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LEXFOAM®
Objective
Provide for in-situ explosive neutralization of surface and buried
AP and AT mines, using a nonexplosive material that is safe to transport
and store and can be mixed on site to form a Class 1 explosive.
Description
Liquid Explosive Foam
(LEXFOAM®)
offers a highly efficient and versatile alternative to conventional
high explosive blocks for the demolition of landmines and some unexploded
ordnance. Mines are neutralized by spraying the LEXFOAM®
on the mine and then detonating it from a distance with a standard
blasting cap or detonating cord. LEXFOAM®
is composed of nitromethane stock solution which is mixed with liquid
propane under a blanket of pressurized nitrogen. When this mixture
is exposed to the atmosphere, the liquid propane expands to a gas
producing a foam with the physical consistency of shaving cream. Prior
to foaming, all components are classified as either inert (nitrogen)
or as a Class 3 flammable liquid (LEXFOAM®
stock solution and liquid propane). Only after foaming is a
highly effective explosive produced. Another advantage of LEXFOAM®
is that it makes intimate contact with uneven and rounded surfaces
of mines where the use of explosive blocks might not initiate sympathetic
detonation or be impractical for use. The LEXFOAM®
system was originally developed as a vehicle and a backpack
delivery system. A new effort was initiated to create a hand portable
aerosol can delivery system that is a substantial improvement in weight
and cost over the backpack version. The aerosol system consists of
one can containing the LEXFOAM®
stock solution and a second smaller capsule containing liquid
propane. In the field, the liquid propane is injected into the LEXFOAM®
stock solution container.
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Contractor/Developer
Golden West
Products International
15233 Ventura Boulevard, Penthouse
8
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
ATTN: Joseph L. Trocino
Phone: (818) 981-6400
Fax: (818) 501-6181
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Performance
The LEXFOAM®
backpack system has been 100 percent effective on destroying fragmentation
and bounding mines such as POMZ, MON-50, PROM-1, and OZM series,
blast AP and AT mines such as PMN, PMD-6, and TM-62M, and blast
resistant mines such as VS-50s, TS-50s, and VS-1.6. LEXFOAM®
was also able to neutralize mines buried one inch below the surface
with a two inch coating over the surface of the ground. One full
tank of the backpack system can be used to neutralize between
20 and 40 mines, depending on the conditions. The aerosol can
may neutralize up to five mines.
Limitations
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A larger quantity of
LEXFOAM® is needed
for blast resistant mines than simple pressure fuzed mines.
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Large quantities of
water are needed for cleaning the backpack system at the end
of day.
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Requires shipment and
storage as a flammable liquid.
Status
Operational field tests
have been conducted in Bosnia, Cambodia, Ecuador, Guatemala,
Kosovo, and Laos. LEXFOAM® is
available immediately. To discuss the possibility of obtaining
this item for field testing through the U.S. Humanitarian Demining
Program, contact the DoD point of contact
listed on page 65 of this catalog.
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LEXFOAM® on MON-50.
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One-pound handheld
aerosol container with
LEXFOAM® stock solution.
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Small capsule
with liquid
propane. Inset
shows mixing
process to
create the
foam
explosive.
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| Specifications
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Backpack System
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Aerosol Can System
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| Components: |
backpack tank, frame, harness, propane tank,
EXFOAM® delivery hose spray gun assembly
& refill station |
Components: | one can
of LEXFOAM® stock solution, one can of
liquid propane |
| Size:
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1 meter medium pressure tank |
Size: | approximately 30 cm and 15 cm aerosol cans
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| Weight:
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full tank - 36 kg (79 lbs.) empty tank - 22 kg (48 lbs.)
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Weight: |
approximately 1 kg (2.2 lbs.) |
| | Cost: |
$20.00 per kit capable of neutralizing several AP mines |
| Detonation velocity of
LEXFOAM® is approximately 3,500 m/sec, as
compared to Composition C4, which is 8,040 m/sec.
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| Manufacturer’s
Suggested Price:
LEXFOAM® stock
solution:
$9.75 per pound/small
$6.75 per pound/large
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Backpack dispensing unit
cost: $7,000 Backpack filling station
cost: $4,000
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Humanitarian Demining
Developmental Technologies 2000 - 2001 |