or mechanical
mixture ignited by heat, shock, impact, friction or a
combination of these conditions.

Up on ignition it decomposes
Slow decomposition is called deflagration

Rapid decomposition is called detonation

Upon detonation
Chemical energy is suddenly converted to heat
Energy and pressure energy
 1. Classification of Explosives
A. Classification as per Explosive Rules
Class 1 : Gunpowder
Class 2 : Nitrate Mixture
Class 3 : Nitro Compounds
: Division I – Blasting gelatine, special
gelatine, etc
: Division II – Gun Cotton, PETN, TNT,
primex, etc.
Class 4 : Chlorate mixtures
Class 5 : Fulminate
Class 6 : Division I – Safety fuse, ignitor cord,
: safety electric fuse, percussion caps.
: Division II – Plastic ignitor cord, detona-
cord/fuse, electric fuse, fuse ignitors, etc
: Division III – Detonators, delay detonators
relays, etc
Class 7 : Fire works
Class 8 : LOX

B. Classification Based on Risk (Rule 4 of IExpRules)

Category X : Explosive having a fire or slight explosion
risk, or both, but the effect is local(Fireworks)
Category Y: Mass fire risk or modern explosion risk
but not the risk of mass explosion
 Category Z: Mass explosion risk and major missile
effect
Category ZZ: Mass explosion risk and minor missile
effect.(Class 1-4 & div 2&3 of Class-6)
Based on this category the safety distances of
Magazines are decided.

C. On the basis of strength:

Low explosives: Gunpowder KNO3(75%), C(15%), S(10%)
High explosives: NG, Slurry, Emulsion, etc

D. Use basis:
Permitted – For use in under ground gassy coalmines.
Non-permitted – NPSD, LD
 E. On the basis of sensitivity to initiation by detonator
Cap Sensitive : Which can be detonated by No 6 or
8 detonator
Non Cap : Which can not be detonated by a detonator
and need a cap sensitive explosive.
No 6 strength = 0.24gr PETN, No 8 = 0.45g PETN(Basecharge)
(Cap : Non Cap; 1:4/5)

Low Explosive

Mode of initiation : Spark from a Safety fuse

Liberates large volume of smoke & poisonous gases
Produces hot flames with long duration because the
decomposition is slow i.e. from grain to grain.
Ex: gunpowder – mixture of KNO3 + Charcoal + Sulphur)
High Explosive
Decomposition is almost instantaneous.
Produces shattering effect
Initiation by detonation
 2. Type and evolution of explosives

A. First Generation Explosives(1212)

Example – Gun powder

B. Second Generation Exp - Nitro-Glycerin Based(1860s)

Composition – Nitric Acid as Oxidizer and Glycerin

as Combustible. The liquid NG can be converted to
solid by the addition of guncotton
Disadvantages
-Causes head ache
- irritation to skin
- post blast fumes causes irritation

Manufacturers of NG explosives in India

Bharat Explosives Ltd – Belgex Coal -5, Belgex Coal-1

Tamil Nadu Explosives Ltd – Telperma 5, Telperma 1
Noble Industries Ltd – Noble Coal 5, Noble Coal 1
Indian Explosives Ltd – Soligex, Ajax (Phased out NG
 C. Third generation - Slurry Explosives(1950s)

Mixture of Oxidizer (AN), Fuel sensitizers (carbonaceous

fuels, Aluminium, TNT and smoke less powder),
Water(15%) – to prevent leaching of the soluble
oxidizing salts, this mixture is thickened with guar gum
and cross linked.

