135:
414:, readily absorbing water from air. In humid environments, absorbed water interferes with its explosive function. AN is fully water-soluble; as such, it cannot be loaded into boreholes that contain standing water. When used in wet mining conditions, considerable effort must be taken to remove standing water and install a liner in the borehole; it is generally more productive to instead use a water-resistant explosive such as emulsion.
384:
36:
147:
281:
balanced reaction, ANFO is composed of about 94.5% AN and 5.5% FO by weight. In practice, a slight excess of fuel oil is added, as underdosing results in reduced performance while overdosing merely results in more post-blast fumes. When detonation conditions are optimal, the aforementioned gases are
1332:
Securing
Ammonium Nitrate: Using Lessons Learned in Afghanistan to Protect the Homeland from IEDs: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress,
398:
While the density of pure crystalline ammonium nitrate is 1700 kg/m, individual prills of explosive-grade AN measure approximately 1300 kg/m. Their lower density is due to the presence of a small spherical air pocket within each prill: this is the primary difference between AN sold for
399:
blasting and that sold for agricultural use. These voids are necessary to sensitize ANFO: they create so-called "hot spots". Finely powdered aluminium can be added to ANFO to increase both sensitivity and energy; in commercial usages however, this has fallen out of favor due to cost.
680:
In April 2010, police in Greece confiscated 180 kg of ANFO and other related material stashed in a hideaway in the Athens suburb of Kareas. The material was believed to be linked to attacks previously carried out by the "Revolutionary
Struggle" terrorist group.
406:
of about 840 kg/m. In surface mining applications, it is typically loaded into boreholes by dedicated trucks that mix the AN and FO components immediately before the product is dispensed. In underground mining applications, ANFO is typically blow-loaded.
241:, or performance in small-diameter columns. The mining industry accounts for an estimated 90% of the more than 2.5 thousand tonnes (5.5 million pounds) of explosives used annually in the United States. ANFO is also widely used in
745:
ammonium nitrate effectiveness in which the interaction of the detonation front with a spherical void concentrates energy. Blasting-grade AN prills are typically between 0.9 and 3.0 mm in diameter.
634:
rocked the city of
Shijiazhuang, China, on 16 March 2001. A total of 108 people were killed, and 38 others injured when, within a short time, several ANFO bombs exploded near four apartment buildings.
391:
In the mining industry, the term ANFO specifically describes a mixture of solid ammonium nitrate prills and diesel fuel. Other explosives based on the ANFO chemistry exist; the most commonly used are
699:
On 22 July 2011, an aluminium powder-enriched ANNM explosive, with total size of 950 kg (150 kg of aluminium powder), increasing demolition power by 10–30% over plain ANFO, was used in the
1314:
1288:
237:, and civil construction in applications where its low cost and ease of use may outweigh the benefits of other explosives, such as water resistance, oxygen balance, higher
371:
compared to other industrial explosives, measuring 3,200 m/s in 130 mm (5 in) diameter, unconfined, at ambient temperature. It is described as a
569:), along with f15 explosive. Five containers of 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) each were used to blow up the Tax Office building in Bastia on 28 February 1987.
367:
at a velocity higher than the speed of sound in the material, but the low sensitivity means that it is not generally regulated as such. ANFO has a moderate
1269:
741:
AN fertilizers, that "hot spots" can be created by blending powdered sugar into the ANFO mixture, effectively sensitizing the mixture to mining-standard
395:. They differ from ANFO in the physical form the reactants take. The most notable properties of emulsions are water resistance and higher bulk density.
692:
also issued a decree banning the use, production, storage, purchase, or sale of ammonium nitrate, after an investigation showed militants in the
821:
597:
596:
of May 1974 which killed 34 people & injured almost 300, ANFO car bombs were used in Dublin. It has also seen use by groups such as the
1171:
721:
were arrested in Athens, Greece, accused of multiple attacks on immigrants and activists. They had 50 kg of ANFO in their possession.
