18 replies to this topic

[dave]

anyone know the composition for commercially bought petrol lifters in the uk

eg. from wells fireworks
 
B.P /BP maroon ?
 
small flash maroon /
 
zinkit ( zinc 67 sulphur 33 ) ?
http://www.pyronobel.../en/sfx/?id=123

[Arthur Brown]

I've used flash salutes and BP maroons, and I've seen loose BP and HE used. The choice depends on what shape of fireball and what shape of mortar that you have, and what sort of access you have (T1 articles are easier than HE substances). 

[dave]

yes, I've seen det cord used.............not really interested in HE methods

 

looks like you are the only one on the forum to answer anything these days roger

 

well,.......not really

[Pyro-centric]

I've used a commercially made lifters, in various size poly-plastic bottles which had electric match through the lid.  It was a very fine grey powder inside, but I'm not a chemist and did not make them. 

Method, a large metal crucibal shape, like you would get if you cut of the bottom of a gas cylinder, charge in placed inside, petrol into a suitable plastic bag with a volume of air too, so not tied to closely to the liquid, on top  The other way they were fired is out of a square mortar.  Image a 4" square of steel with walls welded on but the opening is 12" square, you can make them any size really....cut holds for handles for the big ones.

 

I saw det cord used to do them same thing once but it seemed to energetic and just vapourise most of it before it burnt.

Edited by Pyro-centric, 05 November 2015 - 09:18 AM.

[dave]

all good info

[starseeker]

I often use KP burst for fuel lifts, sometimes with a few stars for added.  Double bagged and double e-matches on one cue.  Then tightly wrapped in at least two layers of fibre reinforced tape.  Works a treat in a 4 inch or 6 inch mortar.  Fuel is suspended at the top of the mortar, again double bagged and the bag held securely in place with tape.

 

Cheers

As ours, 

 

Apart from  we use B.P rather than K.P (approx 45g for a 100mm mortar )

Edited by starseeker, 06 November 2015 - 05:49 PM.

[icarus]

The stars are really important to light the fuel reliably   especially if you disperse and vaporize  with flash compounds . H E is the worst option it does not ignite liquid fuels reliably.   If there  is any containment - mortar  tube or steel flash pots then  I would consider BP with approx10% micro stars added as the only safe option . Zinkit is a low impulse lift/ propellant it requires  the use of a burst diaphragm achieve rapid deflagration and sufficient impetus to propel and vaporize the fuel- too much work needed  

 

Try adding Diesel or Kerosene to the fuel it results in a more stable and reliable fireball . 10-15% worked well   

[dave]

fine cork dust (like flour particle size), certainly seems to have its own merits

 

and its cheaper than lycopodium but much better than coffee creamer /cremora type powder

[digger]

Just to add another technique to the mix, I have moved to completely dry system and replace the petrol/diesel with BHT, which is not as harmful to the environment as unburned petrol/diesel or naphthalene.

 

I also don't have to worry about my powder getting wet.

[Arthur Brown]

BHT is??? and can be bought from??

Edited by Arthur Brown, 17 November 2015 - 06:46 PM.

[Vic]

BHT is??? and can be bought from??

 

Butylated hydroxytoluene, I think.

[dave]

bht = butylated hydroxytoluene

 

used as an antioxidant in pharmaceuticals

 

bha = butylated hydroxyanisole may also work

[digger]

Yep that's the one. Cheap, odorless, low toxicity, high energy content and very flammable. Just the job.

 

Also it has been used a vitamin E substitute in the food industry and an antioxidant in just about everything.

Edited by digger, 17 November 2015 - 09:59 PM.

[digger]

P.S. I have tried just about everything and this was by far the best.