Explosive chemicals test methods

Tables 16 and 17 Hst tke analytical test methods for different properties of interest. The Manufacturing Chemists Association, Inc. (MCA) has pubUshed the Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD 63, which describes in detail procedures for safe handling of use of toluene (46). The Interstate Commerce Commission classifies toluene as a flammable Hquid. Accordingly, it must be packaged in authorized containers, and shipping must comply with ICC regulations. Properties related to safe handling are autoignition temperature, 536°C explosive limits, 1.27—7.0 vol % in air and flash point 4.4°C, closed cup.

The stringent requirements covering oxidation stability are defined by the test method DIN 51352, Part 2, known as the Pneurop Oxidation Test (POT). This test simulates the oxidizing effects of high temperature, intimate exposure to air, and the presence of iron oxide, which acts as catalyst - all factors highly conducive to the chemical breakdown of oil, and the consequent formation of deposits that can lead to fire and explosion. 

Safety of Reactive Chemicals and Pyrotechnics (Yoshida et al. 1995). Addresses both the hazardous properties of reactive chemicals and appropriate handling methods. Describes several test methods and the evaluation of fire and explosion hazards of reactive substances, including the impact of initiating events such as earthquakes. 

Dr A.N. Dremin of Institute of Chemical Physics, Moscow, stated that Zavoyskii suggested a direct magnetic method for measurement of particle velocity behind the shock front in the transition region. A metal foil (ca 0.03 mm in thickness) is placed in the explosive to test and the charge is then placed in the magnetic field. 

A detailed account of the compatibility and stability of explosives-definition, implications and effect of various parameters such as temperature of storage, chemical constitution of explosive vis-a-vis other ingredients, sunlight and electrostatic discharge etc has already been given in Chapter 1 (Section 1.4.1). In this section, the test methods used to determine compatibility and stability are discussed. 

Refs l)K.Van Keuren, "A Procedure for Chemical Analysis of Composition A-3 , NAVORD Report 1781, US Naval Ordnance Laboratory, White Oak, Md. (1951) la)S.M. Kaye, PATR 1936 (1953) (Nonaqueous titration method for detn of RDX content in Comp A-3) 2)Anon, Military Explosives , TM 9-1910 (1955), 271 (Identification of Composition A-3) 3)Purchase Description X-PA-PD-940 (1956) (Karl Fischer moisture detn) 4)Federal Test Method Std No 141 (1958), Method 4082 (Karl Fischer moisture detn) 4a)C.C.Jamison, "Determination of Nitrogenous Coumpounds of Ordnance Interest by Chromous Chloride Reduction , PicArsn, FRL TechMemo ACS-3-60 (I960) 5)U.S. 

Table 3.1 The practical test methods evaluating fire explosion hazards of reactive chemicals...

Analysis starts with qualitative presumptive tests that narrow down the list of potential analytes and directs subsequent analysis. P resumptive tests belong to a family of analytical techniques referred to as wet chemical methods. Most are based on observing results when specific reagents are added to small portions of the samples. Color and crystal tests, as they are commonly called, are used in analyzing drugs, gunshot residues, and explosives. These tests will be discussed in detail in subsequent chapters. 

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