Methods for monitoring initiating sources generalized in pyrotechnic processing equipment

Conditions leading to an accident in batch processing of pyrotechnic materials were investigated. Levels of temperature, impact, friction, and electrostatic energy were defined for five typical pyrotechnic materials. The most sensitive of these materials yielded the following thresholds: temperature, 510 C; impact, 41 in-lb; friction, 10 to the eight power Newtons/square meter, and electrostatic energy, 29 millijoules. Means of detecting these levels of driving force were sought for processing operations currently used: mixing, blending, granulating, pressing and drying. A sound (IMS) system is outlined for further testing and control. This system should permit the earliest possible detection of potential problems and allow more time to act on a potentially hazardous situation.