ANFO — Tech Info
Document type: Tech Info
Categories: Bulk Explosives, Packaged Explosives

ANFO Technical
Prilled Ammonium Nitrate Information

Properties
 Poured Blow Loaded

Density (g/cm3) 1 0.82 0.95

Min Diameter (mm) 75 25

Energy (MJ/kg) 2 3.7 3.7
 Typical VOD (m/s) 3 2500 – 4500 2000 – 4000

RWS 4 100 100
Description
ANFO is a nominal 94:6 (wt%) blend of porous ammonium nitrate prill (Detaprill®) RBS 5 100 116
and fuel oil. It is a dry, free flowing bulk explosive; formulated to ensure the
 NOTES:
appropriate oxygen balance providing optimal energy and sensitivity. 1. Values are indicative average densities only, determined under laboratory conditions
 by Dyno Nobel technical personnel at Dyno Nobel’s Mt Thorley Technical Centre. Application Observed densities may differ or vary under field conditions. Nominal in hole density
ANFO has zero water resistance and has a wide variety of applications in dry hole only. blasting conditions. 2. AllDyno Nobel energy values are calculated using a proprietary Dyno Nobel
It is one of the most cost efficient blasting agents available for use in small, thermodynamic code – Prodet. Other programs may give different values. medium or large diameter applications. When pneumatically loaded; ANFO may 3. These results represent a range of VODs collected from numerous Dyno Nobel blast
also be used effectively in underground development and tunnelling applications. sites throughout the Asia Pacific region over a period of time. The velocity of
 detonation actually recorded in use is dependent upon many factors, including: the
Advantages initiation system used, the product density, blasthole diameter and ground
 confinement.

The velocity of
 detonation actually recorded in use is dependent upon many factors, including: the
Advantages initiation system used, the product density, blasthole diameter and ground
 confinement. The values stated are typical of those recorded for the product in various
ANFO provides excellent heave energy compared with explosives that contain a hole diameters, densities and ground types, and may not be achievable under all
high emulsion content. circumstances. The low bulk density of ANFO provides excellent charge distribution throughout
 4. Relative Weight Strength (RWS) and Relative Bulk Strength (RBS) are determined
the blasthole. using a density of 0.82g/cm3 and an energy of 3.7MJ/kg for ANFO. 5. RBS depends on the final density of the product at the time of loading.

ANFO Technical
Prilled Ammonium Nitrate Information

Recommendations Safe handling, transportation and storage
Priming Requirements – It is recommended that ANFO should be primed with a First Aid – You can find detailed first aid information on the relevant Dyno
cast booster for all hole diameters. Depending on the application, ANFO may be Nobel Material Safety Data Sheet. Refer to www.dynonobel.com for more
primed with a suitable diameter detonator sensitive cartridge explosive (Powermite® information if required. Pro). For specific priming requirements, please contact your Dyno Nobel
representative. Additional boosters should be used when the column height Safety - All explosives are classified as dangerous goods and can cause
exceeds 10 metres or where there is risk of column disruption. personal injury and damage to property if used incorrectly. Maximum Hole Depth – ANFO can be detonated successfully in depths up to 75m. Shelf Life – ANFO has a maximum shelf life of six (6) months dependent on Transportation and Storage - All explosives must be handled, transported and
temperature and humidity conditions. Storage in a high humidity and high stored in accordance with all relevant regulations. Stock should be rotated
temperature environment will accelerate product breakdown and should be avoided. such that older product is used first.

high stored in accordance with all relevant regulations. Stock should be rotated
temperature environment will accelerate product breakdown and should be avoided. such that older product is used first. Signs of ANFO degradation are hardening or caking which can lead to difficulty in
 Remember, the explosive products discussed in this document should only be handled
loading and as a result, may lead to poor blasting performance. by persons with the appropriate technical skills, training and licences. Sleep Time – Under normal conditions in dry and stemmed blast holes, ANFO may While Dyno Nobel has made every effort to ensure the information in this document is
be slept for periods up to six (6) weeks. The sleep time may be limited to the correct, every user is responsible for understanding the safe and correct use of the
recommended sleep time of the initiating system. The presence of water will products. If you need specific technical advice or have any questions, you should contact
dramatically reduce the sleep time. For applications where unusual or specific your Dyno Nobel representative. conditions exist please consult your local Dyno Nobel representative for advice.

contact
dramatically reduce the sleep time. For applications where unusual or specific your Dyno Nobel representative. conditions exist please consult your local Dyno Nobel representative for advice. This information is provided without any warranty, express or implied, regarding its
Reactive Ground Conditions – ANFO is not designed for use in conditions where correctness or accuracy and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Dyno Nobel
reactive sulphides are present. expressly disclaims any and all liability arising from the use of this document or the
 information contained herein. It is solely the responsibility of the user to make enquiries,
Ground Temperature – ANFO is suitable for use in ground with a temperature of obtain advice and determine the safe conditions for use of the products referred to herein
0°C to a maximum of 55°C. For applications in ground with temperatures outside this and the user assumes liability for any loss, damage, expense or cost resulting from such
range, contact your Dyno Nobel representative. use.

Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Limited (ACN 003 269 010) is a subsidiary of Incitec Pivot
Packaging Limited (ACN 004 080 264) Level 8, 28 Freshwater Place, Southbank Vic 3006.
ANFO is available in bulk through specialised truck delivery systems. ® DYNO, GROUNDBREAKING PERFORMANCE are registered trademarks of the Dyno
 Nobel / Incitec Pivot Group.
 © Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Limited 2012. Reproduction without permission strictly
Dangerous Goods Classification prohibited.
Product Name: ANFO
Correct Shipping Name: Explosive, Blasting, Type E March 2012
UN Number: 0082 VERSION 6
DG Class: 1.1D