U.S. patent application number 09/764699 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-18 for method and system for packaging explosive products for transportation.
Invention is credited to Barker, James Marshall.
Application Number | 20020092793 09/764699 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25071500 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020092793 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barker, James Marshall |
July 18, 2002 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING EXPLOSIVE PRODUCTS FOR
TRANSPORTATION
Abstract
A system and method for packaging shaped charges (12) for
transportation is disclosed. Each shaped charge (12) includes a
housing (14) and a liner (16) having a high explosive disposed
therebetween. A jet spoiler (20) is positioned proximate the liner
(16) of each of the shaped charges (12) to prevent the formation of
a jet in the event of an inadvertent initiation of a shaped charge
(12). The shaped charges (12) are then oriented in first and second
layers such that the jet spoilers (20) positioned proximate the
liners (16) of the shaped charges (12) in the first and second
layers oppose one another. A shielding panel (22) is disposed
between the shaped charges (12) of the first and second layers. The
shaped charges (12) including the jet spoilers (20) and the
shielding panel (22) are placed within an expandable bag (32) which
is in turn enclosed within a transportation container (34).
Inventors: |
Barker, James Marshall;
(Mansfield, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAWRENCE R. YOUST
Smith & Danamraj, P.C.
Suite 1200, LB 15
12900 Preston Road
Dallas
TX
75230-1328
US
|
Family ID: |
25071500 |
Appl. No.: |
09/764699 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/593 ; 206/3;
53/445; 53/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 39/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/593 ; 53/445;
53/474; 206/3 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/30; B65D
081/02; B65B 035/30; B65B 061/20; F42B 039/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of packaging shaped charges for transportation
comprising the steps of: positioning a jet spoiler proximate a
liner of each shaped charge; orienting the shaped charges in first
and second layers such that the jet spoilers positioned proximate
the shaped charges in the first and second layers oppose one
another; disposing a shielding panel between the first and second
layers of the shaped charges; placing an expandable bag around the
shaped charges; and enclosing the expandable bag in a
transportation container.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the step of positioning
the jet spoiler proximate the liner of each of the shaped charges
further comprises disposing the jet spoiler within a housing of the
shaped charges and in substantial contact with the liner.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the first layer further
comprises a first array of shaped charges and wherein the second
layer further comprises a second array of shaped charges.
4. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of
orienting the shaped charges in third and fourth layers such that
the jet spoilers positioned proximate the shaped charges in the
third and fourth layers oppose one another.
5. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of
disposing perimeter shielding panels around the shaped charges.
6. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of
disposing interior shielding panels between adjacent shaped charges
within each of the layers of shaped charges.
7. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of
disposing perimeter shielding panels around the shaped charges and
interior shielding panels between adjacent shaped charges within
each of the layers of shaped charges.
8. A method for packaging explosive products for transportation
comprising the steps of: providing at least two explosive products;
placing the explosive products in an expandable bag; and enclosing
the expandable bag in a transportation container.
9. The method as recited in claim 8 further comprising the step of
disposing a shielding panel between the explosive products.
10. The method as recited in claim 8 further comprising the step of
disposing shielding panels around the perimeter of the explosive
products.
11. The method as recited in claim 8 further comprising the step of
disposing a shielding panel between the explosive products and
disposing shielding panels around the perimeter of the explosive
products.
12. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein the expandable bag
further comprises a fragment resistant cloth.
13. A method of packaging shaped charges for transportation
comprising the steps of: positioning a jet spoiler proximate a
liner of each shaped charge; orienting the shaped charges in first
and second layers such that the jet spoilers positioned proximate
the shaped charges in the first and second layers oppose one
another; disposing a shielding panel between the first and second
layers of the shaped charges; positioning perimeter shielding
panels around the shaped charges; disposing interior shielding
panels between adjacent shaped charges within each of the layers of
shaped charges; and enclosing the shaped charges in a
transportation container.
14. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the step of
positioning the jet spoiler proximate the liner of each of the
shaped charges further comprises disposing the jet spoiler within a
housing of the shaped charges and in substantial contact with the
liner.
15. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the first layer
further comprises a first array of shaped charges and wherein the
second layer further comprises a second array of shaped
charges.
16. The method as recited in claim 13 further comprising the step
of orienting the shaped charges in third and fourth layers such
that the jet spoilers positioned proximate the shaped charges in
the third and fourth layers oppose one another.
17. The method as recited in claim 13 further comprising the step
of placing an expandable bag around the shaped charges prior to
enclosing the shaped charges in a transportation container.
18. A method of packaging shaped charges for transportation
comprising the steps of: positioning a jet spoiler proximate a
liner of each shaped charge; orienting the shaped charges in first
and second layers such that the jet spoilers positioned proximate
the shaped charges in the first and second layers oppose one
another; placing an expandable bag around the shaped charges; and
enclosing the expandable bag in a transportation container.
19. The method as recited in claim 18 wherein the step of
positioning the jet spoiler proximate the liner of each of the
shaped charges further comprises disposing the jet spoiler within a
housing of the shaped charges and in substantial contact with the
liner.
20. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the first layer
further comprises a first array of shaped charges and wherein the
second layer further comprises a second array of shaped
charges.
21. The method as recited in claim 18 further comprising the step
of orienting the shaped charges in third and fourth layers such
that the jet spoilers positioned proximate the shaped charges in
the third and fourth layers oppose one another.
22. The method as recited in claim 18 further comprising the step
of disposing perimeter shielding panels around the shaped
charges.
23. The method as recited in claim 18 further comprising the step
of disposing interior shielding panels between adjacent shaped
charges within each of the layers of shaped charges.
24. The method as recited in claim 18 further comprising the step
of disposing perimeter shielding panels around the shaped charges
and interior shielding panels between adjacent shaped charges
within each of the layers of shaped charges.
25. A system for packaging shaped charges for transportation
comprising: a jet spoiler positioned proximate a liner of each of
the shaped charges, the shaped charges being oriented in first and
second layers such that the jet spoilers positioned proximate the
shaped charges in the first and second layers oppose one another; a
shielding panel disposed between the shaped charges of the first
and second layers; an expandable bag surrounding the of shaped
charges; and a transportation container enclosing the expandable
bag therein.
26. The system as recited in claim 25 wherein the jet spoilers are
disposed within a housing of the shaped charges in substantial
contact with the liner.
27. The system as recited in claim 25 wherein the first layer
further comprises a first array of shaped charges and wherein the
second layer further comprises a second array of shaped
charges.
28. The system as recited in claim 25 further comprising shaped
charges oriented in third and fourth layers such that the jet
spoilers positioned proximate the shaped charges in the third and
fourth layers oppose one another.
29. The system as recited in claim 25 further comprising perimeter
shielding panels disposed around the shaped charges.
30. The system as recited in claim 25 further comprising interior
shielding panels disposed between adjacent shaped charges within
each of the layers of shaped charges.
31. The system as recited in claim 25 further comprising perimeter
shielding panels disposed around the shaped charges and interior
shielding panels disposed between adjacent shaped charges within
each of the layers of shaped charges.
32. A system for packaging explosive products for transportation
comprising: an expandable bag for containing at least two explosive
products; and a transportation container for enclosing the
expandable bag therein.
33. The system as recited in claim 32 further comprising a
shielding panel disposed between the explosive products.
34. The system as recited in claim 32 further comprising shielding
panels disposed around the perimeter of the explosive products.
35. The system as recited in claim 32 further comprising a
shielding panel disposed between the explosive products and
shielding panels disposed around the perimeter of the explosive
products.
36. The system as recited in claim 32 wherein the expandable bag
further comprises a fragment resistant cloth.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to transportation
of explosive products and, in particular to, a method and system of
packaging explosive products such that the transportation thereof
may take place under a favorable shipping classification.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background
is described in connection with shaped charges for perforating
hydrocarbon wells to allow for hydrocarbon production, as an
example. Shaped charges are typically used to make hydraulic
communication passages, called perforations, in a wellbore drilled
into the earth that intersects hydrocarbon formations. The
perforations are needed as casing is typically cemented in place
within the wellbore thereby hydraulically isolating the various
formations penetrated by the wellbore. Once the perforations are
formed, hydrocarbon fluids may enter the wellbore from the
intersected formation.
