EXLPOSIVE MATERIALS

NAME

DINDA JUWITA
MIEN AGUSTINA. B
PUTRI AGUSTIA
SITI AFIFAH SYAHFITRI

GROUP

CLASS

3 KD

LECTURE

Drs. Risnawati, M.Pd.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
STATE POLYTHECNIC OF SRIWIJAYA
2015

EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS
INTRODUCTION
Explosive chemicals can release tremendous amounts of destructive
energy rapidly. If not handled properly, these chemicals can pose a serious threat
to the health and safety of labora- tory personnel, emergency responders, building
occupants, chemical waste handlers, and disposal companies. For example, an
explosion of old isopropyl ether killed a laboratory worker when he attempted to
remove a glass stopper from the container.1 In another instance, tetrazole
exploded inside a hazardous waste incinerator, causing major damage and costly
repairs.
Unlike known explosives, which are designed to be stable under normal
conditions, PECs are particularly dangerous because they may explode if they are
subjected to heat, light, friction, or mechanical shock.
Note: There is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the hazards and safe handling
of PECs. For example, with peroxide forming chemicals, there are no definite data
available about the concentration and specific conditions at which these peroxides
will detonate. Several com- mon test methods may not detect all types of unstable
peroxides, and some common deperoxidation procedures may not remove all
types of unstable peroxides. Also, there are no specific federal Cal/OSHA
regulations on this subject.

CLASSES OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS

Explosive materials may be divided into three classes:

High explosives are explosive materials that, when unconfined, can be caused to
detonate by means of a blasting cap. An example is dynamite.
Low explosives are explosive materials that, when confined, can be caused to
deflagrate. Black powder, safety fuses, igniters, igniter cords and fuse lighters are
examples.
Blasting agents are substances classified by the U.S. Department of
Transportation in 49 CFR 173.50 as blasting agents. These are substances that
have a mass explosion hazard but are so insensitive that there is very little probability of initiation or of transition from burning to detonation under normal
conditions of transport. Ammonium nitrate, fuel oil and particular water gels are
examples.
Familiarity with the classes of explosive materials is essential to an
understanding of the type of magazine in which they may be stored.
Examples of materials in various Divisions are as follows:
a. Division 1.1 (High Explosives).
Consists of explosives that have a mass explosion hazard. A mass
explosion is one which affects almost the entire pile of material instantaneously.
Includes substances that, when tested in accordance with approved methods, can
be caused to detonate by means of a blasting cap when unconfined or will
transition from deflagration to a detonation when confined or unconfined.
Examples: dynamite, TNT, nitroglycerine, C-3, HMX, RDX, encased explosives,
military ammunition.
b. Division 1.2 (Low Explosives)
Consists of explosives that have a projection hazard, but not a mass
explosion hazard.

Examples: nondetonating encased explosives, military ammunition and the

like.
c. Division 1.3 (Low Explosives)
Consists of explosives that have a fire hazard and either a minor blast
hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard. The
major hazard is radiant heat or violent burning, or both. Can be deflagrated when
confined. Examples: smokeless powder, propellant explosives, display fireworks
d. Division 1.4
Consists of explosives that pose a minor explosion hazard. The explosive
effects are largely confined to the package and no projection of fragments of
appreciable size or range is expected. An internal fire must not cause virtually
instantaneous explosion of almost the entire contents of the package. Examples:
squibs (nondetonating igniters), explosive actuators, explosive trains (low level
detonating cord)
e. Division 1.5 (Blasting Agents)
Consists of very insensitive explosives. This division is comprised of
substances which have a mass explosion hazard, but are so insensitive that there is
very little probability of initiation or of transition from burning to detonation
under normal conditions of transport. Materials are not cap sensitive; however,
they are mass detonating when provided with sufficient input. Examples: oxidizer
and liquid fuel slurry mixtures and gels, ammonium nitrate combined with fuel
oil.
f. Division 1.6
Consists of extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass
explosive hazard. This division is comprised of articles which contain only
extremely insensitive detonating substances and which demonstrate a negligible
probability of accidental initiation or propagation. Although this category of

