Year: 1887

page_text: I, LUCIEN GUSTAVE HEUSSCHEN of 23 Rue des Mathurins, Paris in the Republic
of France, Civil Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement :-
This invention has for its object a new explosive which can be prepared transported
and handled without danger, and of which the explosive properties are not developed
until the compound is closely confined, either in a blast hole or other strong receptacle
and is under such conditions exposed to high temperature.
.
The new explosive is made with coal oil or naphthaline and also glycerine, and these
matters are mixed with nitrate of potash or soda, sulphuric acid and sulphate of iron.
Together with these materials I employ carbonaceous matter as carbonised tan or saw
dust and also sulphur.
The purpose served by the sulphur carbon and a portion of the nitrate of potash is
to raise to the necessary temperature the other matters of the composition and thereby
to determine the production of nitro benzine and nitro glycerine under conditions such
that they immediately explode.
The following proportions are suitable :-
Nitrate of potash
-
55 to 75 parts
2 to 5 parts
2 to 5 parts
-
Sulphate of iron (green vitriol)
Sulphuric acid (commercial)
Coal oil or naphthaline
Glycerine
Carbonaceous matter
Sulphur
-
2 to 10 parts
2 to 10 parts
10 to 20 parts
5 to 10 parts.
In making explosives according to the formula given above it will be found that if
the proportions taken be those indicated by the smaller figures that the action of the
explosive though powerful will be comparatively slow as with gunpowder, whereas, if
the proportions be those indicated by the larger figures the action of the explosive will
be more rapid and will more nearly approach to the behaviour of nitro-glycerine, and
will be found even more effective weight for weight.

page_text: I prefer to bring the materials together in the following manner
I first dissolve the sulphate of iron in warm water and then add the sulphuric acid
and nitrate of potash. I mix the solution so obtained with the carbonised fan or other
carbonaceous matter in fine powder and with the sulphur. I so form a semi fluid
paste this I boil for an hour and a half until it becomes quite thick and nearly dry.
I then remove the compound from the fire and allow it to cool; afterwards I add the
coal oil and the glycerine and thoroughly mix. Finally I dry the composition by
exposure in a hot room, and the explosive is then ready for use." Usually I prefer to
mould it under heavy pressure, preferably into cylindrical forms with a hole through
the axis of the cylinder extending from end to end. These cylinders may conveniently
be of a size to form a cartridge adapted to fit the blast hole bored in the rock. Or
sometimes after moulding the material I break it into fragments and use it in this
state.
In order to protect the moulded cylinders from moisture I sometimes dip them into
melted paraffin, and I also, in some cases envelope them in waterproof paper.
This explosive may be fired by means of a fuzo in the same way as gunpowder, or a
detonator or electric fuze may be employed.
In the manufacture of this explosive nitrate of potash is usually to be prefered to
nitrate of soda because of the deliquescent properties of the latter material: but where
the explosive is to he used shortly after manufacture and can be carefully protected
from moisture until it is employed, nitrate of soda may be used and an economy may
thereby be obtained. Other sulphates as those of potash and soda may be substituted
for the sulphate of iron but the latter is to be prefered as it is cheaper than any
sulphate which can be substituted for it.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
1. An explosive substantially as described and containing coal oil and glycerine
together with nitrate of potash or soda, a sulphate and sulphuric acid.
2. An explosive consisting of nitrate of potash or soda, sulphuric acid sulphate of
iron, or other sulphate, coal oil, glycerine, carbon and sulphur as herein set forth.
Dated this 28th day of June 1887.
CARPMAEL & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant