Project Objectives
Two primary tasks. 1. complete a market study to understand why soy-based ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) has not been widely used in the explosives industry. The second task will be to compare the relative energy and the toxic gas production of biodiesel, soy oil, and traditional diesel based ANFO.
Project Deliverables
Understood as to why soybean-based fuel for ANFO does not have a presence and what actions must be taken to overcome these barriers. The information from the market research will be used to determine the viability of using soybean-based fuel in ANFO and detail an action plan to overcome the potential challenges.
By conducting market research, the proposed project aims to overcome current market barriers. Additionally, the performance and toxicity data will be used to help demonstrate the performance to cost savings achieved by using a soybean-based fuel, as well as the potential for lower toxicity. If successful, the proposed project may provide an explosive with lower toxicity to the United States and other countries.
Work with explosive manufacturers and local mining companies to implement soybean-based ANFO in regular mining operations, as well as further the characterization of soybean-based ANFO performance.
Progress of Work
Updated April 27, 2021:
Two primary tasks are being undertaken.
1. Complete a market study to understand why soy-based ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) has not been widely used in the explosives industry.
2. Compare the relative energy and toxic gas production of biodiesel, soy oil, and traditional diesel based ANFO.
Overall, soybean oil presents itself as a viable substitute for diesel fuel, as it is packed full of energy, more environmentally friendly, and just as easy to use. The results of this study indicate a substantial domestic market for soybean farmers and significant cost savings for explosive manufacturers.
Year one of the project has focused on conducting a market study to determine what factors have prevented Soybean oil
from being used in Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) bulk explosives and what factors need to be addressed to
show the industry Soybean oil is a viable substitute for petroleum diesel. The market study provided an insight into what the primary concerns these companies had about soybean oil breaking into the market. Year two of the proposed effort will focus on providing the MSMC with the information to address the mining and explosive companies' concerns and start marketing ANSOY with US explosive manufacturers.
Final Project Results
Benefit to Soybean Farmers
New market for soybean; biodiesel or soybean oil cold be a viable substitute for petroleum diesel in ANFO.
Performance Metrics