A STUDY ON POST BLAST GENERATION OF NITROGEN

DIOXIDE
L. D. Lawrence
DYNO NOBEL INC.
Salt Lake City, Utah

ABSTRACT
Certain blasting applications are more prone to the generation of significant levels of
nitrogen dioxide post blast fumes, more commonly referred to as after blast smoke,
generally ranging in color from dark yellow to bright red. This paper reviews basic
background chemistry defining the observed fumes and attempts to correlate geology,
blast design, and explosive composition effects on the level of nitrogen dioxide that
can be observed in various blasting conditions. Additionally, a test setting for
evaluating the generation of post blast fumes is presented with pertinent test data
detailing generic explosive formulation modifications which effect the overall level of
post detonation generation of nitrogen dioxide. Scaled up field trials were completed
to evaluate the results obtained using data generated from the test model.
Specifically, deep, wet blasting applications in softer geologies with reduced
confinement appear to promote the generation of nitric oxide from the explosive
composition within the borehole due to partial reaction of the nitrates contained in
commercial explosives. As the nitric oxide is released from the muck pile following
the detonation of the blast pattern, the gas is readily oxidized to form the colorful
after blast fumes of nitrogen dioxide. Using the experimental testing procedure it has
been determined that variations to the explosive composition which affect detonation
velocity and explosion temperature seem to have a significant effect on the level of
nitric oxide formed during a less than ideal detonation. Additional chemical additives
to reduce the level of nitric oxide which results from a less than ideal detonation front
have been evaluated using the proposed test procedure. In general, higher detonation
velocities or compositions with higher explosion temperatures compared to existing
control compositions are significant in minimizing observed formation of nitrogen
dioxide in the testing applications.

INTRODUCTION
The release of non-ideal gasses from the use of ammonium nitrate based commercial
explosives is a common occurrence in the industry. Under ideal conditions the
theoretical products from mixtures of ammonium nitrate and a hydrocarbon fuel are
characterized by the equation:

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3 NH4NO3 + CH2 CO2 + 7 H20 + 3N2

H = -885 kcal/kg

As a result of a number of conditions ammonium nitrate based explosives can

produce considerable quantities of undesired gaseous products of detonation.
Formation of carbon monoxide and what are commonly referred to as oxides of
nitrogen or NOX pose a potential hazard to the end users of commercial explosives.
Although the formation of carbon monoxide is of concern, especially in applications
conducted underground, the object of this paper is to address the formation of oxides
of nitrogen from common commercial explosives used in mining operations.
The focus of this paper is on the use of bulk emulsions and ANFO. These two
products, and subsequent blends of both, constitute the bulk of commercial explosive
consumption in North America and other large geographic areas of the world. When
used by themselves both ANFO and emulsions generally perform as expected. Both
products excel with small minimum priming, small critical diameter, high critical
pressure performance, and good blasting results. The products are remarkedly
different in density, velocity of detonation, energy partitioning, water resistance, and
application potential. Emulsions have become popular due to innate water resistance,
higher achievable densities, and intimate mixing of oxidizers and fuels resulting in near
perfect chemical fume characteristics when properly formulated. The eventual
"marriage" of the two was intended to incorporate the ideal properties of both and the
subsequent blends have been used successfully throughout the industry.
As stated, both ANFO and emulsion products by themselves generally produce ideal
products of detonation. When blends of the two are mixed the predictable properties
are not as obvious. ANFO/emulsion blends are characterized by varying product
densities, a range of velocities of detonation (both low and high), mostly larger
priming characteristics, and reduced borehole shelf-life from the seeding of premature
emulsion crystallization due to the presence of ammonium nitrate nucleation points.
While consideration is given to ANFO/emulsion compatibility depending upon prill
coating chemistries and the amount of crushed prill or fines from the ammonium
nitrate, for the most part, it is generally accepted that these variations are a natural
component of the "heavy" ANFO application.
Notwithstanding the potential inadequacies of the blends of emulsion and ANFO, they
are currently the most popular method of achieving acceptable blasting results. And
as certain blasting applications continue to demand better predictive performance of
ANFO/emulsion blends the eventual formation of non-ideal products of detonation
becomes a greater concern. Specific to this paper is the observed release of
substantial red-yellow fumes from some commercial explosive applications.

