Nynas Removes Boundaries

Explosives containing highly refined oil with low sulphur and aromatic content produce lower greenhouse gas emissions. The history of explosives extends far back. Although it began with black powder in China in the 9th century, there was a significant gap until the 19th century before Alfred Nobel's discovery of dynamite. Today, dynamite has been replaced by safer and more modern explosives. One of these is ANFO, developed in the 1950s. ANFO, a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel, is easy to produce, transport and load. Its sensitivity to moisture poses a problem. For this reason, ammonium nitrate-based emulsion explosives of various types dominate the explosives market today. An emulsion, being water-based, eliminates the problem of moisture sensitivity. Furthermore, since it is not in explosive form, it can be produced on-site when the explosive is to be used. Reducing environmental impact is a priority area for leading industrial explosives manufacturers. In this context, the increase in emulsions has had a positive effect. Emulsions produce less emission, are cleaner, and due to their water resistance, cause less groundwater leakage. Emulsions also have better detonation characteristics compared to ANFO, which reduces the concentration of gases harmful to the environment and human health. As a result of incomplete detonation, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are released, along with nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water. The most effective way for explosives manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact is to replace commonly used diesel fuel with a highly refined oil with low sulphur and aromatic content. Ghislain de Quatrebarbes, Market Manager at Nynas Naphthenics CMI, says "This is an area where Nynas is a pioneer. Our products NYFLEX® 8120 and NYTEX® 8120 offer the correct viscosity range suitable for ANFO production." Benefits compared to diesel fuel use include a higher flash point, lower volatility and fewer odour-related problems. But most importantly, Nynas oils produce lower exhaust gas emissions to the environment. Using a more highly refined oil instead of diesel, which keeps you away from fumes coming from diesel in connection with ANFO transportation and loading, also improves the working environment.

What About Emulsions?

"The natural high density level of Nynas naphthenic oils contributes to a more stable emulsion compared to paraffinic oils, improved long-term storage stability and resistance to challenging transport conditions. This provides both financial and environmental benefits." In other words, NYFLEX and NYTEX, which are Nynas alternatives for explosives production, due to their high degree of refinement show a reduction in gas emissions caused by both ANFO and emulsion formulations.

Ghislain de Quatrebarbes Marketing Manager Nynas Naphthenics