• Explosives and Blasting
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.79-84
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• 2004

It is well accepted that modem emulsion explosives are intrinsically much less sensitive than traditional products such as dynamites or black powder. However, they have still been involved in a significant number of accidental explosions. In October 1975, Canadian Research, Limited's, Energetic Research Laboratory in Quebec exploded. Although explanations for the incident varied, one logical explanation was that the pump used in transporting the emulsion dead headed, thereby turning mechanical work in to frictional heating under a zero flow rate. There is a minimum pressure required for combustion(MBP) to propagate in emulsion explosives. A stable deflagration may lead to a deflagration-to-detonation transition(DDT) in emulsion explosives. Tests were also performed on sensitized sampled consisting of 6 to 21% waters as well as 1 to 11% aluminium powder. It was founded the emulsion explosives consisting of 6% waters had the lowest minimum homing pressure(MBP) of 3 bar, and the 21% waters were unable to achieve sustained homing at pressures as high as 100 bar. The aluminium contained explosives tested here displayed a MBP higher than that of without emulsion. It appears that this test may offer a firm ground for the classification of emulsion explosives in view of the regulating the hazards associated with the various process used for their manufacturing and transport.