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.exothermal Decomposition 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 Multiple Module Calorimeter (MMC)A multiple mode calorimeter device consisting of a base unit and exchangeable modules. One module is prepared for accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC), the ARC-Module. A second one is used for scanning tests (Scanning Module) and a third one is related to battery testing for coin cells (Coin Cell Module).MMC 274 Nexus^®®)