566:
551:
282:
the only products. In practical use, such conditions are impossible to attain, and blasts produce moderate amounts of toxic gases such as
474:
Unmixed ammonium nitrate can decompose explosively, and has been responsible for several industrial disasters, including the following:
1152:[Shijiazhuang nine suspects of the sale of explosives were detained in criminal detention] (in Chinese). Beijing. 3 April 2001
1095:
808:
469:
907:
516:
375:, as its explosive velocity is far from the thermodynamic ideal due to its porosity and the phase separation of its two components.
183:
119:
430:
that powers their vehicles. While many fuels can theoretically be used, the low volatility and cost of diesel make it ideal.
57:
1047:
593:
422:
In most jurisdictions, ammonium nitrate need not be classified as an explosive for transport purposes; it is merely an
328:
with the small amount of primary explosives within. A larger quantity of secondary explosive, known as a primer or a
1347:
1149:
100:
134:
46:
72:
1315:"Ο 'Τσαμπ' της 'Combat 18' και ο 'Λύκος' της Χρυσής Αυγής επιβεβαιώνουν τη λογική των 'συγκοινωνούντων δοχείων'"
948:
650:
526:
79:
601:
585:
368:
1068:
P. Cosgrove. Ammogex
Material Safety Data Sheet, Document No: HS-MSDS-03, Irish Industrial Explosives Ltd
460:. In many countries, its purchase and use are restricted to buyers who have obtained the proper license.
707:
631:
624:
559:
532:
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53:
86:
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700:
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were consuming 21,000 kilograms (47,000 pounds) of ammonium nitrate for the majority of bombs. The
486:
324:(or a "blasting agent"). Without a sensitizer, it cannot be detonated by a typical (such as No. 8)
238:
693:
638:
554:, who learned how to make and use ANFO from a Wisconsin Conservation Department booklet entitled
496:
321:
68:
1179:
1220:
1120:
Henry
Stanhope (8 November 1974). "The will to blow the lid off Ulster still remains strong".
1101:
1091:
1029:
1006:
975:"Improving ANFO: Effect of Additives and Ammonium Nitrate Morphology on Detonation Parameters"
930:
903:
862:
791:
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329:
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1289:"Two men appear in court charged with possession of 150 kg of homemade explosives"
1001:
974:
662:
609:
539:
506:
442:
438:
356:
287:
278:
270:
253:
The chemistry of ANFO detonation is the reaction of ammonium nitrate with a long-chain
200:
218:) (AN), which acts as the oxidizing agent and absorbent for the fuel, and 6% number 2
1341:
1080:
677:) following reports that those chemicals were used by militants to make explosives.
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403:
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93:
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in confined waters and nitrate/gas oil contamination of ground or surface water.
689:
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226:
35:
929:(15th ed.). E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company. 1969. pp. 64–68.
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449:
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1172:"Afghanistan bans chemical used to make bombs; protesters denounce killings"
718:
658:
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589:
434:
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325:
309:
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1270:"Police in Norway Extend Terror Probe Across Europe After Breivik Attacks"
887:. Wisconsin Conservation Department, Madison, Wisconsin 53701. p. 11.
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1249:[Such seemed the shock wave after the bomb] (in Norwegian). NRK
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991:
934:
866:
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742:
666:
1246:
550:
ANFO was used in 1970 when protests by students became violent at the
1331:
1268:
Stigset, Marianne; Kremer, Josiane; Treloar, Stephen (27 July 2011).
254:
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139:
17:
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204:
145:
133:
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29:
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A more sophisticated variant of ANFO (ammonium nitrate with
312:
in the mixture will sensitise it to detonate more readily.
175:
1245:
Stina Åshildsdatter Grolid; Unni
Eikeseth (25 July 2011).
166:
710:
members were stopped in Dublin with 67 kg of ANFO.