OXIDES OF NITROGEN
Although the term "oxides of nitrogen" encompasses a selection of compounds as

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shown in Table 1, the actual gas of concern in this paper is nitrogen dioxide, i.e., NO2
. The formation of NO2 is quite common from ammonium nitrate based commercial
explosives when the generation of the ideally predicted nitrogen gas fails to fully
materialize during the detonation. NO2 should not be confused with N2O (laughing
gas), NO2 is not a laughing matter.
The generation of post blast nitrogen dioxide, more commonly referred to as yellow
smoke, is certainly nothing new in the commercial explosives industry. The
occurrence of the post detonation fumes have historically been associated with wet
conditions and have generally not been too much of a cause for alarm due to the rapid
dispersion of the gas into air and the generally acceptable blast results in spite of the
smoke. Historically, mines have more or less concluded that blasting in certain pit
areas or blasting in extremely wet conditions with emulsion/ANFO blends will often
result in the generation of the post detonation nitrogen dioxide. Efforts to minimize
personnel exposure to the post detonation smoke have all but become part of the
blasting plan in numerous operations.
Certain blasting applications designed to improve the overall efficiency of a mining
operation have resulted in the use of millions of pounds of explosives in a single blast.
While nitrogen dioxide dissipation into the atmosphere from relatively small shots is
generally achieved in a matter of seconds, the level of nitrogen dioxide dissipation
from huge casting operations can easily be measured in the tens of minutes. Faced
with these levels of post detonation fumes, mining operations have started coming to
the suppliers of commercial explosives for solutions to the generation of the yellow
post blast smoke. "Running" from the problem is becoming less of an alternative to
eliminating the problem.

THEORY
The generation of post blast nitrogen dioxide is the result of an interruption in the
formation of thermodynamically ideal products of detonation, leading to the formation
of nitric oxide which readily oxidizes to visual yellow smoke when introduced into the
atmosphere. This interruption may be the result of geology, spacing, timing sequence,
borehole water, or an inappropriate selection of blend ratio for a given explosive
application. Modification to the explosive composition may actually be the most
reliable method for reducing the probability of forming nitric oxide in the reaction
zone following the detonation front.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Normal testing conditions which may be attempted to duplicate the release of nitrogen
dioxide from nitrate based commercial explosives are typically open air detonations or
chamber tests using relatively small quantities of explosives. The problem with open

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air detonations is that generally any visual observation is masked by surface dusting
and non-yellow "smoke" generated by the shot. Additionally, the expanding gasses
are subjected to a high level of air dilution which may affect visualization for
evaluating post detonation yellow smoke generation. On occasion individual
boreholes can be tested in isolated areas which can result in unrealistic confinement
conditions preventing the formation of non-ideal gasses, or post detonation collapse
of the test borehole may prevent any spontaneous rapid release of non-ideal products
of detonation. The insensitive nature of ANFO/emulsion blends limits the chance of
getting accurate gas evaluations in conventional chamber tests.
As a Research tool it has been determined that detonations carried out underwater are
very conducive to evaluating the formation of post detonation nitrogen dioxide. The
water medium presents an effective containment mechanism to collect gases formed
during a detonation. The underwater test provides "poor" confinement for the
explosive being tested thus increasing the chance of a less than ideal detonation. By
containing the bubble partition within the water medium there is little opportunity for
oxidation of the nitric oxide to nitrogen dioxide prior to the bubble breaking the
surface of the test area (or pond). Conducting tests underwater permits rather large
scale testing without concern of surface air blasts. Underwater testing also allows
rather close visual inspection of the gas bubble immediately following detonation.
Finally, measurements of velocity and effects of pressure on the detonation can easily
be measured in underwater conditions.

EXPERIMENTAL SETTING
An isolated pond station owned and operated by DYNO NOBEL INC. provides an
adequate facility for this testing. Explosive compositions can be centered in the pond
and sunk to an approximate depth of twenty feet (6.1 meters). The pond depth is
maintained by natural spring activity and continuous pumping of water to the pond.
Charge dimensions of up to ten inches (250 mm) in diameter with a total explosive
weight of 130 pounds (59 kg) can be tested without excessive of air blast.
Presently, the level of nitric oxide formation from any given composition is visually
evaluated from the degree of nitrogen dioxide generated at the surface of the pond
after the bubble partition breaks the surface. The visual observation of the "yellow
smoke" is based on a 0-9 scale. Video is included on each shot for post detonation
evaluation. It may be possible to evaluate the video on a grid projection in the future
to further quantify the level of post detonation smoke and relate the release to the
quantity of explosive tested.
The underwater pond necessitates the use of fibre optic velocity recorders. An
EXPLOMET recorder has proven to be very reliable in this testing scenario.
Additionally, an air compressor can be used with capped PVC charges to evaluate
explosive compositions when the effects of borehole depth are of interest. Pressure

