Emulsiöräjähteitä

Emulsiöräjähteitä are a class of explosives that consist of an intimate mixture of an oxidizer solution and a fuel. The oxidizer component is typically an aqueous solution of ammonium nitrate or calcium nitrate, while the fuel can be a variety of organic materials such as fuel oil, wax, or even finely divided solids. The defining characteristic of an emulsion explosive is the formation of a stable emulsion, where droplets of the fuel phase are dispersed within the oxidizer phase, or vice-versa, stabilized by emulsifying agents. This structure allows for the intimate mixing of the fuel and oxidizer, which is crucial for efficient detonation.

The development of emulsion explosives began in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a safer alternative to traditional dynamites and ANFO (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil). Their primary advantages include high water resistance, good safety characteristics during handling and storage, and tunable energetic properties. By varying the ratio of oxidizer to fuel, the density, velocity of detonation, and overall performance can be adjusted to suit specific blasting applications. Emulsion explosives are widely used in mining, quarrying, and construction, particularly in wet boreholes where their water resistance is a significant benefit. They can be manufactured in bulk at a site using specialized mixing trucks or packaged into cartridges for smaller applications. The stability of the emulsion is maintained by specific surfactants and stabilizers, ensuring that the explosive maintains its properties over time and under varying environmental conditions.