Why is ANFO used for mining?

ANFO provides excellent heave energy compared with explosives that contain a high emulsion content. ANFO is a dry and free flowing product, allowing delivery by loose pour or pneumatic loading. The low bulk density of ANFO provides excellent charge distribution in the blast hole.

What is ANFO mining?

ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) ANFO is the simplest commercial explosive available. This free flowing mixture of porous prilled Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil is formulated to be oxygen balanced in dry blastholes and is very quickly dissolved by water.

How is ANFO mixed?

The usual ANFO formulation contains about 94% by weight ammonium nitrate and 6% diesel fuel oil. If recycled (used) lubricating oil could be safely substituted for the fuel oil, up to about 27 million gallons could be consumed. This use of recycled oil (RO) can save energy and reduce oil imports.

What is the difference between ANFO and emulsion?

ANFO and emulsion explosives has their respective advantages and disadvantages such as ANFO is not water resistant and emulsion is water resistant.

What is ANFO made from?

What is ANFO?

ANFO is a dry and free flowing product, allowing delivery by loose pour or pneumatic loading. The low bulk density of ANFO provides excellent charge distribution in the blast hole.

What is the velocity of ANFO?

ANFO has a moderate velocity compared to other industrial explosives, measuring 3,200 m/s in 130 mm (5 in) diameter, unconfined, at ambient temperature. ANFO is a tertiary explosive, meaning that it cannot be set off by the small quantity of primary explosive in a typical detonator.

What is ANFO used for in blasting?

Although ANFO has zero water resistance, it has a wide variety of applications in dry hole blasting conditions. It’s one of the most cost efficient blasting agents available for use in small, medium or large diameter applications. When pneumatically loaded; ANFO may also be used effectively in underground development and tunneling applications.

Is ANFO water resistant?

Although ANFO has zero water resistance, it has a wide variety of applications in dry hole blasting conditions. It’s one of the most cost efficient blasting agents available for use in small, medium or large diameter applications.