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conditions simulating borehole depths of at least 180 feet (54.9 meters) are possible
with a standard air compressor. Despite the size of the charges the testing can safely
be observed within 50 feet (15.2 meters) of the underwater initiation point.
Charge configuration has been standardized using either PVC pipe or rigid
SONOTUBE waxed cardboard tubes. PVC is required for pressurized shots and
insures waterproof conditions for ANFO studies. Low density charges are weighed
down by partially filling the tubes with cement prior to loading the test products.

EFFECTS OF CONFINEMENT ON NITRIC OXIDE FORMATION

While establishing the 0-9 visual "smoke" rating numerous tests were conducted on
test charge configuration. The testing model was intended to present the most
reliable method for generating NOX in the reaction zone following the detonation
front. As observed smoke levels were standardized for control products, the level of
confinement from the packaging medium was evaluated to determine the effects of
increased confinement on the formation of oxides from control mixes. As depicted in
Table 2 the use of the SONOTUBE or PVC tube was adequate in minimizing the
effects of confinement in the testing model. The rigid packaging material makes for
easier handling of the test charges and they are more reliable for recording
reproducible detonation velocities. The use of concrete sewer pipe provided adequate
confinement to significantly minimize the formation of the NOX while the use of
schedule 40 steel pipe virtually eliminated the formation of the oxides in almost every
composition tested.

EFFECTS OF EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITION ON NITROGEN DIOXIDE

FORMATION
The underwater testing of common bulk commercial bulk explosives produced several
interesting results. The amount of nitrogen dioxide released from these products was
quite graphic and over time became quite predictable. The initial products chosen for
evaluation included ANFO, ANFO/emulsion blends, and straight emulsion.
Specifically the ANFO/emulsion blends included 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70 products,
considered to represent the majority of blended compositions used in the industry.
Evaluations on straight emulsion were completed as reference data to compositions
containing ANFO.
The test compositions were mostly considered to be generic representatives of the
products available to the industry. Common sources of ammonium nitrate porous
prill representing the Western and Eastern United States were used interchangeably in
the studies. The bulk emulsion was generally a single salt oxidizer solution emulsified
with industry common emulsifiers and refined mineral oils. Both sensitized and
unsensitized compositions were evaluated. Sensitization was achieved using various

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solid density control ingredients, chemical gassing, or combinations of the two

sensitization methods.
1. ANFO EVALUATIONS: ANFO was evaluated to establish a performance base
for this study. Surprisingly, it was very difficult to generate post detonation nitrogen
dioxide from ANFO under various testing conditions. A common explanation for
post detonation smoke from ANFO is that the mix was "under fueled" or the
boreholes were "wetter than reported". Obviously if under fueling occurred the
release of oxides of nitrogen would be expected. With respect to the presence of
water with the ANFO, the test model demonstrated that prilled ANFO is apparently
only lightly affected by water intrusion levels between 2-8% in the diameter used for
this evaluation. Table 3 below lists detonation properties of eight inch (200 mm)
ANFO shots for both prilled and crushed products. The detonation velocities remain
fairly consistent despite the presence of up to 8% water in the prilled mixes. The test
charges exhibited standing water in the mixes containing 6% and 8% added water. In
order to better disperse the added water crushed, prill was used and a more obvious
density effect was noted on the products. The crushed ANFO containing 8% water
increased in density to 1.30 g/cc resulting in low order performance and the release of
substantial nitrogen dioxide in the post detonation gases. The detonation velocities in
the crushed ANFO with water held nearly constant until the low order reactions were
recorded.
2. 70/30 ANFO/EMULSION BLENDS: Evaluations of conventional "heavy" ANFO
intended for use as a dry hole product resulted in increased levels of nitrogen dioxide
formation at the surface of the test pond. "Under fueling" of the ANFO is again a
common explanation for poor after blast fumes on these products. The data in Table
4 infers that under fueling does not explain the occurrence of post detonation fumes.
In this study numerous methods of "over fueling" the ANFO portion of the blend
were incorporated without eliminating post detonation smoke. Excess fuel oil and
similar hydrocarbons were added to the ANFO portion to effectively reduce the blend
oxygen balance to -15 or lower without successful prevention of the formation of
yellow smoke.
3. 50/50 ANFO/EMULSION BLENDS: At this stage of the study on post blast
generation of nitrogen dioxide the product most commonly associated with significant
smoke generation are 50/50 ANFO/emulsion blends. Explanations for this smoke
generation are typically improper blend ratios, loading through water, under priming,
bad emulsion, bad prill, and product deterioration over time (borehole shelf-life).
Although these explanations may in fact be pertinent to the explanation of observed
smoke problems, performance in this testing suggests 50/50 blends are prone to
NOX formation more readily than any composition tested to date. The release of
observable fumes at the test pond were very graphic on these products. The poor
confinement provided by the water apparently was conducive to "quenching" the
products of detonation providing for considerable formation of oxides. In an attempt
to explain the propensity for the 50/50 blends to generate so much nitrogen dioxide

