Q-Cel Hollow Microspheres – Industrial Explosives ... - Potters Europe

Q-Cel® Ultra-Light Hollow Microspheres
Industrial Explosives Applications
Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres are efficient and reliable sensitizer for emulsion explosives, water gel
explosives and heavy ANFO. In these ammonium nitrate formulations, Q-Cel ® delivers maximum
performance for coal and metal ore mining, quarrying, construction and other blasting
applications.
Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres
act as a sensitizer by forming
“hot spots” or high
temperature “jets”. When a
blasting cap explodes next to
a Hollow Sphere, the sphere
collapses, concentrating the
energy and generating high
temperatures, which
decomposes the surrounding
explosive mixture.
Because the gas is
encapsulated in the Hollow
Microspheres, it cannot bleed
out therefore making the product stable and reliable. Other systems such as whipped-in air,
chemically formed gas, or low-grade products (such as perlite) do not allow the same high degree
of control and reliability as Hollow Microspheres. Perlite crushes easily while pumping and mixing
and during storage may flood with liquids. Unconfined gas bubbles tend to migrate and coalesce
in some system and when exposed to application environments resulting in the loss of sensitivity
Flake aluminium can act as a sensitizer in water gels by trapping small gas bubbles on its large
surface but suffers similar limitations to gas systems and is a costly material. Organic nitro and
nitrate compounds are sometimes used but they are expensive and can be toxic.
Gassing of emulsions is difficult under the best of conditions. Sensitivity and shelf life problems
can occur due to gas bubble size variability and density increases due to bleed-out. Perlite does
not survive most mixing and pumping operations and is not strong enough for blasting under
pressure. Storage may also be a problem. Flake aluminium is not used as it tends to make
emulsions unstable. Organic sensitizers generally are not used for cap sensitivity. Heavy ANFO
products are being rapidly adopted for a variety of blasting requirements, however many users
have found that un-sensitized products do not perform well in medium and smaller diameter holes.
Deep holes are a particular problem.
Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres overcome many of the previously mentioned sensitising problems. In
addition, Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres also contribute a number of additional properties that
improved explosive performance.
Information contained in this publication (and otherwise supplied to users) is based on our general experience and is given in good faith, but we are unable to accept the responsibility in respect of
factors which are outside our knowledge or control.
Potters Europe (EGM Division), Potters Hollow Spheres & Potters Europe are trading names of Potters Ballotini Limited
Q-Cel®, Sphericel®, Spheriglass®, Spheriwhite® and Luxsil® are registered trademarks of Potters Industries LLC.
Ref: 3-02-003-1-02

Benefits
• Proven reliability: for over thirty one years in multiple explosive applications and the
toughest blasting environments Q-Cel® hollow microspheres have met the challenge.
• Q-Cel® can handle the pressure: Never too deep- even boreholes in excess of 300 feet
don't come close to compressing these workhorse spheres.
• Reduce the effect of hydrostatic head in viscous formulas: These formulas tend to
cling to the walls increasing the effect or with the use of plastic borehole liners. Rigid walled
spheres help reduce and resist this effect.
• Never too tough: Consistent Sensitivity with Hollow
Microspheres in the vicinity of a bottom primer
exhibits good results in the critical toe area.
• Every time as designed: Proven results with
controlled heave, predictable muck pile profile and
highly efficient dragline operation.
• All Sensitizers are not equal: Studies in Japan
demonstrate cap crush as a direct result of sensitizer
type when emulsion is subjected to dynamic shock.
Hollow Microspheres outperformed other products
significantly.
• Never pressed for performance: Because they are
never compressed prior to initiation, explosive
makers using Q-Cel®, can formulate to a higher and
more consistent density; providing high energy for the best fragmentation and heave.
• Low Emission blasting formulas: Although the complete cure for NOx evolution has
eluded many formulators due to the very complex nature of some blasting conditions, glass
microspheres have been a key ingredient in high performance, low emission blasting
formulas.
• Materials Handling: Q-Cel® are delivered ready to use and require no chemical or
physical changes prior to a simple metering and mixing operation. Should it become
necessary or desirable, truck mounted Hollow Microspheres sensitizing technology is also
available. Handling equipment and methods for delivery and metering of glass micro
spheres are well established and include several bulk options for the lowest cost.
• No Surprises: Hollow Microspheres are affected by neither hot aromatic nor other oils.
Density reliability using Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres is well established with demonstrated
control of emulsion sensitivity.
• SAFETY FIRST: Well established record. There is no chance of an exothermic catalytic
effect that might result in nitrate reacting in an uncontrolled fashion. Scientific studies point
to the enhanced safety margin of glass microspheres over alternate methods even when
aluminum is not present. Normal emulsion manufacturing practice runs at temperatures
well below the decomposition point when microspheres are used.
Information contained in this publication (and otherwise supplied to users) is based on our general experience and is given in good faith, but we are unable to accept the responsibility in respect of
factors which are outside our knowledge or control.
Potters Europe (EGM Division), Potters Hollow Spheres & Potters Europe are trading names of Potters Ballotini Limited
Q-Cel®, Sphericel®, Spheriglass®, Spheriwhite® and Luxsil® are registered trademarks of Potters Industries LLC.
Ref: 3-02-003-1-02

