Patent Publication Number: US-2007117710-A1

Title: Method for reducing ammonia and other gases from the detonation of explosives

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      The use of blasting agents and various explosives create ammonia gas and various other gases and derivatives that present (1) human, animal and plant health problems as well as (2) environmental problems. These problems can be mitigated by the use of an ion exchange material. Natural occurring zeolites such as clinoptilolite are relatively inexpensive, and they exchange ammonium into their lattice where it is not water-soluble. The use of ammonium nitrate fuel only (ANFO) explosives has become widespread due to its relative low cost compared to other explosives. Incomplete detonation and spillage have resulted in the release of ammonia and other gases. In underground operations, ammonia gas levels often exceed 150 ppm ammonia which create human health problems that can be lethal as well as counterproductive. Nausea, dizziness and other symptoms make work difficult. The use of zeolite makes the work environment safe and more productive.  
      The release of ammonia gas to the environment enhances the release of ammonium, which oxidizes to nitrites and nitrates. These derivatives pollute the groundwater and become major environmental problems. The ammonium is exchanged into the ion exchange material so that they are not water-soluble. When the ion exchange material becomes loaded with ammonium cations, it may be used as a fertilizer where the nitrogen is plant accessible but not water-soluble. The ammonium (nitrogen) is released as the plant releases hydrogen ions.  
    
    
     PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Prior to the use of explosives for blast holes, plasters, in large cavities in underground or surface activities and the like, an ion exchange agent is spread over the blast area, onto a receiving area for the blasted material, mixed in with the blasting agent, placed in an area around the periphery of the blast area, or on top of concrete floors receiving the blasted material that will remove ammonia and other gases by ion exchange. The ion exchange material can also be spread over the top of the blasted material following detonation.