[0003] The shaped charges typically include a housing, a quantity
of high explosive and a liner. The liners typically have a
generally conical shape, however, the liners could have other
shapes including, but not limited to, a generally parabolic shape.
The liners are generally formed by compressing powdered metal,
however, other techniques may be used to form the liners such as
stamping them from sheet metal. In operation, the perforations are
made by detonating the high explosive which causes the liner to
form a jet that is ejected from the shaped charge at very high
velocity. The jet is able to penetrate the casing, the cement and
the formation, thereby forming the perforations.
[0004] As hydrocarbon producing wells are drill throughout the
world, the shaped charges used to perforate the wellbores must be
shipped on a worldwide basis. As stated, the shaped charges used to
perforate wellbores are explosive products. Thus, the
transportation of such shaped charges is highly regulated. For
example, shaped charges must be packaged in approved boxes and
shipped according to guidelines promulgated by a competent
authority. Depending upon the type of shaped charge and how it is
packaged, there are several possible shipping classifications for
the transportation of shaped charges.
[0005] One of the most favorable shipping classifications for
transportation of shaped charges is Compatibility Group S of
Division 1.4 as promulgated in the United Nations Recommendations
on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, which will be referred to
herein as U.N. 1.4S. If a product is assigned a U. N. 1.4S
classification, this implies that there is no hazard of a mass
detonation among a group of boxes containing explosive articles and
that if a single explosive article inadvertently initiated inside a
box, then no hazardous effects would emanate from the box. For
example, when a product is assigned a U.N. 1.4S classification,
this implies that if a first-responder to the accident, such as a
firefighter, were within a few feet of a box of explosive articles,
then there would be no danger of explosion hazards to the responder
while the fire is being fought. In addition, if a product is
assigned a U.N. 1.4S classification, this means that the packaged
product is judged sufficiently safe for transportation on
passenger-carrying aircraft and that packages that have different
types of explosive products, for example, shaped charges and
detonators, may be shipped together in the same transportation
vehicle.
[0006] To evaluate whether a package of explosive articles can
obtain a U.N. 1.4S classification, it must pass a series of tests
described in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods. Specifically, Test Series 6, which including Tests
6(a), 6(b) and 6(c), is used to determine in which division,
amongst Divisions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 a particular explosive
article should be placed. Of particular interest in the
transportation of shaped charges is Test 6(a). Test 6(a) is used to
determine whether there is a mass explosion of the contents of a
single package when one component inside the package is initiated.
During the test, the package is confined using boxes or bags that
are completely filled with earth or sand and placed as close as
possible around the test package to a minimum thickness of
confinement in every direction of 0.5 meters or 1.0 meter depending
upon the size of the test package.
[0007] At least one testing agency outside of the United States,
however, has questioned a validity of Test 6(a) due to the
confinement of the test package. Instead, this agency has proposed
a modification of Test 6(a) which would no longer include the
confinement of the test package. While the present packaging
methodology used for shaped charges has enabled transportation
under the U.N. 1.4S classification, early test results indicate
that the present packaging methodology may not be sufficiently
robust to pass an unconfined Test 6(a). Therefore, a need has
arisen for an improved system and method for packaging shaped
charges that will allow such shaped charges, as well as other
explosive components, to pass an unconfined Test 6(a) such that the
U.N. 1.4S classification will remain achievable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention disclosed herein comprises a system
and a method of packaging explosive products for transportation
that will allow such explosive products to pass an unconfined Test
6(a) such that the U.N. 1.4S classification will remain achievable.
