What does ANFO stand for in explosives?

ammonium nitrate
Definition of ANFO : a compound made from ammonium nitrate and fuel oil that is used both as a commercial explosive and in the manufacture of improvised bombs.

What is the main explosive substance of ANFO?

Ammonium nitrate is shock sensitive when mixed with titanium, tin, or aluminum. It will also explode more readily if contaminated or mixed with combustible materials such as fuel oil, the latter known as ANFO. Mixtures containing urea can also explode.

What is ANFO mining?

Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil is a mixture of ammonium nitrate (AN) and fuel oil (FO). ANFO is commonly used in the mining industry as an explosive because of its low cost and is estimated to comprise 80% of all explosives used annually in North America.

What category of explosive does ANFO belong to?

ANFO is DOT classified 1.5D, Blasting Agent. Although not typically considered to be explosive, under certain conditions including confinement, heating, and/or the presence of contaminants, both FGAN and TGAN have the ability to detonate.

Can you still buy ammonium nitrate?

But in the US, you can buy ammonium nitrate on Amazon, at gardening stores, or from agricultural suppliers. The US Department of Homeland Security is required to “regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate by an ammonium nitrate facility” to prevent people from using it for terrorism.

Does ammonium nitrate need diesel to explode?

“Detonation of ammonium nitrate does not require additional fuel but is often set off by an initial fire which then causes the bulk material to blow. “The orange plume above the explosion site is due to nitrogen dioxide, the toxic air pollution gas, and is a tell-tale sign of a nitrate-based explosion.

What fuel oil is used in ANFO?

diesel fuel oil
The usual ANFO formulation contains about 94% by weight ammonium nitrate (AN) and 6% diesel fuel oil (FO). If recycled (used) lubricating oil could be safely substituted for the fuel oil, up to about 36 million gallons could be consumed. This use of recycled oil (RO) can save energy and reduce oil imports.

Can ammonium nitrate explode without fuel oil?

Without a detonator, pure ammonium nitrate does not explode, which is why it is considered safe to use as an agricultural fertilizer. However, when mixed with carbons such as fuel oil, it can be used for commercial explosions, for mining and other purposes.

Why is ANFO used in mining?

ANFO Explosive – A Versatile Solution Ammonium Nitrate is an adaptable oxidizer that works well when explosions are needed during mining or quarrying operations. When combined with fuel oil, it makes an effective explosive that has a wide range of applications.

How much does a ton of ammonium nitrate cost?

Ammonium nitrate contains 35% N and costs $550 per ton.