materials has been defined, the primary application is currently limited to military
uses. Examples: Low vulnerability military weapons.
COMMON LABORATORY PECs
There are many PECs used in academic research and teaching laboratories (see
appendix I). The following are some commonly used chemicals that can become
an explosion hazard un- der certain conditions:
Organic chemicals that form peroxides through exposure to air or light (see
Appendix II Peroxide Forming Chemicals)
Hydrated picric acid that becomes dry or becomes contaminated with metals
that form metal picrate salts
Sodium amide that reacts with air or moisture to form superoxides, as evidenced
by yellow or brown discoloration
Certain alkyl nitrates (e.g., butyl nitrate or propyl nitrate) that become
contaminated with nitrogen oxides
Certain normally stable perchlorates (e.g., pyridium perchlorate or
tetraethylammonium perchlorate) that become unstable at elevated temperatures
Note: Most explosions occur while purifying or distilling mixtures. Therefore,
use ex- treme caution before concentrating or purifying any mixture that may
contain an explo- sive chemical (e.g., a peroxide forming chemical or
perchlorate).
There is an additional group of chemicals that should be considered
although they are not necessarily heat-, light-, friction-, or shock-sensitive. These
chemicals give off gaseous degra- dation by-products that may cause overpressurization of the container and explode. They can degrade over time and
should be incorporated into a safety and handling system that will prevent them
from becoming explosive hazards.

Contact EH&S immediately (642-3073) if you suspect a material is a PEC.

Post warning signs so others do not handle or disturb the material. EH&S will
inspect the chemical and devise an appropriate action plan to safely dispose of the
chemical.
GENERAL STORAGE PRECAUTIONS
It is important that chemical users track and dispose of chemicals before
they become a prob- lem. Proper inventory management systems can help
mitigate risk to personnel and avert higher than normal disposal costs.
Identify all explosive and potentially explosive chemicals in your inventory.
Never store unlabeled chemicals. Before they can be shipped to a disposal site,
unknown chemicals require special testing to determine which hazardous
properties they possess. In some cases, an unknown chemical that is not a PEC
could be classified as a PEC because its outward appearance resembles other
known explosives. The handling and disposal of these chemi- cals costs
significantly more than known chemicals.
Record the opening date and the date that the chemical should be discarded on
the label of chemicals that may degrade to become potentially explosive. La- bels
are available from EH&S or you may use the sample label on the next page.
Keep explosive chemicals away from all ignition sources such as open flames,
hot surfaces, spark sources, and direct sunlight.
Consider designating a special area for explosive chemical use. Store explosive
chemicals in an explosive magazine, and inspect areas weekly to comply with the
California Fire Code. (Contact EH&S for assistance.)
Periodically check containers of chemicals that could become over-pressurized,
like highly concentrated formic acid (See Appendix III). Note: Release the
pressure by unscrewing the cap, using protective heavy-duty gloves, chemically
resistant coveralls, safety glasses, face shield, and a safety glass screen between
you and the container.

 As part of your Chemical Hygiene Plan, make sure everyone who uses chemicals
that are explosive or could become potentially explosive are thoroughly trained in
safe storage methods, conditions to avoid (e.g., contamination), the hazards of the
chemical, and disposal procedures.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Use chemical splash goggles for eye protection in combination with a fulllength face shield to fully protect the face and throat. Heavy, non-reactive gloves
should be worn when handling reactive compounds or in the event it is necessary
to reach behind a shielded area while a hazardous experiment is in progress.
Check glove manufacturer for recommendations on a suitable glove for the
specific chemical.
Wear a lab coat (100% cotton) and closed-toe shoes (non-fabric) with non-slip
soles.

If a respirator is needed, then user must follow guidelines of the

Respiratory Protection Program.

SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES
1) Conduct Procedures in a fume hood or other suitable, protective
equipment
2) Use a blast shield in combination with the hood sash to protect personnel
and equipment from injury or damage from a possible explosion or fire
3) Minimize the quantity of reactive (unstable) materials used and stored in
the work area
4) Label incoming containers with the date of receipt. Do not use reactive
materials past their expiration date
5) Exercise due care when handling peroxide formers. Visually inspect bottle
cap and threads of container (without handling) for presence of organic
peroxide crystals. If present, evacuate area and deny entry.

