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===South Africa=== |
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| − | For several decades beginning in the 1940s, the largest producer of dynamite in the world was the [[Union of South Africa]]. There the [[De Beers]] company established a factory in 1902 at [[Somerset West]]. The explosives factory was later operated by [[AECI]] (African Explosives and Chemical Industries). The demand for the product came mainly from the country's vast gold mines, centered on the [[Witwatersrand]]. The factory at Somerset West was in operation in 1903 and by 1907 it was already producing 340,000 cases [22 kilograms (50 pounds) each] annually. A rival factory at Modderfontein was producing another 200,000 cases per year.<ref>[http://www.caia.co.za/chsahs02.htm An MBendi Profile: South Africa - History of the Chemical Industry]{{dead link|date=November |
+ | For several decades beginning in the 1940s, the largest producer of dynamite in the world was the [[Union of South Africa]]. There the [[De Beers]] company established a factory in 1902 at [[Somerset West]]. The explosives factory was later operated by [[AECI]] (African Explosives and Chemical Industries). The demand for the product came mainly from the country's vast gold mines, centered on the [[Witwatersrand]]. The factory at Somerset West was in operation in 1903 and by 1907 it was already producing 340,000 cases [22 kilograms (50 pounds) each] annually. A rival factory at Modderfontein was producing another 200,000 cases per year.<ref>[http://www.caia.co.za/chsahs02.htm An MBendi Profile: South Africa - History of the Chemical Industry]{{dead link|date=November 2014}}</ref> |
Dynamite was dangerous to manufacture. There were two large explosions at the Somerset West plant during the 1960s. Some workers died, but the loss of life was limited by the modular design of the factory and its earth works, and the planting of trees that directed the blasts upward. There were several other explosions at the Modderfontein factory. After 1985, pressure from trade unions forced AECI to phase out the production of dynamite. The factory then went on to produce ammonium nitrate emulsion-based explosives that are safer to manufacture and to handle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeci.co.za/New/History/1980.htm |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060630050905/http://www.aeci.co.za/New/History/1980.htm |archivedate=30 June 2006 |title=Historical Highlights 1980's |publisher=Web.archive.org |date=30 June 2006 |accessdate=2012-06-09}}</ref> |
Dynamite was dangerous to manufacture. There were two large explosions at the Somerset West plant during the 1960s. Some workers died, but the loss of life was limited by the modular design of the factory and its earth works, and the planting of trees that directed the blasts upward. There were several other explosions at the Modderfontein factory. After 1985, pressure from trade unions forced AECI to phase out the production of dynamite. The factory then went on to produce ammonium nitrate emulsion-based explosives that are safer to manufacture and to handle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeci.co.za/New/History/1980.htm |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060630050905/http://www.aeci.co.za/New/History/1980.htm |archivedate=30 June 2006 |title=Historical Highlights 1980's |publisher=Web.archive.org |date=30 June 2006 |accessdate=2012-06-09}}</ref> |
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Dynamite was manufactured by the [[E. I du Pont de Nemours Company]] until the mid-1970s. Other American dynamite makers of that time period included the [[Hercules, California|Hercules Corporation]], Atlas, Trojan-US Powder, Austin, and several other smaller firms. Dynamite has been mostly phased out in favor of [[water gel explosive]]s, which are cheaper to manufacture, and in many ways safer to handle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.dupont.com/Heritage/en_US/related_topics/explosives.html |title=DuPont Heritage: Explosives |publisher=.dupont.com |date= |accessdate=2012-06-09}}</ref> |
Dynamite was manufactured by the [[E. I du Pont de Nemours Company]] until the mid-1970s. Other American dynamite makers of that time period included the [[Hercules, California|Hercules Corporation]], Atlas, Trojan-US Powder, Austin, and several other smaller firms. Dynamite has been mostly phased out in favor of [[water gel explosive]]s, which are cheaper to manufacture, and in many ways safer to handle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.dupont.com/Heritage/en_US/related_topics/explosives.html |title=DuPont Heritage: Explosives |publisher=.dupont.com |date= |accessdate=2012-06-09}}</ref> |
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| − | In the United States, in 1885, the chemist Russell S. Penniman invented "ammonium dynamite", a form of explosive that used |
+ | In the United States, in 1885, the chemist Russell S. Penniman invented "ammonium dynamite", a form of explosive that used ammonium nitrate as a substitute for the more costly nitroglycerin. These dynamites were marketed with the trade name "Extra". Ammonium nitrate contains 85% of the [[chemical energy]] of nitroglycerin. |
==Difference from TNT== |
==Difference from TNT== |
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Latest revision as of 13:42, 24 July 2019
Diagram of dynamite. Sawdust (or any other type of absorbent material) soaked in nitroglycerin. Protective coating surrounding the explosive material. Blasting cap. Electrical cable (or fuse) connected to the blasting cap.
