TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Powergel™ C
India

Technical Properties
Density (1) 1.18 ± 0.05 g/cc
(2)
Min Velocity of Detonation 3.5 km/s
Relative Effective Energy (3)
Relative Weight Strength 81%
Relative Bulk Strength 116%
to ANFO @ 0.8 g/cc

Description
Powergel™ C is a high strength cap sensitive emulsion
explosive. The explosive is black in color with a firm putty-like
consistency. It is packaged in plastic film with wire clips.
Recommendations for Use
Application
Powergel™ C is a water-resistant packaged explosive design Priming and Initiation
to deliver high energy. It can be used in both priming Powergel™ C can be reliably initiated by an electric
applications and as a medium-density column explosive. No.8*, Exel™ detonator (min. 8*
The high detonation velocity and the robust nature of strength), eDev™II detonator, Unitronic™ 600 detonators,
Powergel™ C make it suitable for use as a primer for the or i-kon™ III system detonator. Cordtex™ 10g/m may also be
initiation of ANFO columns as well as other non-cap sensitive used to initiate Powergel™ C. However, detonating cords of
large-diameter packaged and bulk explosives. charge mass lower than 10 g/m is not recommended for
Powergel™ C cartridges are packed in film, which resists initiation of Powergel™ C.
tearing and maintains the shape of the cartridge to ensure it
remains intact for fast-rising out of water. Powergel™ C is the
Charging
preferred explosive for use in opencast mines, quarries, other
Cartridges are placed into the blast hole intact one after
open construction projects, tunneling and underground metal
mines with proper ventilation. another. It can be lowered into the blast hole with a detonating
Cord (double half hitched into the cartridge) or with ExelTM
Key Benefits shock tubes.
• Powergel™ C is a high energy emulsion formulation with
high pre-compression resistance. This gives excellent Sleeping Time within Blastholes
blast results in the toughest ground even with tight drilling In dry blast-holes, given the packaging of the explosives is
patterns as found in shaft sinking and other extreme undamaged, Powergel™ C can be charged and fired several
blasting environments. months later (provided the product remains within its
• Specially formulated for different mining and quarring
recommended shelf life). If the packaging of the explosives is
applications, Powergel™ C reduces post-blast fumes
damaged, the sleep time in the blasthole is influenced by the
and improves turnaround time.
extent of damage to the packaging and by the nature of any
• Powergel™ C can be used as the primer and is safe and
cost effective to use in comparison cast and emulsion water present. Please consult with your Orica Technical
boosters. Representative for further information.
• Powergel™ C is highly water-resistant, which minimizes
leaching and reduces environmental impact.

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Reactive Ground and Elevated Temperature Disposal

Reactive Ground – Powergel™ C is not suitable for use in the Disposal of explosive materials can be hazardous. Methods of
ground containing reactive sulphides. safe disposal of explosives may vary depending on the user’s
Elevated Temperature– Powergel™ C is suitable for use in situation. Please contact an Orica Technical Services
ground temperatures from 0°C up to 55ºC. Representative for information on safe practices.
However, if your application requires you to operate at
elevated temperature, above 55ºC please contact your Orica
Technical Representative in advance for further information Safety
about product compatibility, sleep time and use. The post-detonation fume characteristics of Powergel™ C
make the product suitable for surface blasting applications
tunneling and underground metal mines with proper
Packaging
ventilation.
Powergel™ C standard sizes are as follows.
Diameter Cartridge Length Cartridge Cartridge
Powergel™ C can be initiated by extremes of shock, friction
(mm) (mm) Mass (kg) count per
or mechanical impact. As with all explosives, Powergel™ C
Case
should be handled and stored with care. While Powergel™ C
83 450 2.78 9
does not burn easily, it must be kept clear of flame and
125 450 6.25 4
excessive heat.
200 360 12.50 2

Explosives based on Ammonium Nitrate such as the

Product Quality Powergel™ C may react with pyrites/ Sulphides materials in
Orica's packaged emulsion explosives are manufactured and the ground and create potentially hazardous situations. Orica
loaded using an ISO9001 accredited quality process. accepts no responsibility for any loss or liability arising from
Powergel™ C packaged explosives have been developed by the use of the product in the ground containing pyrites/
Orica specifically for the mining industry using ISO9001 sulphides or other reactive material. More detailed
accredited research and engineering processes. information can be found in the product Material Safety Data
Sheet.
Storage and Handling
Product Classification Notes:
Authorized Name: Powergel™ C (1) Nominal density only.
Proper Shipping Name: Explosive, Blasting, Type E (2) The velocity of detonation (VOD) depends on the application
UN No: UN 0241 including explosive density, blasthole diameter and degree of
Classification: 1.1D confinement. The VOD range is based on measurements in 83
mm diameter cartridges fired in open.
As per Indian Explosives rules, Powergel™ C is a class 2 (3) REE is the Effective Energy relative to ANFO at a density of 0.8
explosive. All regulations on the handling and use of such g/cm3. ANFO has an effective energy of 2.30 MJ/kg.
explosives apply.
Disclaimer
Storage © 2022 Orica Group. All rights reserved. All information
Store Powergel™ C cases in a suitably licensed magazine for contained in this document is provided for informational
Class 2 explosives. purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Since
Powergel™ C has a shelf life of 3 months when stored under the Orica Group cannot anticipate or control the conditions
reasonable climatic conditions. under which this information and its products may be used,
each user should review the information in the specific context
of the intended application. To the maximum extent permitted

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by law, the Orica Group specifically disclaims all warranties

express or implied in law, including accuracy, non-
infringement, and implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose. The Orica Group specifically
disclaims, and will not be responsible for, any liability or
damages resulting from the use or reliance upon the
information in this document.

The word Orica and the Ring device are trademarks of the
Orica Group. Brand name Powergel™ is a trademark of Indian
Explosives Pvt. Ltd, applicable only in India.

Indian Explosives Private Limited

(Orica Mining Services)
6th Floor, Block C,
Apeejay House,
15 Park Street,
Kolkata – 700 016
West Bengal, India

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Within India: +91 33 4054 9400
+91 92344 55159/60 (Factory)
Outside India: +61 3 9663 2130

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