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the following product reviews were completed.

Effects of Detonation Velocity: Table 5 indicates that 50/50 blends can effectively
shoot at varying velocities of detonation depending upon the level and/or type of solid
density control contained in the blend. A 50/50 blend will nominally result in a
product density of 1.30 g/cc whether the emulsion contains solid density control or
not (single salt emulsion as previously defined). The presence of solid density control
can result in increased product detonation velocities, however, more often than not in
these studies the reliability of high detonation velocity using 50/50 blends with
emulsion at a density of 1.20 g/cc was quite poor. It is suggested that the reaction
zone for the raw materials in a high velocity 50/50 blend would be significantly closer
to the detonation front compared to a slower shooting blend, thus reducing the
probability of forming nitric oxide as a product of detonation from prill decomposition
as the gasses are quenched following the shock wave. The underwater testing
indicates that if the detonation velocity in the 50/50 blends can be maintained at or
above 5.0 km/s a general reduction in the formation of nitric oxide is realized
compared to similar blends detonating at slower rates. In general during the
underwater testing very few 50/50 blends demonstrated consistant detonation
velocities much higher than 4.0 km/s, regardless of testing diameter.
Effects of Emulsion Water Content: Table 6 evaluates the effects of water content in
the emulsion portion of the 50/50 blend. Reduced water had only a slight impact on
the amount of post blast smoke at the surface of the test pond. The presence of the
water in the 50/50 blend may in effect be lowering the explosive temperature and in
combination with the lack of confinement and loss of detonation pressure may
contribute to the formation of NOX. For practical purposes water content of the
emulsion alone does not appear to be a significant factor in the problem.
Effects of Critical Diameter: Prior to testing larger diameter test charges in the
underwater methodology for smoke generation, it was suggested that six inch (150
mm) test charges were too close to the critical diameter for 50/50 blends in the
unconfined conditions of the test model. Table 7 indicates that the six inch shot data
are not unlike similar shots in five inches (125 mm) and four inches (100 mm).
Sensitized emulsion was used in each of these tests. Not surprisingly the four inch
data began to show the effects of diameter, however, field complaints are common in
diameters up to ten inches (250 mm) and greater in dry conditions.
Effects of Priming/Bore Hole Shelf-life: Testing was conducted on eight inch (200
mm) charges which were exhibiting substantial after blast smoke. The 50/50 blend
contained a sensitized emulsion. Table 8 presents data on test charges using one,
four, and five pound cast primers to initiate the test charges over a storage period of
three weeks. Despite the charge lengths of approximately 36 inches no effects of
"over priming" were evident in the recorded detonation velocities. The 50/50 blend
continued to detonate at comparable velocities and the amount of nitrogen dioxide
generation from the shots appeared to remain constant.