426:. Mines typically prepare ANFO on-site using the same
184:
172:
169:
300:
The fuel component of ANFO is typically diesel, but
588:(UVF) also made use of ANFO bombs, often mixing in
336:were historically used; current practice is to use
163:
60:. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
1079:
737:It was found by the IRA, in response to using low-
949:"Explosives – ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate – Fuel Oil)"
713:On 6 March 2018, 8 members of the extreme right
1050:. Occupation Safety & Health Administration
623:as the fuel, called ANNM) was used in the 1995
437:–insensitive, so it is legally classified as a
222:(FO). The use of ANFO originated in the 1950s.
1221:"Bomb Material Cache Uncovered in Afghanistan"
1194:"Afghanistan bans chemical used to make bombs"
900:Principles and Practices of Modern Coal Mining
1082:Buda's Wagon: A Brief History of the Car Bomb
150:25 kg (55 lb) sacks containing ANFO
8:
387:Charging a hole with ANFO for rock blasting
968:
966:
138:Ammonium nitrate prills used in ANFO at a
1000:
990:
878:
876:
565:ANFO used to be widely used by the FLNC (
120:Learn how and when to remove this message
921:
919:
696:had used the substance in bomb attacks.
637:In November 2009, the government of the
320:ANFO is highly insensitive, making it a
308:have been used instead. Finely powdered
753:
730:
1247:"Slik virket trykkbølgen etter bomben"
973:Fabin, M; Jarosz, T (1 October 2021).
902:. New Age International. p. 532.
598:Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
448:Ammonium nitrate is widely used as a
332:, must be used. One or two sticks of
7:
1026:The Science of Industrial Explosives
859:The Science of Industrial Explosives
788:The Science of Industrial Explosives
567:National Liberation Front of Corsica
58:adding citations to reliable sources
1219:Dexter Filkins (11 November 2009).
199:) is a widely used bulk industrial
822:"Explosives regulation in the USA"
470:List of ammonium nitrate disasters
304:, coal dust, racing fuel, or even
25:
517:West Fertilizer Company explosion
1048:"Explosives and blasting agents"
706:On 13 April 2016, two suspected
159:
34:
1287:Daniel Hickey (13 April 2016).
1028:. IRECO Chemicals. p. 16.
552:University of Wisconsin–Madison
441:(tertiary explosive) and not a
45:needs additional citations for
861:. IRECO Chemicals. p. 2.
790:. IRECO Chemicals. p. 1.
616:, using two ANFO truck bombs.
538:Environmental hazards include
433:ANFO under most conditions is
359:in that it decomposes through
1:
1200:. AP Foreign. 22 January 2010
1178:. Albany, N.Y. Archived from
885:Pothole Blasting for Wildlife
820:Edward M. Green (June 2006).
556:Pothole Blasting for Wildlife
1333:Second Session, 12 July 2012
639:North West Frontier Province
594:Dublin and Monaghan bombings
203:. It consists of 94% porous
1086:. New York: Verso. p.
883:Mathiak, Harold A. (1965).
684:In January 2010, President
243:avalanche hazard mitigation
1364:
467:
352:or similar compositions).
831:(465): 78. Archived from
225:It has found wide use in
197:ammonium nitrate/fuel oil
1024:Cook, Melvin A. (1974).
857:Cook, Melvin A. (1974).
786:Cook, Melvin A. (1974).
651:calcium ammonium nitrate
649:, ammonium nitrate, and
373:non-ideal high explosive
809:Encyclopædia Britannica
766:Encyclopedia Britannica
673:districts (the former
586:Ulster Volunteer Force
580:in 1972 and, by 1973,
456:. It is also found in
388:
355:ANFO is technically a
151:
143:
898:Singh, R. D. (2005).
632:Shijiazhuang bombings
625:Oklahoma City bombing
592:as a booster, in the
560:Sterling Hall bombing
454:agricultural industry
386:
149:
137:
1150:"石家庄九名制贩爆炸物的嫌犯被刑事拘留"
951:. GlobalSecurity.org
829:Industrial Materials
316:Explosive properties
54:improve this article
1078:Mike Davis (2007).
