Process and apparatus for the manufacture of emulsion explosive compositions

PCT No. PCT/AU96/00838 Sec. 371 Date Sep. 25, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Sep. 25, 1998 PCT Filed Dec. 24, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/24298 PCT Pub. Date Jul. 10, 1997An apparatus and process for the manufacture of an emulsion explosive wherein the composition of emulsion explosive can be continually varied in a controlled manner. The apparatus comprises: (i) at least one mixing means suitable for blending components into an emulsion; (ii) at least one delivery means for delivering an emulsion explosive from said mixing means into a blasthole or package; (iii) at least one container for emulsion; (iv) at least two containers for components which on combination are suitable for forming a gas for the gassing emulsion; (v) optionally, further containers for optional components suitable for addition to the emulsion or emulsion explosive; (vi) supply means for the supply of said components from said containers to the mixing means; and (vii) control means for controlling the amount or rate of supply of components to the mixing means and thereby enabling the composition of the emulsion explosive to be continuously varied in a controlled manner.