Yield vs. Order

Order has to do with the extent and rate of a detonation. A high-order detonation is one in which all of the explosive material is consumed in the explosion, and the explosion occurs at the proper rate. The proper rate in this case would be supersonic. Thus, a low-order explosion would occur as an incomplete detonation or at less than the desired rate. Yield involves the specific explosive material that is used, and order indicates the way in which the explosive detonated. The hazards to emergency responders are obvious. If an explosion is low order, not all of the explosive material has been consumed, and therefore the remaining material presents a hazard. Whether high or low yield, high or low order, all explosives should be treated as high-yield, high-order Class 1.1 explosives. 

---

Forbidden Explosives for Transportation Types of Chemical Explosions Explosive Effects Yield vs. Order... 

---