An investigation into the sensitivity of commonly used electric igniters

Tom Smith, Avril DiPalma, Gabrielle DiPalma and Lincoln Parkhouse Abstract: A variety of commercially available and commonly used electric igniters were tested for sensitivity to shearing, crushing and static stimuli in an attempt to reproduce “real world” usage of igniters and to determine which igniters were more or less sensitive to the various stimuli used.  The apparatus …
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The European Regulation Concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals

Pierre Thebault Abstract: The European regulation n°1907/2006 of 18 December 2006 – commonly referred to as “REACH” – states the mandatory registration and evaluation of chemical substances marketed, manufactured or imported in quantities of more than one ton per year on the European market. This obligation not only applies to chemical substances but also to …
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OPINIONS – Issues with UN explosives classification – a personal perspective

Dr Tom Smith Abstract: The United Nations classification regime for explosives is well established and has undoubtedly led to improvements in transport safety. However there are challenges that the hazard based approach faces and this paper attempts to highlight some of the more pressing issues. Ref: JPyro, Issue 33, 2014, pp9-15 (J33-9) OPINIONS This article is …
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Book Review Firework Displays: Explosive Entertainment

By: Dr. Tom Smith Published by: Chemical Publishing Company – www.chemical-publishing.com ISBN: 978-0-8206-0064-2 (B&W Hardcover) ISBN: 978-0-8206-0064-1 (Color Hardcover) ISBN: 978-0-8206-0064-8 (eBook) More information please click here This book gives a very comprehensive overview of the world of fireworks. It comprises – amongst others – information on historical developments of firework displays, introduces the large variety of(sub-) types …
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ShellCalc© V4.12

** NOTE – Version 5 is now available – click here A new version of the Shellcalc© program is now available.  The original paper describing the program is available here. ** PLEASE NOTE **  We have occasional reports that downloading the file using IE 8 results in a file with a “.zip” extension rather than “.xlsm”.  …
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Pricing information

Please download the  pricing information datasheet.  We are now able to offer most subscriptionsn via PayPal payment on this website PLEASE NOTE:- Electronic only access to individual articles or issues is automatic from the respective page on this site, but other subscriptions are enabled manually – this may take up to 48 hours 1 year access to …
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Book Review: Initiation of Explosives & Pyrotechnic Materials

By: Jean-Rene Duguet – R&D Manager and Consultant in Pyrotechnics. Preface by: Dr Attie Goosen Published by: Cultures et Techniques – cultures.techniques@hotmail.fr ISBN: 978-2-918209-02-7 Price: 50Euros This small paperback book is packed with information on the chemistry and mechanics of initiation and has extensive chapters on:- General outline Explosives and Production Processes Initaitors and Related …
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Performance Comparison between Old and New Obron German Dark Aluminum

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke ABSTRACT: In 1997, Obron Atlantic changed their Ger-man dark aluminum. (Their former product number was 5413; the new product was designated 5413 H Super.) We had published the results of a series of sound output tests of various salute powders, which included the effect of using various aluminums, including …
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ATF’s Classification of Flash Powders

K. L. Kosanke ABSTRACT:  This brief article is based on my comments to the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) concerning their classification of all flash powders as high explosives. In this query, I chose not raise the issues of flash powder storage requirements, quantity limits in process buildings, or any of the …
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Burn Rates of Clusters of Gold Sparklers

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke ABSTRACT: In recent years, it has become generally known that clusters of sparklers burn substantially faster than individual sparklers. However, little if any quantitative data has been presented in the literature. Toward that end, this brief article presents some data collected a few years ago by the authors. Ref: …
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