21 replies to this topic

[jermain]

No amount of PPE will save you if something goes wrong when working with large amounts of flash.

If you haven't already, have a quick look at the 'consequences' page archived here. It's extremely graphic but really drives the message home.

http://web.archive.o...p://come.to/pfp

There's only one way of ensuring nothing goes wrong with large amounts of flash powder and that is by not making it in large amounts!!! Which I don't plan to

[digger]

There's only one way of ensuring nothing goes wrong with large amounts of flash powder and that is by not making it in large amounts!!! Which I don't plan to

Correct.

However, I do work in the industry where it is required to make larger batches and the thinking is that you may as well make 1 5kg batch rather than 50 100 gram batches as 100 grams will kill you so anything more is actually less risk as the mixing frequency is reduced.

D

[jermain]

Correct.

However, I do work in the industry where it is required to make larger batches and the thinking is that you may as well make 1 5kg batch rather than 50 100 gram batches as 100 grams will kill you so anything more is actually less risk as the mixing frequency is reduced.

D

Wow, what do you use 5kg of FP for? That would make one HELL of a bang.

Edit: Fireworks obviously...................stupid question

Edited by jermain, 05 July 2011 - 07:55 AM.

[digger]

Wow, what do you use 5kg of FP for? That would make one HELL of a bang.

Edit: Fireworks obviously...................stupid question

We don't use it for fireworks at the moment (other pyrotechnic devices), even though we will in the future.

The reason for making large batches would be for a production run of maybe 1000 units each with 5 grams in.

[icarus]

Thats when pyro suddenly becomes hard work. Sitting cutting hundreds of fuses ,then punching out hundreds of foam or cardboard discs etc . I have an aversion to manual labour ! Even setting up and then clearing up after a firework display comes into the hard work category !!!. The only problem is whenever i stop work i run out of cash.

[Mortartube]

I agree with you Icarus. It's great fun to knock up a few portfires, but when you have to funnel and wire 800 to a 1000 a day or more, the novelty soon wears off.

[Bonny]

Just to echo what has previously been said, you need to use Dark Aluminium; Indian Blackhead, German Eckhart etc. From the way you describe the reaction your using 200# mesh Aluminum.

You don't need dark Al for flash powder. It is better, but any fine flake will work. As mentioned the perc needs to be nice and fine.

I always wear a mask when mixing unless it is only a gram or two (with bright flake I would still wear a mask at a gram!, just getting it out of the tub turns everything silver).

I hate bright flake Al. I got rid of mine as I was sick of the floating mess in the shop.