This is why slurries have excellent water resistance

Advantages
More safer than NG
Good fume characteristics
Excellent water resistant
Manufacturers of Slurry Explosives in India

IBP – Indocoal 5, Indocoal 1 (permitted category)

IDL – Pentadyne, Monodyne
PEL – Colex 5, Colex 1
Solar – Solar Coal 5, Solar Coal 1
Orient Explosive Ltd – Orecoal 5, Orecoal 1
LD category
IBP – Indo Prime, Indo gel 210
KEL – Kelvex 600, Kelvex 500
Ideal – Ideal gel, Ideal Boost
Maruti – Maruti boost, Maruti column
Nav Bharat – Bharat Prime, Bharat column
D. 4th Generation - Emulsion Explosives(1960s)
Most modern type of explosives

By increasing the surface area of contact between

the oxidizer and the fuel component the reactivity of
an explosive is enhanced to a great extent.
In emulsion small droplets of AN solution is tightly
packed in a mixture of oil and/or wax.
The addition of micro balloons around 50-100 m dia
varies the sensitivity of the emulsion
The extremely small particle size of the constituents
gives high energy levels
 Basic formulation of emulsion explosive
Ammonium Nitrate : 60 – 70 %

Calcium/Sodium Nitrate : 0 – 20 %

Fuel Oil :2–6%

Aluminium :1–3%

TNT & Water : Varies

Straight emulsion : These are normally hot mixed at 50C
and suitable gassing agent is added to control the density
Doped emulsion : These are produced by varying % of AN
to achieve vide range of strengths
Advantages
Good detonation properties including post detonation
fumes

Highest VOD among the commercial explosives

Less sensitive to accidental initiation, safe to handle

Physical shocks/rough handling crystallizes dispersed

oxidizer phase and lead to de-sensitisation.
Manufacturers of Emulsion explosives in India

IEL – Powergel 501,Power gel 101 (permitted )

- Site Mixed Emulsion for Open cast
PEL – Colex CX 27 (P1) (recently introduced)
- Site Mixed Emulsion for OC
IDL - SME

BEL – Belmex (P1) (recently introduced)

IDL, IEL, PEL manufactures LD and SME

Comparison of important parameters of NG, Slurry
and Emulsion explosives

NG Slurry Emulsion
VOD(m/s) 2500 3000 3500
Relative wt 48 45 55
Sgth(%Anfo)
Energy 90 85 93
efficiency(%)
Noxious 79 46 45
fumes l/kg
Impact 10 40 90
sensitivity,cm
 3. Explosive properties
VOD

Density

Water resistance

Sensitivity
Fume Characteristics
Thermal Stability
VOD – It is the rate at which the detonation wave
travels through the explosive column

Significance – Rocks with low strength needs exp-

losives having low VOD

VOD of explosive varies between 2000 – 5000 m/s

VOD of DF is 6500 m/s

VOD is measured by Dautritche method

detonator d

Explosive cartridge

DF

dent

Lead plate (30cm x 5cm x 1.5cm

Vex = (d x Vdf)/2L
Dautriche method
Measurement of VOD by VODmate

Probe cable

vodmate
 Density
Density is the mass/unit volume (gr/cc)

Density of the most of the explosives varies

between 0.8 to 1.35 gr/cc
Denser explosive results in a larger concentration
Of power and increased VOD

Hard rocks need high density exp

For lump coals low density explosive is needed
When explosive is compressed to higher densities
to develop higher bulk strength, it becomes totally
less sensitive a condition known as ‘DEAD PRESSED’
Detonation Pressure
P = 2.5 x 10 -6 x  x V2
Where is P is the detonation pressure in kbar
 is the density of explosive in gr/cc
V is the VOD m/s
100kbar Detonation pressure
pressure

Explosive pressure
50kbar

length

gases Undetonated explosive

Reaction zone
Detonation front
Sensitivity
Sensitivity of an explosive is it’s ability to propagate
through air at which a primed half cartridge (donor)
Will detonate an unprimed half cartridge (receptor),
under unconfined conditions.
 receptor
donor

detonator
d

d = air gap
donor should initiate receptor at 2 cm air gap in
case of slurry/emulsion to pass

donor should initiate receptor at 5 cm air gap in

case of NG
Impact sensitivity test
To ensure the explosive to resist initiation/decom-
position, during handling transport and use.

