Effect of Priming on the Detonation Development of an ANFO Explosive

Ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) compositions are widely used bulk industrial explosives in mining and civil engineering. Even though they are being replaced by the latest generation of emulsion explosives, some unique properties, such as a relatively simple production process, low price and very low impact sensitivity to stimuli, make them a good alternative to other explosives. However, a suitable primer should be used for the efficient initiation of ANFOs. Thus, three types of primers were studied in order to evaluate the effect of priming on the detonation development of ANFOs. Measurements were performed using the continuous resistance wire technique. The development of the detonation until it reached the stable detonation velocity has been analysed and discussed. An analysis confirmed that, depending on the type of primer used, a stable detonation velocity of an ANFO is achieved at different distances from the primer. The results have also proved that there is no significant influence of the type of primer used on the stable velocity of detonation for the tested diameter. An analysis confirmed that, depending on the type of primer used, a stable detonation velocity of ANFO is achieved at different distances from the primer.