In the system and method of the present invention, protection
against the discharge of fragments created by an inadvertent
initiation of an explosive product is provided by placing the
explosive products within an expandable bag. In the event of such
an initiation, a large volume of gas is rapidly generated which
must be initially contained. The expandable bag proves such
containment of the expanding gases along with the containment of
any fragments. The expandable bag is preferable made from a
ballistic cloth or other material capable of initial containment of
expanding gases and containment of any fragments.
[0009] The expandable bag may be used either alone or in
conjunction with shielding panels. Specifically, the present
invention may also utilize shielding panels disposed between the
explosive products. These shielding panels may be made from wood,
aluminum, ballistic cloth or other material that will absorb
fragments in the event of an initiation. Additional shielding
panels may be placed around the perimeter of the explosive
products.
[0010] In addition to positioning the explosive products within the
expandable bag or within the shielding panel or both, the explosive
products are placed within a transportation container to facilitate
transportation. This container may typically be a corrugated
cardboard box or a wood box.
[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the
explosive products are shaped charges, additional protection may be
provided by disposing a jet spoiler proximate the liner of each of
the shaped charges. Preferably, the jet spoilers used in the
present invention approximate the size and shape of the cavity
within the shaped charge such that the jet spoilers may be disposed
within the housing of the shaped charges and in substantial contact
with the liner.
[0012] Once the jet spoilers are in place, the shaped charges are
oriented in a layer configuration such that the jet spoilers
positioned within shaped charges in adjacent layers oppose one
another. Each layer may include a single shaped charge, a row of
shaped charges or an array of shaped charges. In order to assure
that all shaped charges to be transported are oriented such that
the associated jet spoilers oppose one another, an even number of
layers is used. For example, two layers of shaped charges or four
layers of shaped charges are common but other even numbers of
layers are also suitable.
[0013] As such, in the case of the shaped charges, protection may
be provided by jet spoilers, the opposing orientation of the shaped
charges, interlayer shielding panels, perimeter shielding panels,
intralayer shielding panels and the expandable bag, all of which
may be placed within a transportation container to facilitate
transportation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
including its features and advantages, reference is now made to the
detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings of which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a system for packaging
explosive products for transportation according to the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway, isometric view a system for
packaging explosive products for transportation according to the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a system for packaging
explosive products for transportation according to the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded, isometric view a system for
packaging explosive products for transportation according to the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded, isometric view a system for
packaging explosive products for transportation according to the
present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded, isometric view a system for
packaging explosive products for transportation according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] While the making and using of various embodiments of the
present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of
specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are
merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention,
and do not delimit the scope of the invention.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a system for packaging explosive
products for transportation according to the present invention is
depicted and generally designated 10. In the illustrated
embodiment, the explosive products are shaped charges 12. Each
shaped charge 12 has a generally cylindrically shaped housing 14
that is formed from steel or other suitable material. A quantity of
high explosive powder (not pictured) is disposed within housing 14.
The high explosive powder may typically be of the type sold under
trade designations HMX, HNS, RDX, PYX and PETN. In operation, the
high explosive powder is detonated using a detonating signal
provided by a detonating cord. A booster explosive may also be used
between detonating cord and high explosive powder to efficiently
transfer the detonating signal from detonating cord to the high
explosive powder.
[0023] Each shaped charge 12 has a liner 16 disposed within housing
12 such that the high explosive substantially fills the volume
between housing 12 and liner 16. Liner 16 may typically be formed
by pressing, under very high pressure, a powdered metal mixture.
Following the pressing process, liner 16 becomes a generally
conically shaped rigid body that behaves substantially as a solid
mass. Alternatively, liner 16 may be stamped from sheet metal or
may have a generally parabolic or hemispherical shape.
[0024] Upon detonation, intentionally or unintentionally, the force
of the detonation collapses liner 16 causing liner 16 to be ejected
from housing 12 in the form of a jet traveling at very high
velocity toward, for example, a well casing. In this scenario, the
jet penetrates the well casing, the cement and the formation,
thereby forming the perforations.
