Inorganics

Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) - Decomposition

Ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) is a mixture of solid ammonium nitrate and mineral oil.

Easy handling allows it to be used safely in mining, stone quarrying, and tunnel construction. The basic reaction during detonation is the Decomposition reactionA decomposition reaction is a thermally induced reaction of a chemical compound forming solid and/or gaseous products. decomposition of the hydrocarbon and the ammonium nitrate into CO₂, nitrogen and water. For this test a mixture of NH₄NO₃ and toluene was used. Three Phase TransitionsThe term phase transition (or phase change) is most commonly used to describe transitions between the solid, liquid and gaseous states.phase transitions (endothermal peaks) up to 150°C and the large ExothermicA sample transition or a reaction is exothermic if heat is generated.exothermalDecomposition reactionA decomposition reaction is a thermally induced reaction of a chemical compound forming solid and/or gaseous products. decomposition peak starting at approx. 235°C can be detected. (measurement with MMC 274 Nexus^®®)