• Q-Cel® can take the heat: Hollow Microspheres performances in variable temperature
conditions are well established and predictable. Special provisions for ambient and
borehole temperature changes are almost never needed.
• Q-Cel® is cost effective: Taking into account total cost of blasting, Q-Cel® favorably
impacted this when added for optimum effect against other sensitizing methods. The high
reliability needed by the increasingly competitive atmosphere, from formulating completely
through to broken rock, dictates the use of a proven, world-class glass sensitizer at an
affordable delivered cost.
Properties
Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres have sufficient pressure and shear resistance to withstand typical
mixing and pumping processes. They disperse easily into a wide range of liquid systems and
because of their low density and spherical shape, they do not contribute significantly to viscosity.
To ensure maximum effectiveness in the explosive industry, density is commonly used as an
indication of sphere content. Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres have proven to be the most economical
way to reach the critical density required.
In addition to acting as a reliable and cost-effective sensitizer, Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres also
enhance the overall performance of explosives. Laboratory and field tests have shown that Q-Cel ®
favourably affects detonation velocity, usable explosive energy, critical diameter and other
important blasting parameters. Tests by explosive manufacturers and independent researchers
have confirmed the superiority of Q-Cel ® in emulsions and water gel formulations.
Typical Properties of Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres
Applications
Physical Form Free-Flowing Low Density Powder
Colour White
Bulk Density, Untamped 0.09 – 0.22 g/cm 3
Effective Density, Liquid Displacement 0.14 – 0.37 g/cm 3
Mean Particle Size 50 – 85 microns
Particle Size Range 10 – 200 microns
Surface Treatment Oleophilic
Pressure, shock, temperature and age can affect the performance of explosive systems. In many
blasting applications Hollow Spheres are subject to pressure from the weight of the explosive
column in the borehole. In addition, Hollow Spheres must also resist dead pressing or shock
desensitization from the detonating cord and pressure from nearby holes that were previously
exploded.
In selecting a sensitizer, the explosive formulator must take these factors into consideration and
match the Hollow Sphere density and strength to the application requirements. In the Addition
Rate Table below you can see the designated Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres grade for the type of
conditions likely to be encountered. In severe conditions the stronger higher density grades are
Information contained in this publication (and otherwise supplied to users) is based on our general experience and is given in good faith, but we are unable to accept the responsibility in respect of
factors which are outside our knowledge or control.
Potters Europe (EGM Division), Potters Hollow Spheres & Potters Europe are trading names of Potters Ballotini Limited
Q-Cel®, Sphericel®, Spheriglass®, Spheriwhite® and Luxsil® are registered trademarks of Potters Industries LLC.
Ref: 3-02-003-1-02

preferred. PQ Hollow Spheres representatives can provide advice on which grade will best suite
the application.
Recommended Addition Rate for Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres (Weight %)
Q-Cel® Grade
Process
Conditions
Moderate Climate Environment
Cap Sensitive Booster Sensitive
Cold Climate Environment
Cap Sensitive Booster Sensitive
6014/7014 Mild 1.7 – 2.2 0.8 – 1.1 2.2 – 2.6 1.3 – 1.8
7019/7023 Moderate 2.6 – 3.3 1.2 – 1.7 3.3 – 4.0 2.0 – 2.7
7028 Severe 4.6 – 5.8 2.0 – 3.0 5.8 – 7.1 3.5 – 4.8
Mixing & Blending
Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres are easy to handle and can be transferred from vessel to vessel
using diaphragm pumps, simple air transfer systems or similar equipment. Mixing and blending of
Q-Cel ® into liquid systems can be facilitated with low impact paddle type mixers. The spherical
shape and flow properties of the product allow it to wet and disperse rapidly into liquid systems
with minimal dispersion energy. To achieve best results, Q-Cel ® is added as the last component
and mixed gently. A Potters Hollow Spheres technical service representative can assist you in the
application of Q-Cel ® to your formulation.
Packaging
Q-Cel ® Hollow Microspheres are available in boxes with plastic bag liners, bulk bags and various
bulk shipping modes. The package weight depends on the density of the Q-Cel ® grade. Details of
packaging options are available as a separate document. Samples in sufficient quantity for testing
are available on request.
Safety Information
Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres are moderately alkaline, and prolonged exposure may irritate the
respiratory tract. In dusty environments, the use of a NIOSH-approved mask or respirator is
recommended. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can be supplied on request.
Other Product Range:
Sphericel® Ultra-Fine Weight Reducing Hollow Glass Microspheres
Spheriglass® Performance-Enhancing Solid Glass Microspheres
Spheriwhite® Colour-Enhancing Solid Glass Microspheres
Luxsil® Cosmetic Microspheres
For further information about our range of Hollow Microspheres, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Potters Hollow Spheres
Pontefract Road
Barnsley S71 1HJ
South Yorkshire
United Kingdom
Tel. +44 (0) 1226 704 516
Fax. +44 (0) 1226 207 615
E-mail: PQHS-Sales@pottersgroup.com
Website: www.potterseurope.com
Information contained in this publication (and otherwise supplied to users) is based on our general experience and is given in good faith, but we are unable to accept the responsibility in respect of
factors which are outside our knowledge or control.
Potters Europe (EGM Division), Potters Hollow Spheres & Potters Europe are trading names of Potters Ballotini Limited
Q-Cel®, Sphericel®, Spheriglass®, Spheriwhite® and Luxsil® are registered trademarks of Potters Industries LLC.
Ref: 3-02-003-1-02