Delay detonator assembly

A real advance in the construction of delay detonators was made by Eschbach, who introduced delay compositions which evolved so little gas that there was no longer need to vent the detonator. This eliminated risk of pre-ignition of high explosive and also made it possible to provide fully waterproofed assemblies which gave delay times much more regular because of the removal of variable venting effects. Delay detonators of this type have now virtually superseded all others. 

Flash past. In assemblies such as delay detonators and military fuzes the possibility of an igniting flash by-passing a delay element. 

Fordham (Ref 51, p 127) states that a common mixture for US delay elements consists of Ba peroxide 85 Se 15% and that for the manuf of millisecond delay detonators, faster burning compns are required such as Si 30-50 red lead (or lead dioxide) 50-70%. Manuf of delay compns is described on pp 128-29, assembly on p 129 and design on pp 129 30 of Ref 51. Ger delay compositions (Verzo-gerungsverbindungen) and delay elements(Verzo-gerungskorper) are described In Ref 35, pp Ger 33 Ger 34... 

In Fig 5-44 of Ref 23 (See our Fig 1-57) is shown a delay element which is assembled within a single housing as an integral part of Flame Initiated 0.10 Second Flash Delay Detonator. Its igniter mixture is probably M31 (Pb sulfocyanate 45 K chlorate 55%) (Ref 23, p 2-10) the delay compn is either HP-25 or D-5 the intermediate chge is LA and the base chge is RDX... 

Another delay element is shown in Fig 5-45 of Ref 23 (See our Fig 1-58). It is assembled within a single housing as an integral part of Stab Initiated 0.02 Second Delay Detonator. Compositions of primer, igniter, delay, intermediate and base charges are listed in our Fig 1-58. The detonators shown in Figs 1-57 and 1-58 were developed under Army auspices and investigated at Picatinny Arsenal [See PATR 1657 (1947)] (Ref 23, pp 5-59 5-60)... 

Detonator Assemblies, Non-Electric for blasting Non-electric detonators assembled with and activated by such means as safety fuse, shock tube, flash tube or detonating cord. The[y] may be of instantaneous design or incorporate delay elements. Detonating relays incorporating... 

Assembly commences with a plain detonator containing its base charge and initiating explosive. These detonators are held in plates and the processes are insertion of suitable delay elements, followed by pressing in the normal way. They are then checked by X-ray examination to ensure... 

Dynamite primers with LEDC (low energy detonating cord) delay assemblies made by the DuPont Co are described in Ref 50, pp 106-09 192-93. They are essentially nonelectric MS(microsecond) delay caps"... 

Percussion Detonator, 15-Second Delay, M1A2 (MlEl) (Fig 69) consists of a firing pin assembly joined to a delay housing and percussion primer holding assembly (Ref 53, pp 35 37, Fig 31)... 

Functioning. The fuze becomes armed after the locking segment moves into the armed position (this occurs at a rotational speed of 6000 to 8500 rpm) and the delay arming shutter moves into the aimed position (this occurs at a rotational speed of 7000 to 8500 rpm). Upon either direct or graze impact, the steel ball moves the striker assembly forward until the striker needle hits the detonator and initiates it. The impulse will be transmitted thru the lead to booster and then to the main charge... 

The fuze body assembly consists of metallic body which contains index lock pin, stop screw, index stop, striker assembly, rotor release assembly, delay lock pin, and rotor assembly. The explosive train consists of delay element M9, relay XM9 (2.31 grains of LA), detonator M35 (in rotor assembly) and a booster cup assembly. 

Inert fuzes are provided for training ground crews in assembling handling of bombs, and also for classroom instruction of ordnance personnel. These fuzes are standard items, except that explosive components (primers, detonators, delay relay elements and boosters) are removed (Ref 51a, p 4-107)... 

MS Delay Assemblies, and LEDCORE Seismic Delay Units)] 5) Encycl of Expls, Vol 4(1969), D733"L to D742-L (Detonators, Igniters, and Primers Used for Nonmilitary Purposes)... 

An explosive train component normally consisting of a primer, a delay column, and a relay detonator or transfer charge assembled in that order in a single housing to provide a controlled time interval. 

---