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Effects of Product Density: Differences of density with commercial 50/50 blends are
difficult to achieve since most bulk emulsion products are supplied at a nominal
density between 1.20-1.25 g/cc. Research evaluations can be conducted with lower
density emulsions. Both solid and chemical density control methods were employed in
these studies. Table 9 presents data on 50/50 blends of varying densities. Not too
suprisingly the lower the product density the lower the level of post detonation
smoke.
Effects of Borehole Depth (Pressure): In the course of these studies, a more
comprehensive study on the effects of borehole depth was completed on the 50/50
blends. To more accurately measure densities on 50/50 blends, a ten inch (250 mm)
"visible" borehole was fabricated with a length of eight feet (2.44 meters). The
borehole was mounted on an load cell. The cylinder design could easily be calibrated
to a very accurate volume. The blended product was produced at conventional rates
and loaded into the visible borehole, topped off with water and pressurized.
Although the density at atmospheric pressure was generally between 1.28-1.32 g/cc
on a given sample which appeared to be mostly void of significant air pockets, the
effects of the pressurization were significant. Between pressures of 60-90 psi the
product density increased to 1.37 g/cc.
To correlate this observation pressurized shots were made on 50/50 blends using the
underwater testing method. The level of nitrogen dioxide seen at the surface of the
pond increased dramatically as the pressure on the test charge increased. Table 10
presents the data on the pressurized shots. It is believed that the significant density
increase is the result of the pressurized filling of the surface pores of the ammonium
nitrate prill and interstitial air which does not readily occur during atmospheric
measurements of product density.
Effects of Increased Energy: Loss of explosive temperature due to poor confinement
was theorized to significantly affect the level of nitric oxide formed in the reaction
zone following the detonation wave. To evaluate this concept in the test setting,
aluminum powder was added to a 50/50 control product known to generate high
levels of nitrogen dioxide at the pond surface. The comparative results seen in this
study were as dramatic as any witnessed while generating these data. Table 11
indicates the presence of the aluminum in quite "smokey" shots rapidly reduced the
levels of observable nitrogen dioxide at the surface of the pond. It is not clear if the
aluminum is reacting with the detonation front thus increasing the explosive
temperature or reacting more slowly in the reaction zone following the shock wave
where the nitric oxide is forming due to the proposed ammonium nitrate
decomposition/quenching theory. Regardless, the effects of the added aluminum are
quite evident from these data.
4. STRAIGHT EMULSION AND BLENDS WITH 30 PERCENT ANFO: The
emphasis of this study has centered on 50/50 blends. In the course of the study
numerous emulsion products were evaluated for observable nitrogen dioxide

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generation. Almost without exception the straight emulsion products shot free of any
nitrogen dioxide fumes. Limited evaluations have also been completed on blends
containing 30 percent ANFO with a considerable reduction in post detonation smoke
observed at the pond surface compared to the 50/50 blends. The smoke results on
limited shots of the blends with 30 percent ANFO under pressure appear to suggest
the formation of more significant levels of nitric oxide following the detonation wave,
but not as severe as with the 50/50 blends. Perhaps the results on the straight
emulsion and blends with lower levels of ANFO will be of more interest in the future.

CONCLUSIONS
The proposed underwater test method appears to accurately duplicate the formation
of nitrogen dioxide from various bulk composite explosive products. The apparent
cause for post blast "yellow smoke" from common commercial bulk explosives is
believed to be due to the formation of nitric oxide in the reaction zone following the
detonation front. The nitric oxide is readily oxidized with air to form colorful
nitrogen dioxide as it is dissipated in the atmosphere following a detonation. The
formation of the nitric oxide is not a predicted product of detonation and is due to a
non-ideal event which occurs in the reaction zone. Nitric oxide appears to form due
to a loss in explosive temperature from either insufficient raw material reactivity or
excessive temperature drop from a loss of pressure within the borehole. The loss of
pressure may be caused by gas venting or gas loss from insufficient burden (lack of
confinement). From these preliminary studies using the underwater test method for
showing nitrogen dioxide generation, the following conclusions are drawn.
1. Increasing the temperature of the explosion by the addition of energetic fuels
appears to significantly minimize the formation of nitric oxide in the reaction zone.
2. Lower density products are less susceptible to the formation of nitric oxide.
Presumably the increase in hot spots aids in increasing the reaction rate and the
explosion temperature.
3. ANFO/emulsion blends, specifically 50/50 blends, are most susceptible to forming
nitrogen dioxide regardless of priming size, critical diameter effects, or detonation
velocity.
4. Borehole depth (or critical pressure) appears to have a significant effect on the
level of nitrogen dioxide formed from 50/50 blends.
5. Solid density control, minimum priming, critical diameter and emulsion water
content have a reduced level of effect on the formation of nitric oxide in the reaction
zone based on testing using the underwater method.
6. ANFO compositions in diameters tested in this study can contain significant

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amounts of water and still perform adequately with little generation of nitrogen
dioxide.
7. Straight emulsion compositions in these tests effectively detonate without the
formation of nitric oxide in the reaction zone.
FUTURE WORK
Application scale up from the test model to field conditions obviously needs to be
considered. Results from limited field studies suggest the mechanism for forming
nitrogen dioxide as defined in this paper is confirmed in larger scale shots. The level
of NOX released from 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of test product may not relate to levels
released in million pound (450 metric tons) shots. Methods of quantifying the release
are being evaluated beyond the visual scale system. A more comprehensive review of
the literature on nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide is being completed to further
explore lower cost options to aluminum to resolve the problem. Resolution of this
problem will most likely become a high priority to mine management as blasting
applications go deeper into wetter ground around the world.

