Explosibility of Energetic Material Dusts
Abstract
To study the problem of dust explosion in the manufacture of explosives and propellants, a program was initiated by ARRADCOM as part of the U.S. Army Modernization and Expansion Plan. This program was performed in three phases, each of which was performed by different contractors. Hazard Research Corporation performed an experimental program to investigate the effects of particle size, dust cloud concentration, and relative humidity on the minimum concentration for explosion, minimum ignition energy and minimum ignition temperature of M-1 and M-30 propellant and explosives. Southwest Research Institute determined the explosibility of M-1 propellant dust as follows: (1) the minimum energy of electrostatic discharge, (2) the minimum explosive dust concentration and (3) the effects of moisture, solvent, temperature, and particle sizes. The Energetics Materials Division, LCWSL, ARRADCOM collected dust samples from representative sites along explosive and propellant production lines at several Army Ammunition Plants and determined whether dust hazards existed. Dynamic flow characteristics for various dust concentrations were established.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA095353
Entities
People
- G. J. Friesenhahn
- George Patino Jr.
- J. W. Gehring
- Pinlei Lu
- W. T. Moore