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There are a number of very high-profile accidents with ammonium nitrate[0]. It can be detonated without a detonator+booster, although the mechanism isn't well

There are a number of very high-profile accidents with ammonium nitrate[0]. It can be detonated without a detonator+booster, although the mechanism isn't well understood, seems like in a fire it can form more volatile compounds with soot and other contaminants. Still, I would agree, it's generally a very safe compound. It's handled every day in enormous quantities. [0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ammonium_nitrate_disasters https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ammonium_nitrate_disas...

SOLAR_FIELDS 4y ago
Good call out. It’s generally very safe, but when it goes wrong, it’s catastrophic. Grandparent’s comment feels out of touch - looking at it from another lens: flying is generally safe but there is a certain unique set of circumstances that cause catastrophic failure and plane crashes. Do you just ignore the process and materials improvements because that certain set of events is super rare? No, you include the improvement in your process. That attitude has allowed FAA and Airlines in general to become much safer over the past 40 years (1). 1: https://www.bts.gov/content/us-general-aviationa-safety-data https://www.bts.gov/content/us-general-aviationa-safety-data
loufe 4y ago
Good counter, I suppose it's irresponsible to act as though ANFO / ammonium nitrate alone is fully innert. What you'll notice looking through that list though is the vast majority of those accidents are related to fertilizer production. It seems silly but partly it's a volume matter, partly it must be an industry attitude. When people think of mines, explosives come to mind. There's relatively few companies controlling the worlds' supply chains so good practices are widespread. The same cannot be said for fertilizer products though, given the ubiquitous use, high tonnage, and lack of consolidation and awareness.

SOLAR_FIELDS 4y ago

Good call out. It’s generally very safe, but when it goes wrong, it’s catastrophic. Grandparent’s comment feels out of touch - looking at it from another lens: flying is generally safe but there is a certain unique set of circumstances that cause catastrophic failure and plane crashes. Do you just ignore the process and materials improvements because that certain set of events is super rare? No, you include the improvement in your process. That attitude has allowed FAA and Airlines in general to become much safer over the past 40 years (1). 1: https://www.bts.gov/content/us-general-aviationa-safety-data https://www.bts.gov/content/us-general-aviationa-safety-data

loufe 4y ago

Good counter, I suppose it's irresponsible to act as though ANFO / ammonium nitrate alone is fully innert. What you'll notice looking through that list though is the vast majority of those accidents are related to fertilizer production. It seems silly but partly it's a volume matter, partly it must be an industry attitude. When people think of mines, explosives come to mind. There's relatively few companies controlling the worlds' supply chains so good practices are widespread. The same cannot be said for fertilizer products though, given the ubiquitous use, high tonnage, and lack of consolidation and awareness.