This test is conducted by dropping a known mass

From a known height on to the explosive

Frictional impact sensitivity test

For measuring the sensitiveness of explosives to

friction and impact
 Strength of explosives
It is the theoretical available chemical energy in the
Explosive composition

It is a measure of its ability to do useful work

Terms used to express explosive strength are:

Absolute Wt Strength = Absolute amount of energy

in calories available in each gram of explosive

Absolute Blk Strength = Absolute amount of energy

in calories available in each cc of explosive
Relative Bulk Strength

It is the measure of the energy available per unit

volume of explosive compared to equal volume
of ANFO at 0.81 gr/cc density
Water Resistance

It is the ability of the explosive to with stand water

Pentration with out losing sensitivity or efficiency.
The liberation of brown nitrogen oxide fumes from a
Blast often indicates inefficient detonation caused by
Water deterioration and implies need for better
Water-resistant explosives.
Water resistance is expressed as the number of
Hours a product may be submerged in static water
and still be detonated reliably. The water resistance
property depends not only on inherent ability of exp
to withstand water but also on water condition
Static water at low pressure will not affect as
Quickly as dynamic fast moving water, specially at
high pressure.

All slurry and emulsion explosives have good WR

ANFO has no WR

By mixing with emulsion ANFO is made WR

 Thermal Stability
The temperature at which explosive is stored may
have a detrimental effect upon its ultimate perfor-
mance during use. The explosives used in below
freezing temperatures are specially formulated so
that they do not loose their characteristics.
For example
Dynamite will freeze and become hazardous to
tampering
Slurries become stiff and insensitive and fail to
detonate.
All NG are prohibited to be used in hot holes
Slurries/emulsions are permitted in hotholes upto 80 C
 Fume Characteristics

The explosion gases consist mainly of CO2, NOx,

CO, etc.
Insufficient Oxygen (Negative Oxygen balance)
produces CO

Excess Oxygen (Positive Oxygen balance)

Produces Oxides of Nitrogen.
 4. Solid blasting
It is practiced in Development workings having no
cut.
Only P5 type of explosive with non-incendive
delay detonators

Inverse initiation
The delay interval -
Between consecutive round of shots - 60 ms
Between first and last round – 150 ms (I&II degree)
Between first and last round – 100 ms (III degree)
Charge per shot hole

1000 grams in Degree I

565 grams in Degree II & III
Competent person to perform the duties of
shot firer in Solid Blasting – Sirdar certificate and
above

Minimum distance between portions of shot holes

containing explosives of two adjacent shot holes is
0.6 m
 Minimum ventilation requirement

Degree I – 284 m3/min in the ventilation connection

out-bye of the every face

Degree II – 284 m3/min upto every face where solid

blasting is to be done.

Testing of CH4 shall be done with in 20m of the face

if % of CH4 exceed 0.5, no shot is allowed to be fired
Water spraying within 90 m of place of firing
Kasipet Mine
 5. Precautions while extracting standing
Pillars by OC method.
Large dia drill holes to increase B & S and to reduce
number of drill holes to minimise the emanation of
fire, smoke, etc from blast holes.
Drilling shall be terminated 1m above the roof level of
the gallery

Drilling of holes shall be restricted to only on pillars.

Galleries shall be clearly demarcated over the benches
Flushing of fire holes with water/bentonite solution

Closing the mouth of the drill holes with plugs

Small blasts shall be planned which takes minimum
time.
Drowning the mine with water to a certain safe extent

Quenching of fire at the face with high pressure water

jets

Firefighting ranges along the spoil heap side and along

high wall side with sufficient pressures for controlling
the heat.
7. Testing of explosives and accessories
in SCCL
Statutory field trials of permitted explosives
Field trials of explosives for entry in to SCCL

Technical Evaluation for purchase of explosives

Periodical testing of Explosive Parameters for

ascertaining the quality.

Statutory field trials of Detonators

Field trials of detonators for entry in to SCCL

Field trials of LD explosives

Field trials of DF, cast boosters, shock tubes, etc

8. Magazines for storage of explosives
Magazines for storage of explosives may be either
Mode A (permanent type) or Mode B (temporary).