653:fertilizers in the
576:was adopted by the
558:, resulting in the
487:Texas City disaster
239:detonation velocity
1225:The New York Times
992:10.3390/ma14195745
927:Blasters' Handbook
838:on 11 October 2022
762:"ANFO | explosive"
694:Taliban insurgency
527:Tianjin explosions
497:Ryongchon disaster
458:instant cold packs
389:
322:tertiary explosive
279:stoichiometrically
152:
144:
1348:Binary explosives
1293:Irish Independent
675:Malakand Division
645:imposed a ban on
491:Texas City, Texas
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16:(Redirected from
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647:ammonium sulfate
608:perpetrated the
546:Paramilitary use
533:Beirut explosion
208:ammonium nitrate
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578:Provisional IRA
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480:Oppau explosion
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288:nitrogen oxides
284:carbon monoxide
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468:Main article:
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443:high explosive
439:blasting agent
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379:Industrial use
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357:high explosive
317:
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277:. In an ideal
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410:AN is highly
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110:November 2011
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71: –
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66:
65:Find sources:
59:
55:
49:
48:
43:This article
41:
37:
32:
31:
19:
1309:
1297:. Retrieved
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1263:
1251:. Retrieved
1240:
1228:. Retrieved
1224:
1214:
1202:. Retrieved
1198:The Guardian
1197:
1188:
1180:the original
1175:
1166:
1154:. Retrieved
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1130:
1121:
1115:
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1073:
1064:
1052:. Retrieved
1042:
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953:. Retrieved
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893:
884:
858:
852:
840:. Retrieved
833:the original
828:
815:
804:
787:
781:
769:. Retrieved
765:
756:
733:
712:
705:
701:Oslo bombing
698:
686:Hamid Karzai
683:
679:
636:
629:
621:nitromethane
618:
606:Shining Path
582:the Troubles
571:
564:
555:
549:
537:
511:Oslo, Norway
473:
447:
432:
421:
409:
404:bulk density
401:
397:
390:
372:
365:deflagration
363:rather than
354:
326:blasting cap
319:
299:
252:
233:, metal ore
224:
196:
192:
154:
153:
131:
116:
107:
97:
90:
83:
76:
64:
52:Please help
47:verification
44:
1176:Times Union
690:Afghanistan
604:. In 1992,
521:West, Texas
501:North Korea
428:diesel fuel
412:hygroscopic
402:ANFO has a
227:coal mining
140:potash mine
1106:2007274127
1034:B0000EGDJT
935:B000JM3SD0
867:B0000EGDJT
796:B0000EGDJT
725:References
641:(NWFP) of
614:Lima, Peru
482:in Germany
450:fertilizer
418:Regulation
361:detonation
265:) to form
80:newspapers
1274:Bloomberg
1156:12 August
1124:. London.
1122:The Times
979:Materials
719:Combat 18
659:Lower Dir
655:Upper Dir
590:gelignite
572:The ANFO
464:Disasters
435:detonator
393:emulsions
346:pentolite
310:aluminium
249:Chemistry
231:quarrying
27:Explosive
1342:Category
1299:16 April
1295:. Dublin
1011:34640139
739:brisance
715:neo-Nazi
671:Malakand
643:Pakistan
574:car bomb
424:oxidizer
369:velocity
334:dynamite
306:molasses
302:kerosene
267:nitrogen
220:fuel oil
1253:28 July
1230:3 March
1204:3 March
1136:"Bombs"
1054:3 March
1002:8510347
955:3 March
842:3 March
743:prilled
667:Chitral
452:in the
330:booster
205:prilled
94:scholar
1104:
1094:
1032:
1009:
999:
985:(19).
933:
906:
865:
794:
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1301:2016
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286:and
263:2n+2
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