28 replies to this topic

[Creepin_pyro]

I'm the same as Phil, I've got 200g but not fully tested it yet. From one small test I do know already that it does not ignite from a naked flame or when open and with a piece of blackmatch. I understand that even confined it needs a hot primer or fuse, I have tested and know that a simple visco fuse is not enough to light a firecracker size test. I'm thinking a spollette with a hot burning comp may be required or you may need to add some sulphur to the usual al/KCOL4 mix to sensitise slightly.

 

I will do  a small test with a hot comp in a spollette this weekend I think.

 

"Through smaller salutes using ten grams and even less of flash powder can be made to function, the supplier recommends BA for use in salutes containing 15 grams or more of flash powder. It is ideal for aerial salutes for 25 mm and larger sizes."

 

More info at blue-aluminum.com

[Sparky]

Oliver Brown is advertising this over at APC. I would reserve judgement before doing proper tests, but it does appear that it can ignite from visco, in the open. I believe Nitroparis are stocking it.

 

I've had no luck igniting with visco either confined or open.

[Creepin_pyro]

Weird. I have no idea what's going on here, but it appears to ignite:

 

http://www.amateurpy..._40#entry101746

[cooperman435]

Indeed nitroparis have it in stock now, Ive now tested a 50g maroon and simply athin walled HDPE bottle with 70/30 fired fine with BM coming out from an igniter no problem.

 

Maybe not QUITE as loud as the German black I have but not quiet lets say lol

[Sparky]

Thanks Phil, I suspect the smaller quantity I tested on wasn't helping. I'll try a simple maroon at the weekend and see how I get on. I stand by my comment about visco not igniting it unconfined though.

[Creepin_pyro]

Just for the record I have no firsthand experience with BA and don't doubt your tests Sparky, but the video I linked to appears to show it igniting from 1.5mm visco. Very interested to hear other people's experiences with it.

[pyrotrev]

Anyone know what the transport regs are for it?

[pyrotrev]

I think the server is on go slow today - won't reply to posts :-(

Edited by pyrotrev, 28 January 2013 - 01:19 PM.

[michaelp]

I think the server is on go slow today - won't reply to posts :-(

Yeah, its the new software thats been installed its called "blue flash"

[cafedebrasil]

Blue Aluminum seems to be a blend of ~ 80 % 80 - 200 mesh atomized Al and ~ 10 % dark pyro Al (like 5413). A small amount of terephthalic acid or pentaerythritol

 is added to ensure its safety features - upon heating, the organic substance melts/sublimes and consumes a huge amount of the energy provided to the mixture. 

[Mumbles]

Is the information on it's composition based on anything in particular, or just general speculation or some? 

Edited by Mumbles, 13 February 2013 - 10:22 PM.

[cafedebrasil]

Sorry that was meant to mean 20 & dark Al. I got that information from a friend of mine in the US... there is also a patent regarding the addition of pentaerythritol / T A to aluminum.

[pyrotrev]

Blue Aluminum seems to be a blend of ~ 80 % 80 - 200 mesh atomized Al and ~ 10 % dark pyro Al (like 5413). A small amount of terephthalic acid or pentaerythritol
is added to ensure its safety features - upon heating, the organic substance melts/sublimes and consumes a huge amount of the energy provided to the mixture.

Thanks for that cafedobrasil - I have all of those so I'll try mixing some up when I have a spare moment - any idea how much TPA should be used please?

On another note, it would be interesting to know how sensistive flash made with this blue aluminium is to initiation by a detonator.

Edited by pyrotrev, 02 March 2013 - 08:27 PM.

[Mumbles]

Sorry that was meant to mean 20 & dark Al. I got that information from a friend of mine in the US... there is also a patent regarding the addition of pentaerythritol / T A to aluminum.

 

Ok, so just speculation.  I've seen these patents, and while they do behave somewhat like this blue aluminum is supposed to, I've seen no real information what-so-ever that this is actually what is being sold.

 

I have an information sheet I probably got from this forum somewhere.  Based on language, I'd imagine it's from NitroParis originally.  It makes it seem to be a mix of mostly -400 mesh atomized and some granular or flake.  If you work things out, the sheet makes it seem that the material is about 42% granular or flake. 

 

I'm still waiting for this stuff to hit the market in the US so we can dispell all the rumors and speculation about this material. 

Attached Thumbnails

•