Preparation of dynamite during the construction of the Douglas Dam, 1942.
Dynamite is an explosive material based on nitroglycerin, using diatomaceous earth (AmE: kieselgur; BrE: kieselguhr), or another absorbent substance such as powdered shells, clay, sawdust, or wood pulp. Dynamites using organic materials such as sawdust are less stable and such use has been generally discontinued. Dynamite was invented by the Swedish chemist and engineer Alfred Nobel in Geesthacht, Germany, and patented in 1867. Its name was coined by Nobel from the Ancient Greek word δύναμις dýnamis, meaning "power".[1][2]
Dynamite is a high explosive, which means its power comes from detonation rather than deflagration. Dynamite is mainly used in the mining, quarrying, construction, and demolition industries, and it has had some historical usage in warfare. However the unstable nature of nitroglycerin, especially if subjected to freezing, has rendered it obsolete for military uses. Public familiarity with dynamite led to metaphoric uses, such as saying that a particular issue "is political dynamite".
Description
Classic dynamite consists of three parts nitroglycerin, one part diatomaceous earth and a small admixture of sodium carbonate. This mixture is formed into short sticks and wrapped in paper. Nitroglycerin by itself is a very strong explosive, and in its pure form it is extremely shock-sensitive (that is, physical shock can cause it to explode), and degrades over time to even more unstable forms. This makes it highly dangerous to transport or use in its pure form.
Absorbed into diatomaceous earth or sawdust, nitroglycerin is less shock-sensitive. Over time, the dynamite will "weep" or "sweat" its nitroglycerin, which can then pool in the bottom of the box or storage area. (For that reason, explosive manuals recommend the repeated turning over of boxes of dynamite in storage.) Crystals will form on the outside of the sticks causing them to be even more shock, friction or temperature sensitive. This creates a very dangerous situation. While the risk of an explosion without the use of a blasting cap is minimal for fresh dynamite, old dynamite is dangerous.
Dynamite is usually sold in the form of cylinders about 8 in (20 cm) long and about 1.25 in (3.2 cm) in diameter, with a weight of about 0.5 lb troy (0.186 kg).[3] Other sizes also exist. The maximum shelf life of nitroglycerin-based dynamite is recommended as one year from the date of manufacture under good storage conditions.[3]
Another form of dynamite consists of nitroglycerin dissolved in nitrocellulose and a small amount of ketone. This form of dynamite is similar to cordite, and is much safer than the simple mix of nitroglycerin and diatomaceous earth. Military dynamite achieves greater stability by avoiding the use of nitroglycerin and uses much more stable chemicals.[4]
History and manufacture
"Nobel's Extra Dynamite" manufactured by Nobel's old company, Nitroglycerin Aktiebolaget.
Dynamite was invented by Alfred Nobel and was the first safely manageable explosive stronger than black powder. Nobel obtained patents for his invention: in England on 7 May 1867 and in Sweden on 19 October 1867.[5] He originally sold dynamite as "Nobel's Blasting Powder". After its introduction, dynamite rapidly gained wide-scale use as a safe alternative to gunpowder and nitroglycerin. Nobel tightly controlled the patents, and unlicensed duplicating companies were quickly shut down. However, a few American businessmen got around the patent by using a slightly different formula.[6]
South Africa
For several decades beginning in the 1940s, the largest producer of dynamite in the world was the Union of South Africa. There the De Beers company established a factory in 1902 at Somerset West. The explosives factory was later operated by AECI (African Explosives and Chemical Industries). The demand for the product came mainly from the country's vast gold mines, centered on the Witwatersrand. The factory at Somerset West was in operation in 1903 and by 1907 it was already producing 340,000 cases [22 kilograms (50 pounds) each] annually. A rival factory at Modderfontein was producing another 200,000 cases per year.[7]
Dynamite was dangerous to manufacture. There were two large explosions at the Somerset West plant during the 1960s. Some workers died, but the loss of life was limited by the modular design of the factory and its earth works, and the planting of trees that directed the blasts upward. There were several other explosions at the Modderfontein factory. After 1985, pressure from trade unions forced AECI to phase out the production of dynamite. The factory then went on to produce ammonium nitrate emulsion-based explosives that are safer to manufacture and to handle.[8]
United States
Advertisement for the Aetna Explosives Company of New York.