[0025] During transportation of shaped charges 12 from one location
to another, however, it is desirable that no jet be formed even in
the event of an inadvertent initiation. One of the safeguards
provided by the present invention is to prevent this jet from
occurring if a shaped charge 12 is initiated. Prevention of the jet
is accomplished using jet spoilers 20. Each jet spoiler 20 is
placed within the cavity formed within shaped charge 12 and defined
by liner 16. The shape of jet spoilers 20 is preferably
substantially the shape of the cavity such that each jet spoiler 20
may be disposed with a housing 14 and in substantial contact with a
liner 16. Jet spoilers 20 may be made from a metal or nonmetal, but
nonmetals are preferable in order to eliminate potential fragment
pieces. For example, jet spoilers 20 may be constructed of a
suitably dense material such as wood, plastic, foam, rubber,
plaster, cement and the like. Ideally the material would be one
that is environmentally friendly for easy disposal, lightweight to
facilitate shipping and handling and economical. For example,
biodegradable cardboard, balsa wood or compressed sawdust are
suitable materials.
[0026] When multiple shaped charges 12 are packaged together in
accordance with the present invention, shaped charges 12 are
oriented such that jet spoilers 20 of adjacent shaped charges 12
oppose one another. This orientation not only inhibits the
formation of a jet in the initiated shaped charge 12 but also
inhibits the initiation of the opposing shaped charge 12. In the
past, shaped charges were placed in an opposing orientation based
upon the principle that if one shaped charge initiates and begins
to jet, as that jet penetrates the opposing shaped charge, the
second shaped charge would initiate such that the resulting
detonations from each shaped charge would disrupt the other shaped
charge, thereby preventing any jet penetration. In the present
invention, however, initiation of a shaped charge 12 with a jet
spoiler 20 in place does not create a jet but instead one jet
spoiler 20 is propelled against the opposing jet spoiler 20. As
jetting does not occur, this corresponding impact load between two
opposing shaped charges 12 with jet spoilers 20 is substantially
lower than in the case without jet spoilers 20.
[0027] Still referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of shielding panels
is positioned between and around shaped charges 12. These shielding
panels may be made of materials or layers of materials that are
resistant to fragments such as wood, aluminum, corrugated
cardboard, woven ballistic cloth and the like. In the illustrated
embodiment, an interlayer shielding panel 22 is disposed between
opposing jet spoilers 20 of shaped charges 12. Likewise, a top
shielding panel 24 is disposed above the upper shaped charge 12
while a bottom shielding panel 26 is disposed below the lower
shaped charge 12. A set of side shielding panels 28 is positioned
around upper shaped charge 12. In a like manner, set of side
shielding panels 30 is positioned around lower shaped charge 12.
Each of the shielding panels 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 prevents
fragments of shaped charges 12 or jet spoilers 20 from being
discharged in the event of an inadvertent initiation.
[0028] Even though FIG. 1 has depicted each shielding panel as
providing fragment protection in one direction, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that multidirectional
arrangements of shielding panels are also contemplated and
considered within the scope of the present invention. For example,
a bidirectional shielding panel including two side shielding panels
28 that are attached together at right angles to one another or a
tridirectional shielding panel including two side shielding panels
28 and top shielding panel 24 attached together at right angles is
possible and provides appropriate fragment protection.
[0029] In addition, it should be noted by those skilled in the art
that directional terms, such as above, below, upper, lower, etc.,
are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings
as it is to be understood that the various embodiments of the
present invention described herein may be utilized in various
orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical,
etc., without departing from the principles of the present
invention.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the combination of shaped
charges 12, jet spoilers 20 and shielding panels 22, 24, 26, 28 and
30 is disposed within an expandable bag 32. Expandable bag 32 is
made from a suitable fragment resistant fabric such a woven
ballistic cloth. Expandable bag 32 may be rather loosely fitting
when shaped charges 12 are placed therein, but is subsequently
folded in a manner that allows it to be placed in transportation
container 34, such as a corrugated cardboard box, as best seen in
FIG. 2. The loose fitting nature of expandable bag 32 allows for
gas expansion, in the event of an inadvertent initiation of a
shaped charge 12. Expandable bag 32 is not permanently leak tight.
