Spent cartridge cases mercury remaining

Spent cartridge cases, originating from the same ammunition type, were examined to determine the amount of mercury remaining in the cartridge case. Results are given in Table 22.5. 

Table 22.5 Mercury Remaining in Spent Cartridge Case...

Average results indicate that approximately 24% of the mercury remains in the spent cartridge case/primer cup, approximately 7% of the mercury was recovered from the liquid traps, and only 1.5% of the mercury was present on the filter. Approximately 68% of the mercury appears to be present as large particulate matter, which must have been deposited on the interior of the firing tube. 

The mercury concentration remaining in the spent cartridge case was considerably higher than previously experienced. This test did not reproduce the conditions experienced during the discharge of a round of ammunition, where much higher temperatures and pressures are attained, plus the possible suction effect in the wake of the bullet. To simulate actual conditions a further test was devised (Figure 22.2). 

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