Specifications of MODE A magazine.

Mode A magazines are constructed with wall of RC
atleast 225mm thick/brick stone of 450mm.
Concrete shall have minimum compressive strength
of 2500 lb/sq in. consists of 1part cement, 1.5 parts
Sand, 3 parts aggregate by volume

The construction of interior, benches, shelves and

fittings shall prevent the exposure of any iron or steel
Have roof re-inforced concrete at least 150mm thick

Have one ventilator at the top and bottom in each

Opposite wall of the magazine where the weight of the
explosive stored is <=500kg, two in the top and bottom
Where >500kg.
Have external doors –
(i) that open outwards and when closed fit tightly
(ii) Constructed of steel plate atleast 5mm thickness
(iii) locks of dead lock type
Have every internal door
(i) made of wood
(ii) locks and fittings of non-ferrous metals
Have a separate room with independent entrance
and minimum air gap of 1m, for storage of detonators
or other explosives class 6 division 3, if stored within
the magazine.
Have wooden tressles or raised cement plateform for
storage of explosive packages

Have furring strips fastened to the wall to prevent

cases of explosives being stacked directly against the
Walls.

Have a minimum 12mm red line painted on the interior

walls at a height of 2.5m from the floor level to indicate
maximum height to which explosive may be stacked.
 Have internal volume > 0.4m3 for each 100 kg of exp.

Sufficient number of windows for proper lighting inside

the magazine which shall open out side constructed
of steel plate atleast 5mm thick.

Mode B Magazine (Portable magazine)

Have walls & Roof of steel plates atleast 5mm thick

Interior lining with boards or wood (10mm thick on walls
doors, ceilings, 25mm on the floor in such a way that
no iron or steel is exposed.
Have internal volume of >0.4m3 for each 100 kg of exp
Be ventilated by means of adequately protected vents
External hinges of steel welded to the door and to the
frame of the magazine.

Have a lock of dead lock type for external door

 9. Maintenance and operation of
Magazines
The inside of all magazine buildings should be kept
Clean. The floor of the building is cleaned with a
Brush on each occasion the magazine is opened for
Delivery or receipt of explosive

The magazine keeper should always search himself

and any personnel entering the magazines to ensure
that no dangerous articles, such as cigarettes and
Matches, are taken into the magazine.
 All the tools used in the magazines for opening of
explosives boxes etc must be of wood or soft non-
ferrous metal such as brass, copper or bronze. Iron
and steel tools are prohibited as they may cause
sparking

Empty boxes, loose packing material or cotton waste

should not be kept on the magazine premises

The area surrounding the explosives magazines

Should be kept totally free from accumulations of in-
flammable material. All undergrowth and vegetation
Should be kept well cut to reduce the hazard of bush
Fires.
The explosives magazines should be well ventilated
and it is advisable to keep the magazines open every
Day for a period of one hour.

Detailed records should be kept of all outgoing and

incoming stocks. Explosives should always be used
in strict rotation according to the dates of manufacture,
as they are liable to deteriorate if subjected to prolon-
ged storage in high temperature and humidity

Form 32, 33, 34, 36 are to be maintained by the licensee

Form 32 – Account of reciept of explosives

Form 33 – Account of sale of explosives (also when
supplied to the mines in the neighbourhood under
the same management)

Form 34 - Account of explosive used by the licensee

Form 36 – Return of explosive

Form 37 – Form of indent for explosives

Cases should be stacked on the trestles with 15cm
air gap between the case and the wall to allow air.

Legs of trestles in Al or brass dishes containing

Gamaxine to protect from while ants
Cases should be stacked not more than 3m height
with DOM clearly visible
General rules for governing the conduct in the maga-
zine shall be prominently displayed.
A copy of the license and lightening conductor test
Certificate shall be kept in the magazine

Warning to trespassers and danger of unlawful entry

shall be marked outside the magazine.
Magazine should be guarded round the clock