24 replies to this topic

[a_bab]

What you really need are the maltese star formulas (the pyro people from Malta are said to use chlorate based formulas for the rich of colours).

[Bonny]

(the pyro people from Malta are said to use chlorate based formulas for the rich of colours).

...and the much lower cost of chlorate vs perchlorate

[a_bab]

And I'd add, with the additional large risk involved. Out of aprox 20 factories, I heard that there is at least one incident every year. That's not that the whole factory blows up, but occasionally there are casualties.

All in all, I'd say it's quite a good place for someone wishing to study the risks involved in using of the chlorate compos.

[ExplosiveCoek]

Yes, but IIRC they are also using KClO3 and Sb2S3 or similar stuff in one composition.. So that's another reason why there are happening accidents there . Not only because of the KClO3 would be more sensitive, it's fairly safe in my opinion with the right preparations made.

[a_bab]

In Shimitzu's opinion it is not.

Edited by a_bab, 10 March 2009 - 05:54 PM.

[ExplosiveCoek]

Then I must have missed that part when I read Shimizu's FAST?

[a_bab]

From "Fireworks", Shimizu, Takeo; 3rd ed Pyrotechnica Publications 1981

"But it has been a matter of sincere regret that potassium chlorate has often caused explosive accidents. It would be ideal to reject this material from fireworks...." - Page 90

[spanner]

The rest of the paragraph goes on to say:

"but it is quite difficult even at present, because no other oxidizer can surpass potassium chloride in burning speed, in ease of ignition or in noise making, using the smallest amount of composition. The match head composition cannot be made without it; it is absolutely necessary for some dye smoke, small crackers and various kinds of toy caps. However these articles tend to become a source of explosion, and we must treat potassium chlorate compositions with respect and caution.

[cooperman435]

so to summarise:

Shimizu regards chlorates as a necessary evil which if possible should be avoided but for many applications cannot be.

[pyrotrev]

Sounds just like the government

Edited by pyrotrev, 23 March 2009 - 04:00 PM.