Dynamite was manufactured by the E. I du Pont de Nemours Company until the mid-1970s. Other American dynamite makers of that time period included the Hercules Corporation, Atlas, Trojan-US Powder, Austin, and several other smaller firms. Dynamite has been mostly phased out in favor of water gel explosives, which are cheaper to manufacture, and in many ways safer to handle.[9]
In the United States, in 1885, the chemist Russell S. Penniman invented "ammonium dynamite", a form of explosive that used ammonium nitrate as a substitute for the more costly nitroglycerin. These dynamites were marketed with the trade name "Extra". Ammonium nitrate contains 85% of the chemical energy of nitroglycerin.
Difference from TNT
Though both trinitrotoluene (TNT) and dynamite are high explosives, there is little similarity between them. Dynamite is an absorbent mixture soaked in nitroglycerin then compacted into a cylindrical shape and wrapped in paper. TNT is a chemical compound called 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. (Military dynamite is a dynamite substitute, also formulated without nitroglycerin, containing 75% RDX, 15% TNT, 5% SAE 10 motor oil, and 5% cornstarch, but much safer to store and handle for long time than Nobel's dynamite.[10])
A stick of dynamite (0.19 kg, 75% nitroglycerin, no other explosives in the mixture of dynamite) contains roughly 1 MJ of energy. The energy density (joules/kilogram or J/kg) of dynamite is approximately 5 MJ/kg, compared to 4.0 MJ/kg of TNT (for TNT r.e.factor=1.00; for Nobel dynamite r.e. factor=1.25;).
See also
- Blast fishing
- Blasting machine
- Dynamite gun
- Nobel Prize
- Titadine
- Tovex
- RE factor
References
Notes
- ↑ "dynamite." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. 2003. Houghton Mifflin Company 19 March 2013 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dynamite
- ↑ "dynamite." Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged. 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003. HarperCollins Publishers 19 March 2013 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dynamite
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Austin Powder Guide, Dynamite series page 2" (PDF). http://www.austinpowder.com/BlastersGuide/docs/pib/Dynamite%20Series.PDF. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
- ↑ Ledgard, Jared (2007). A Soldiers Handbook, Volume 1: Explosives Operations. ISBN 0-615-14794-1. http://books.google.com/books?id=U6f-Qlmm6zIC&pg=PA498&lpg=PA498&dq=Military+dynamite+TNT
- ↑ Schück & Sohlman (1929), p. 101.
- ↑ US Patent 234489 issued to Morse 16 November 1880
- ↑ An MBendi Profile: South Africa - History of the Chemical Industry[dead link]
- ↑ "Historical Highlights 1980's". Web.archive.org. 30 June 2006. Archived from the original on 30 June 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20060630050905/http://www.aeci.co.za/New/History/1980.htm. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
- ↑ "DuPont Heritage: Explosives". .dupont.com. http://www2.dupont.com/Heritage/en_US/related_topics/explosives.html. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
- ↑ "Unexploded Ordnance Information: Ordnance Fillers". Uxoinfo.com. http://www.uxoinfo.com/uxoinfo/ordfillers.cfm. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
Sources
- Cartwright, A. P. (1964). The Dynamite Company: The Story of African Explosives and Chemical Industries Limited. Cape Town: Purnell & Sons (S.A.) (Pty) Ltd.
- Schück, H. and Sohlman, R.(1929). The Life of Alfred Nobel. London: William Heinemann Ltd.
External links
 |
Look up Dynamite in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dynamite. |
- Alfred Nobel
- Oregon State Police – Arson and Explosives Section (Handling instructions and photos)
- Detonator cables
- US patent 78317, Alfred Nobel, "Improved explosive compound", issued 1868-05-26
- Dynamite and TNT at The Periodic Table of Videos (University of Nottingham)
The original article can be found at Dynamite and the edit history here.