In fact, the primary purpose of expandable bag 32 is to allow for
expansion of the explosion gases while retaining all of the
contents of its interior such as shaped charges 12, jet spoilers
20, shielding panels 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30, as well as any
fragments of material that are created during an explosion.
Specifically, expandable bag 32 will expand in a manner similar to
an automobile air bag, but will subsequently deflate since
expandable bag 32 is not leak tight. In the event of an initiation
of one of the shaped charges 12, transportation container 34 will
likely be destroyed, but the effects of the explosion will remain
localized within expandable bag 32 such that no hazard will exist
to a first responder, such as a firefighter, or to passengers or
crew on an aircraft.
[0031] Even though the explosive products of FIG. 1 have been
described as being shaped charges, it should be understood that the
present invention is also well-suited for transportation of other
explosive products such as detonators, bidirectional boosters,
igniters, cutters, explosive pellets and the like, albeit without
the need for jet spoilers 20. In addition, as the present invention
will allow such explosive products to retain the U.N. 1.4S
classification even under an unconfined Test 6(a), a single
transportation vehicle will be able to transport more than one type
of explosive product at the same time. For example, shaped charges
and their detonators may be transported from one location to
another on the same transportation vehicle.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, a system for packaging explosive
products for transportation according to the present invention is
depicted and generally designated 40. In the illustrated
embodiment, the explosive products are again depicted as shaped
charges 12. Each shaped charge 12 has a generally cylindrically
shaped housing 14, a liner 16 and a quantity of high explosive
powder that is disposed between housing 14 and liner 16. To prevent
a jet from occurring if one of the shaped charges 12 is initiated,
a jet spoilers 20 is positioned within the cavity formed within
shaped charges 12 and defined by liners 16.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, shaped charges 12 are
oriented in a layer arrangement with three shaped charges 12 in
each layer. Shaped charges 12 are oriented within the layers such
that jet spoilers 20 in adjacent layers oppose one another. This
orientation not only inhibits the formation of a jet in the event
of an initiation, but also inhibits the initiation of the opposing
shaped charge 12 as one jet spoiler 20 would be propelled against
the opposing jet spoiler 20.
[0034] A plurality of shielding panels is positioned between and
around shaped charges 12. An interlayer shielding panel 42 is
disposed between opposing jet spoilers 20 of shaped charges 12 in
the two layers. Likewise a top shielding panel 44 is disposed above
the upper shaped charges 12 while a bottom shielding panel 46 is
disposed below the lower shaped charges 12. A set of perimeter
shielding panels 48 is positioned around shaped charge 12.
Additionally, a set of intralayer shielding panels 50 is disposed
between adjacent shaped charges 12 within each layer.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the combination of shaped
charges 12, jet spoilers 20 and shielding panels 42, 44, 46, 48 and
50 is disposed within an expandable bag 52. Expandable bag 52 may
be rather loosely fitting when shaped charges 12 are placed
therein, but is subsequently folded in a manner that allows it to
be placed in transportation container 54, as best seen in FIG.
4.
[0036] Referring next to FIG. 5, a system for packaging explosive
products for transportation according to the present invention is
depicted and generally designated 60. In the illustrated
embodiment, the explosive products are again depicted as shaped
charges 12. As above, each shaped charge 12 has a generally
cylindrically shaped housing, a liner and a quantity of high
explosive powder that is disposed between the housing and the
liner. To prevent a jet from occurring if one of the shaped charges
12 is initiated, a jet spoiler is positioned within the cavity
formed within each of the shaped charges 12 and defined by the
liners.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, shaped charges 12 are
oriented in a layer arrangement. Each layer includes a two by three
array of shaped charges 12. Shaped charges 12 are oriented within
the layers such that the associated jet spoilers positioned within
shaped charges 12 in adjacent layers oppose one another.
