5 replies to this topic

[six-five-two]

Hi, I was wondering if I can substitute potassium chlorate for perchlorate for the H3 composition and for a coloured smoke composition with SrCO3.

[digger]

Hi, I was wondering if I can substitute potassium chlorate for perchlorate for the H3 composition and for a coloured smoke composition with SrCO3.

Obviously if you do the substitution you will end up with something similar to KP, so why not just use the KP formula?

As to the coloured smoke composition with strontium carbonate, that is a new formula on me. What does the formula use to make the the coloured smoke is it Rhodamine B, Para red or a mix of the two?

Unfortunately the cool burning of the chlorate in conjunction with a lactose fuel is what is required to vapourise and not to burn the dyes in all the coloured smoke compositions I have seen.

I have tried smoke with hotter fuel / oxidiser mixes and one of two things happen, it either starts to break down the dye so the colour ends up brown, or you just get a giant flame and no smoke at all.

[portfire]

Hi, I was wondering if I can substitute potassium chlorate for perchlorate for the H3 composition and for a coloured smoke composition with SrCO3.

You could do, but there's a burst charge called 'KP', which uses Perchlorate. SAFETY note; It does contain sulphur, and Perchlorate is only slighty less sensitive where mixes of sulphur and Chlorate/Perchlorate are concerned.

Not sure what your asking with regards to the smoke, are you saying you'll get red smoke by using SrCO3 ? If so, you won't, or am I missing something?

Edited by portfire, 08 August 2008 - 07:43 AM.

[digger]

You could do, but there's a burst charge called 'KP', which uses Perchlorate. SAFETY note; It does contain sulphur, and Perchlorate is only slighty less sensitive where mixes of sulphur and Chlorate/Perchlorate are concerned.

Yep however it is a good break for smaller shells such as 4"ers when coated onto the ubiquitous rice krispies. Treat it with the proper respect that you do with all compositions and there should be no problems.

Have there been any recorded accidents when tapping shells closed whilst using KP?

On a side note the most dangerous mix I have made once was 50/50 KCLO3/SbS3 with 3% NC. Never again. I used it for some ematches which worked OK apart from sympathetic firing in one instance. I decided to try test how sensitive the mix was with a pea sized hardened blob on the floor and just applied a bit if friction with a plank of wood and bang.

Not sure what your asking with regards to the smoke, are you saying you'll get red smoke by using SrCO3 ? If so, you won't, or am I missing something?

I agree hence the comment. I assume it has been mixed up with a red star composition.

[portfire]

Just looked it up in Lancaster's book (page 375)

Shimizu gives this burst formula

Potassium perchlorate-70

Hemp coal-18

Sulphur-12

SGRS-+2

He states that this has been used for over 20 years with no accidents. Drop hammer tests (2Kg) showed the nonexplosive point at 37cm, compared to Picric acid at 23cm. Yamada's friction test showed a nonexplosive weight of 75Kg, Picric acid 56Kg.

So I'd say It's pretty safe tapping shells, well, unless your belting them with 2Kg of force from over 37cm away

[Mumbles]

Yes, a direct sub gives you a comp I believe shimizu refers to as "No. 44". It won't be of any use to you in anything less than 8", and even then I've heard you can't get full functionality out of it until 10". KP however will be good down to about 4". In 3" it seemed kind of lack luster to me. Probably not enough pressure build up in such a small shell.