Pyrotechnics stores

The regulation Hsts 137 toxic and reactive substances and a threshold quantity for each. The regulation also appHes to flammable Hquids and gases in quantities of 10,000 lb or more (>4.5 metric tons), except hydrocarbon fuels and Hquids stored in unpressuri2ed, ambient temperature tanks, as weU as to the manufacture of any quantities of explosives (see Exlosives and propellants) and pyrotechnics (qv). 

A pyrotechnic mixture of aluminium powder with potassium perchlorate, barium nitrate, potassium nitrate and water exploded after 24 h storage under water. Tests revealed the exothermic interaction of finely divided aluminium with nitrate and water to produce ammonia and aluminium hydroxide. Under the conditions prevailing in the stored mixture, the reaction would be expected to accelerate, finally involving the perchlorate as oxidant and causing ignition of the mixture. 

Eye protection — safety glasses or goggles - is mandatory whenever any pyrotechnic composition is being prepared or tested. Necessary equipment includes a mortar and pestle, a laboratory balance, a soft bristle brush, several 2-3 inch lengths of fireworks-type safety fuse (available from many hobby stores), and a fireproof stone or composite slab on which to conduct burning tests. 

Phosphorus is available in two forms, white (or yellow) and red. White phosphorus appears to be molecular, with a formula of P,. It is a waxy solid with a melting point of 44°C, and ignites spontaneously on exposure to air. It must be kept cool and is usually stored under water. It is highly toxic in both the solid and vapor form and causes burns on contact with the skin. Its use in pyrotechnics is limited to incendiary and white smoke compositions. The white smoke consists of the combustion product, primarily phosphoric acid (H 3PO,). 

Although many pyrotechnic items, such as flares, aircraft signals, simulators and photoflash bombs are released from aircraft and are actually bombs, only photoflash bombs are classified as bombs and stored with bombs and not with pyrotechnic items. The reason for this is that the fillin g of photoflash bombs is explosive and such bombs are hazardous to handle. Another reason is that they resemble in appearance conventional aircraft bombs... 

For many years, boiled linseed oil has been used to coat Mg powd to protect it from corrosion when used in pyrotechnics. Mg powd and oil are mixed together and allowed to stand in a warm place in shallow trays for about 48 hours, before the other chemicals are added. Lately there has been a tendency to replace linseed oil with polyesters, or to use no coating at all, but there can be no doubt that linseed oil renders good protection. Stores made with Mg coated with linseed oil are good for several years, which is not the case with uncoated Mg (Refs 2 5). Linseed oil has also been used for coating K chlorate used in expls (Ref 1)... 

To prepare iron-III-oxide, all you need to do is place the dried mass of hydrated iron oxides (prepared in step 1) into a crucible and then heat at 600 to 800 Celsius using a typical Bunsen burner for about 3 to 4 hours. During the heating process, water is volatized and removed, and the iron oxides are oxidized to iron-III-oxide forming a red powder. After the roasting process, the iron-III-oxide is cooled, and then stored in any suitable container. This iron-III-oxide can be powdered and used in thermite compositions, or pyrotechnics, or used as a catalyst for the oxidation of various gases. 

Copper-I-chloride forms a white crystalline powder, which is stable in dry air, but tends to turn yellow, green, blue, or brown on exposure to moisture, air, and light. Store dry in airtight amber glass bottles. The dry crystals have a melting point of 430 Celsius. The crystals are relatively insoluble in water, with partial decomposition, but are soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid, and ammonia solutions. Copper-I-chloride can be used in pyrotechnic compositions, for imparting cool effects to the flames. Copper-I-chloride is a very useful catalyst for use in chemistiy. 

Barium Styphnate forms yellow, uniform crystals. The crystals are stable, but may detonate if strongly heated and they deflagrate on ignition. Barium styphnate is well suitable for use in priming compositions for bullets and the like, in pyrotechnic compositions, and rocket propellants. Barium styphnate however, is primarily used as a substitute for lead styphnate in initiation compositions. Barium styphnate should be stored submerged in kerosene. ... 

Ammonium picrate forms bright yellow scales, or orthorhombic crystals, which are insoluble in water. The crystals explode easily from heat, shock, friction, fire, and percussion. Ammonium picrate is commonly used in priming compositions for bullets and the like, initiation compositions for blasting caps and detonators, high performance rocket propellants, and fireworks and other pyrotechnic compositions. Ammonium picrate should be stored submerged in kerosene. ... 

Air-Tightness Test. Some explosives,propellants, pyrotechnic compositions and amnunition used at the present time.deteriorate much quicker if they are stored under atmospheric conditions(especially in the presence of moisture) than if the containers in which diey are stored are airtight. As air-tight containers are currendy in use, it is necessary to test them to determine whether there are any leaks in them. Till s can be done by pumping air into a closed container until a pressure of 3 to... 

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