Table 1: Common Oxides of Nitrogen

Formula
Name
N2O
Nitrous Oxide
NO
Nitric Oxide
N2O3
NO2
N2O4
N2O5

Color
Remarks
Colorless
Rather Unreactive
Gas, colorless; liquid
Moderately Reactive
and solid, blue
Dinitrogen Trioxide
Blue solid
Extensively dissassociated
as gas
Nitrogen Dioxide
Red-Brown
Very Reactive
Dinitrogen Tetroxide
Colorless
Dissociates to NO2
Dinitrogen Pentoxide
Colorless
Unstable

Table 2: Effect of Confinement on Observable Nitrogen Dioxide

Product
Density (g/cc)
Confinement
50/50
1.32
Shot Bag
50/50
1.30
Sonotube Caps
50/50
1.30
PVC
50/50
1.33
Concrete
50/50
1.32
Steel

Smoke Rating (0-9)

6
5
5
2
0

Table 3: Observable Nitrogen Dioxide from ANFO/Water Mixes

(Average of three shots each mix)
ANFO Type
% Water
Density
Velocity (km/s)
(g/cc)
Prill
0
0.80
3.9

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Smoke Rating (0-9)

0

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Prill
Prill
Prill
Prill
Crushed
Crushed
Crushed
Crushed

2
4
6
8
0
4
6
8

0.80
0.82
0.83
0.84
0.86
0.93
1.10
1.25

3.8
3.4
3.9
3.8
4.7
4.6
4.7
Low Order

0
1
1
1
0
0
1.5
7

Table 4: Effects of "Over" Fueling in 70/30 Blends on Observable Nitrogen Dioxide

Density (g/cc)
Oxygen Balance
Smoke Rating (0-9)
1.10
-1
4.5
1.13
-7
4.5
1.12
-10
7
1.12
-15
8

Table 5: Effects of Detonation Velocity on Observable Nitrogen Dioxide

Total
Average
Average
Shots
Velocity (km/s)
Smoke Rating (0-9)
5
5.0
2
5
4.0
4.5
7
3.5
5

Table 6: Effects of Emulsion Water Content in 50/50 Blends on Observable Nitrogen

Dioxide
Shots
Emulsion Water %
Average Velocity
Average Smoke
(km/s)
Rating (0-9)
5
16
3.9
4.5
5
18
3.7
5.0
5
20
3.5
5.5

Table 7: Effects of Critical Diameter in 50/50 Blends on Observable Nitrogen Dioxide

Diameter
Shots
Average Velocity
Average Smoke (0-9)
(km/s)
6 inch (150mm)
5
3.9
4.5
5 inch (125mm)
5
3.6
5.0
4 inch (100mm)
5
3.2
5.0

Table 8: Effects of Priming and Shelf-life on Observable Nitrogen Dioxide

Booster
Product Age
Average Velocity (km/s) Average Smoke (0-9)

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1 lb (0.45 kg)
4 lb (1.82 kg)
5 lb (2.27 kg)

2 wks
4 wks
6 wks

2.8
3.1
3.1

6
7
7

Table 9: Effects of Product Density in 50/50 Blends on Observable Nitrogen Dioxide

Shots
Average Density (g/cc)
Average
Average Smoke Rating
Velocity
(0-9)
3
1.10
4.2
4.0
3
1.20
4.4
5.0
3
1.25
4.0
5.0
3
1.30
3.9
5.5

Table 10: Effects of Borehole Depth (Pressure) in 50/50 Blends on Observable

Nitrogen Dioxide
Shots
Pressure
Average Density
Average Velocity
Average Smoke
(g/cc)
(km/s)
(0-9)
3
0
1.30
3.9
4.0
3
30
1.33
3.5
6.0
3
60
1.35
3.3
7.0
3
90
1.37
3.0
8.0

Table 11: Effects of Adding Aluminum to 50/50 Blends on Observable Nitrogen

Dioxide
Shots
% Al
Average Density
Average Velocity Average Smoke
(g/cc)
(km/s)
(0-9)
3
0
1.30
3.9
5
3
2
1.30
3.8
3
3
4
1.31
3.8
2
3
6
1.32
4.0
1

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