5
efforts to create a hydrogen peroxide explosive encapsulated
by polymer beads intended to be suitable for auger loading.
PRODUCTION SCALE HYDROGEN
PEROXIDE EMULSION
Swedish company Hypex Bio Explosives Technology
AB (Hytech) has developed a sustainable and environ-
mentally friendly emulsion explosive technology. Hypex
Bio is an abbreviation for “Hydrogen Peroxide Explosive
Biodegradable” and implies the use of hydrogen peroxide
for replacement of nitrate salts as the primary oxidizer.
Hypex Bio has pioneered the formulation, manufacture,
and end-use delivery of a Hydrogen Peroxide Emulsion
(HPE) intended for use in extractive and construction rock
blasting. In 2020, Hypex Bio became the first company in
history to successfully introduce hydrogen peroxide emul-
sion to civil construction and underground mines on an
industrial scale.
The base unsensitized HPE is composed of +90%
hydrogen peroxide 50% concentration (HP50 =50%
H2O2, 50% water) along with a lesser amount of propri-
ety fuel and binders in the oil phase (OP). The base HPE
is produced in a low energy intensity modular plant using
industry proven mixing techniques. The base HPE is a
white coloured emulsion that is similar in consistency to
base nitrate emulsions and has a density of 1.16 g/cc. See
Figure 1. Hydrogen Peroxide Base Emulsion.
For end use, the base HPE is gas sensitized by a mobile
charging unit to a detonable density of 0.80 to 1.05 g/cc.
Additional tests confirm that reliable detonation can be
achieved at densities as low as 0.5 g/cc. The finished prod-
uct velocity of detonation is 3800 to 4500 m/sec [12,467 to
14,764 ft/s], with verified measurements in 45 mm [1.75
in] diameter holes. The theoretical energy is 3.51 MJ/kg
[838 cal/g] and theoretical gas generation is approximately
1100 litres per kg [17.6 cu ft/lb]. The sensitized HPE loads
in the same way as nitrate-based emulsions and product vis-
cosity can matched to the application, including very thick
product for up-hole holing. The sensitized HPE is compat-
ible with most current priming and initiation systems. See
Figure 2. Loading HPE at Underground Face.
In practice, hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer, and
personnel handing HPE need to conform to strict use of
PPE that includes eye protective goggles and rubber hand
gloves. Many are surprised to learn as HPE is made with
HP50, loading crews do not need perform tasks in HazMat
or similar suits. Standard mine work wear is fine provided
it is sufficiently cleaned at the end of each shift. Failure to
do so results in cloth deterioration and bleaching. Bare skin
and eye contact should be avoided, however if this happens,
the first aid treatment is flushing with water.
As an entirely new explosive, regulatory testing methods
needed to be established with the CE Laboratory. The HPE
has successfully passed regulatory tests and is CE approved
under the European Union Civil Explosives Directive. The
unsensitised base HPE has passed UN transport regulation
tests (ADR) for emulsion matrix and is classified as a 5.1
Oxidiser. In the current state of technology, the HPE is
qualified for use at temperatures up to 30°C [86°F] and is
suitable for use in many underground operations.
HP50 is an industrially available and commonly used
product that is readily sourced in international and local
markets. The OP and GA are not explosive or dangerous
and are currently produced in Hypex Bio operated factories
in Sweden.
Hypex Bio recently conducted a successful under-
ground evaluation of HPE with a major mining company
Figure 1. Hydrogen peroxide base emulsion Figure 2. Loading HPE at underground face
efforts to create a hydrogen peroxide explosive encapsulated
by polymer beads intended to be suitable for auger loading.
PRODUCTION SCALE HYDROGEN
PEROXIDE EMULSION
Swedish company Hypex Bio Explosives Technology
AB (Hytech) has developed a sustainable and environ-
mentally friendly emulsion explosive technology. Hypex
Bio is an abbreviation for “Hydrogen Peroxide Explosive
Biodegradable” and implies the use of hydrogen peroxide
for replacement of nitrate salts as the primary oxidizer.
Hypex Bio has pioneered the formulation, manufacture,
and end-use delivery of a Hydrogen Peroxide Emulsion
(HPE) intended for use in extractive and construction rock
blasting. In 2020, Hypex Bio became the first company in
history to successfully introduce hydrogen peroxide emul-
sion to civil construction and underground mines on an
industrial scale.
The base unsensitized HPE is composed of +90%
hydrogen peroxide 50% concentration (HP50 =50%
H2O2, 50% water) along with a lesser amount of propri-
ety fuel and binders in the oil phase (OP). The base HPE
is produced in a low energy intensity modular plant using
industry proven mixing techniques. The base HPE is a
white coloured emulsion that is similar in consistency to
base nitrate emulsions and has a density of 1.16 g/cc. See
Figure 1. Hydrogen Peroxide Base Emulsion.
For end use, the base HPE is gas sensitized by a mobile
charging unit to a detonable density of 0.80 to 1.05 g/cc.
Additional tests confirm that reliable detonation can be
achieved at densities as low as 0.5 g/cc. The finished prod-
uct velocity of detonation is 3800 to 4500 m/sec [12,467 to
14,764 ft/s], with verified measurements in 45 mm [1.75
in] diameter holes. The theoretical energy is 3.51 MJ/kg
[838 cal/g] and theoretical gas generation is approximately
1100 litres per kg [17.6 cu ft/lb]. The sensitized HPE loads
in the same way as nitrate-based emulsions and product vis-
cosity can matched to the application, including very thick
product for up-hole holing. The sensitized HPE is compat-
ible with most current priming and initiation systems. See
Figure 2. Loading HPE at Underground Face.
In practice, hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer, and
personnel handing HPE need to conform to strict use of
PPE that includes eye protective goggles and rubber hand
gloves. Many are surprised to learn as HPE is made with
HP50, loading crews do not need perform tasks in HazMat
or similar suits. Standard mine work wear is fine provided
it is sufficiently cleaned at the end of each shift. Failure to
do so results in cloth deterioration and bleaching. Bare skin
and eye contact should be avoided, however if this happens,
the first aid treatment is flushing with water.
As an entirely new explosive, regulatory testing methods
needed to be established with the CE Laboratory. The HPE
has successfully passed regulatory tests and is CE approved
under the European Union Civil Explosives Directive. The
unsensitised base HPE has passed UN transport regulation
tests (ADR) for emulsion matrix and is classified as a 5.1
Oxidiser. In the current state of technology, the HPE is
qualified for use at temperatures up to 30°C [86°F] and is
suitable for use in many underground operations.
HP50 is an industrially available and commonly used
product that is readily sourced in international and local
markets. The OP and GA are not explosive or dangerous
and are currently produced in Hypex Bio operated factories
in Sweden.
Hypex Bio recently conducted a successful under-
ground evaluation of HPE with a major mining company
Figure 1. Hydrogen peroxide base emulsion Figure 2. Loading HPE at underground face