1. Emulsion De-sensitisation

2. What is an emulsion?
An emulsion is a thermodynamically unstable system consisting of at least two immiscible liquid phases, one of which is dispersed in another.
Phase A
Phase B
(1)
(2)
Two immiscible liquids (vinegar and olive oil), not emulsified
An emulsion of Phase B dispersed in Phase A

3. Surfactant/Emulsifier
What shall be done in order to stabilize emulsion?

4. Composition:
Dispersed phase: aqueous solution of inorganic oxygen supplying salt (super-cooled water solution of AN)
Continuous water-insoluble organic phase throughout which the droplets are dispersed
Emulsifier, which stabilizes new surfaces during emulsion formation (manufacturing) and shearing (pumping) and form structured bilayer in order to suppress droplets coalescence

5. What is an emulsion Breaker?
Demulsifier
Chemical used to separate emulsions, e.g. water in oil
Contains ethoxylated alcohols, which destroy the surfactants in emulsion explosives

6. How to use Emulsion Breaker with Emulsion Explosives (Sensitised or unsensitised)
Add 2% Emulsion breaker
For every 1kg of emulsion, add 20g of emulsion breaker
Mix. The emulsion explosive will break and form a slurry
Slurry consists of AN crystals and Oil
Non-Explosive Slurry (If left to dry, contents will return to be an explosive again e.g. ANFO)
Add 40% water to dissolve AN crystals
Allow Phase separation
DESENSITISATION OF EMULSION EXPLOSIVE

7. Questions?

8. Thank you