Shadowgraph Optical Technique for Measuring the Shock Hugoniot from Standard Electric Detonators

This research paper overviews the detonation characteristics of the liquid-desensitized function detonator used for the oil and gas industry. The liquid-desensitized function is designed to protect perforating tools from any liquid that penetrates inside the tool during operation. Additionally, the number 8 standard electric detonator is analyzed using the same technique. The measurement of the energy release from these types of initiation systems becomes critical for the evaluation of their initiation ability of the firing sequence, as well as from the standardization point of view. The Advanced Explosive Research Processing Group (AXPRO) presents a new method for experimentally measuring air shock properties and energy fluence from detonators by the using a single indoor experiment. The retro-reflective shadowgraph technique was used for measuring shock wave expansion rate. The method was effectively improved by replacing the continuous light with a strobe light. This new technique allows us to obtain much higher image quality than the one obtained by the Schlieren method. The shock Hugoniot and conservation equations provided a full characterization of the released energy from the high explosive base charge contained within the detonator. This technique produces data in general agreement with published data for the detonation and air shock properties from high explosives. This new method could constitute a practical and simplified experimental tool for industry use due to its relatively low cost, high data accuracy, and reduced data-analysis time.