[0038] A plurality of shielding panels is positioned between and
around shaped charges 12. An interlayer shielding panel 62 is
disposed between opposing jet spoilers of shaped charges 12 in the
two layers. Likewise a top shielding panel 64 is disposed above the
upper array of shaped charges 12 while a bottom shielding panel 66
is disposed below the lower array of shaped charges 12. A set of
perimeter shielding panels 68 is positioned around shaped charge
12. Additionally, a set of intralayer shielding panels 70 is
disposed between adjacent shaped charges 12 within each layer.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the combination of shaped
charges 12 including jet spoilers and shielding panels 62, 64, 66,
68 and 70 is disposed within an expandable bag 72. Expandable bag
72 may be rather loosely fitting when shaped charges 12 are placed
therein, but is subsequently folded in a manner that allows it to
be placed in transportation container 74.
[0040] In FIG. 6, a system for packaging explosive products for
transportation according to the present invention is depicted and
generally designated 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the
explosive products are again depicted as shaped charges 12. As
above, each shaped charge 12 has a generally cylindrically shaped
housing, a liner and a quantity of high explosive powder that is
disposed between the housing and the liner. To prevent a jet from
occurring if one of the shaped charges 12 is initiated, a jet
spoiler is positioned within the cavity formed within shaped
charges 12 and defined by the liners.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, shaped charges 12 are
oriented in a layer arrangement. Each of the four layers includes a
two by three array of shaped charges 12. Shaped charges 12 in the
top two layers are oriented such that the associated jet spoilers
positioned therein oppose one another. Likewise, shaped charges 12
in the bottom two layers are oriented such that the associated jet
spoilers positioned therein oppose one another.
[0042] A plurality of shielding panels is positioned between and
around shaped charges 12. Interlayer shielding panels 82 are
disposed between opposing jet spoilers of shaped charges 12 in the
top two and bottom two layers. Additionally, an interlayer
shielding panels 84 is disposed between the top two and bottom two
layers of shaped charges 12. A top shielding panel 86 is disposed
above the top layer of shaped charges 12 while a bottom shielding
panel 88 is disposed below the bottom layer of shaped charges 12. A
set of perimeter shielding panels 90 is positioned around shaped
charge 12. Additionally, a set of intralayer shielding panels 92 is
disposed between adjacent shaped charges 12 within each layer.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the combination of shaped
charges 12 including jet spoilers and shielding panels 82, 84, 86,
88, 90 and 92 is disposed within an expandable bag 94. Expandable
bag 94 is loosely fitting around shaped charges 12 and is
subsequently folded in a manner that allows it to be placed in
transportation container 96.
[0044] Even though the embodiments depicted herein have had a
relatively small number of explosive products in each layer, from
one to six, this is for simplicity and clarity of description as
those skilled in the art will understand that larger numbers of
explosive products may be placed in each layer, including twenty,
fifty or more, depending upon the relative sizes of the explosive
products and the transportation container. Likewise, while the
present embodiments have depicted either two or four layers of
explosive products being packaged in a transportation container,
other numbers of layers, both larger and smaller, are also
possible. In the case of transporting shaped charges, the number of
layers should be even so that the jet spoilers may be configured in
the opposing manner describe above.
[0045] As can be seen from the above embodiments of the present
invention, this system provides an improved method for packaging
explosive products for transportation. This system and method not
only allow explosive products to pass the present confined Test
6(a), but also, an unconfined Test 6(a) such that the U.N. 1.4S
classification will remain achievable. Specifically, the use of the
expandable bag of the present invention will allow many explosive
products to retain the U. N. 1.4S classification if and when an
unconfined Test 6(a) becomes the standard. Additionally or
alternatively, use of the shielding panels of the present invention
will allow many explosive products to retain the U.N. 1.4S
classification under an unconfined Test 6(a). Further, in the case
of shaped charges, jet spoilers and opposing orientation of the
shaped charges may be used in addition to or as an alternative to
the expandable bag or the shielding panels to retain the U.N. 1.4S
classification under an unconfined Test 6(a).
[0046] While this invention has been described with a reference to
illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be
construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and
combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other
embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled
in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore,
intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications
or embodiments.
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