Classification of Industrial Explosives

Industrial explosives can be broadly classified into two main categories based on their composition and intended use:

High explosives: These are extremely powerful explosives that detonate, meaning they undergo detonation - a supersonic decomposition reaction that propagates through the explosive material at speeds greater than the speed of sound in that material. High explosives are commonly used for mining, demolition, and seismic exploration. Some common high explosives used in industry include TNT, dynamite, ANFO, C-4, Semtex, nitroglycerin, and PETN.

Low explosives: These explosives deflagrate or burn very rapidly, but detonation either does not occur or is impossible to obtain. Low explosives are commonly used as propellants in rockets, missiles, explosives, and ammunition. Examples of low explosives include black powder, flash powder, and smokeless powder.

Composition and Properties of Common Industrial Explosives

TNT (Trinitrotoluene): One of the most common high explosives, TNT is a crystalline chemical compound that produces a powerful but brief detonation. It is stable, effective, inexpensive to produce, and easy to handle and use. TNT is often used for demolition of structures, seismic exploration, and military munitions.

Dynamite: Consisting of nitroglycerin or other plastic explosives mixed with absorbent inert fillers like sawdust or diatomaceous earth, dynamite produces a powerful blast but is less powerful than TNT. It is commonly used for mining, demolition work, and construction excavation.

ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil): A blasting explosive composed of approximately 94% ammonium nitrate and 6% fuel oil. ANFO is very inexpensive, safe to handle, and the least expensive per unit volume commercial bulk explosive. It is widely used in quarrying and mining.

Semtex: A plastic explosive that is moldable and odorless, making it difficult to detect. Semtex is very powerful yet stable, generating a detonation velocity around 6,900 m/s. It finds applications in demolitions, mining, and military and terrorist uses.

Safety Measures for Storing and Handling Industrial Explosives

Due to their hazardous properties, special safety precautions must be followed for storing, transporting, and using industrial explosives:

- Explosives must be stored in designated magazines that are bulletproof, fire resistant, and located at a safe distance from inhabited areas or transportation routes.

- Magazines should be kept locked at all times and access strictly controlled. Temperature and humidity levels must remain within specified limits.

- During transport, explosives must be secured safely on vehicles designed for the purpose with appropriate signage.

- Smoking, open flames, or any potential spark-generating activities are prohibited near explosives.

- Individuals handling explosives require specialized training and certification. Proper protective equipment like flame resistant clothing must be worn.

- Careful inventories must be maintained. Any damaged, deteriorated, or expired explosives must be safely disposed of.

- Detonators, detonating cord, and explosives must be transported separately for additional safety.

- Explosives must only be used under supervision of licensed blasters according to approved plans following all regulations.

Applications of Industrial Explosives

Industrial explosives find widespread use across many industries due to their ability to dramatically fracture and shift large masses of rock or infrastructure:

- Mining: Vast amounts of explosives are used every day in quarrying, surface mining, and underground mining operations to break up ore-bearing rock for extraction.

- Construction: Activities like mass excavation and demolition of structures rely heavily on controlled blasting to break up large sections in a planned manner.

- Seismic exploration: Low-level explosive charges are used by geophysicists to generate shockwaves that penetrate deep underground, allowing mapping of subsurface rock structures.

- Tunnel construction: Whether through mountains or soft earth, explosives continue playing a vital role in expanding transportation and infrastructure networks by cutting tunnels.

- Other uses: Explosives are also utilized for applications like marine salvage, waste disposal, land clearing, controlling avalanches, oil and gas well stimulation treatments, and more.

In concluding, industrial explosives will surely continue to be indispensable for large-scale rock fragmentation and earth-moving activities that drive diverse industries worldwide. With proper responsible use and compliance with stringent safety regulations, they can deliver substantial economic and development benefits.