STORAGE
Proper storage prevents unauthorized access to explosive materials and
reduces their deterioration. All explosive mate- rials, including blasting agents,

detonators, detonating cord, boosters, blasting caps, and electric and nonelectric
detona- tors should be stored in magazines. The magazines should be properly
designed and located to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws,
rules and regulations
Types of Magazines
There are five types of magazines for the storage of explosive materials:
Type 1 magazines are permanent magazines for the storage of high
explosives. Other classes of explosive materials may also be stored in Type

1 magazines.
Type 2 magazines are mobile or portable indoor and outdoor magazines

for the storage of high explosives.

Type 3 magazines are portable outdoor magazines for the temporary

storage of high explosives while attended (a day box, for example).

Type 4 magazines are for the storage of low explosives. Blasting agents,
Class C detonators, safety fuses, squibs, igniters and igniter cords may also

be stored in Type 4 magazines.

Type 5 magazines are for the storage of blasting agents

Storage Within Magazines, Types 1, 2, 3 and 4

When explosive materials are stored within Type 1, 2, 3 and 4 magazines, the
following rules should be observed :
Explosive materials must not be placed directly against interior walls and

must be placed so as not to interfere with ventilation.

Containers of explosive materials must be stored so that marks are visible.
Except with respect to fiberboard or other nonmetal containers, containers
of explosive materials must not be unpacked or repacked inside a

magazine or within 50 feet of a magazine.

Tools used to open or close containers of explosive materials must be of a
nonsparking material, except that metal slitters may be used for opening
fiberboard containers. A wood wedge and a fiber, rubber or wooden mallet
must be used for opening or closing wood containers of explosive
materials. Metal tools other than nonsparking transfer con- veyors must
not be stored in any magazine containing high explosives.

Construction Specifications for Types of Magazines

This section discusses construction specifications for various aspects
(walls, floors, roofs, doors and locks, ventilation, bonding and grounding) of the
types of magazines. The discussion frequently refers to plates or drawings that
appear at the end of this section.
Type 1 Magazine
A Type 1 magazine is a permanent structure such as a building, igloo,
tunnel or dugout.
Figure 1 depicts a Type 1 magazine.

The Type 1 magazine must be bullet resistant, fire resistant, weather resistant,
theft resistant and ventilated. It should conform to the following specifications :
1) Walls. Walls must be constructed of a combination of steel, masonry or
other materials that are fire resistant and struc- turally sound (see Plates 1,
2 and 6). Any wood on the exterior of the magazine must be covered with
a fire-resistant material. Voids in standard concrete blocks must be filled
with well-tamped dry sand or well-tamped sand and cement mixture.
Lattice lining must be installed to aid in ventilation (see Plates 1 and 2).
2) Floor. The floor must be constructed of wood or other suitable materials.
Plates 1, 2 and 3 show a masonry magazine with a foundation, ventilation
and wood flooring.
3) Roof or Ceiling. The roof or ceiling may be constructed of any type of
structurally sound material that is or has been made fire resistant on its
exterior. When the natural terrain around the magazine makes it possible to
shoot a bullet through the ceiling or roof that could hit the explosive
material, the roof or ceiling must be of bullet-resistant construction.

A bullet-resistant roof can be constructed according to any of the

specifications for wan sections shown in Plate 6.
4) Other verified bulletproof construction for ceilings includes that with 20
gauge steel with 4 inches of hardwood or 18 gauge aluminum with 7
inches of hardwood.
5) Doors and Locks. The doors and locks must be constructed according to
any of the wall sections shown in Plate 6. Commonly used door
construction and details are shown in Plates 7 and 8.
6) Doors must be tightly fitted. Hinges, hasps and all locking hardware must
be rigidly secured and fastened by welding or by through bolts that cannot
be removed when the door is locked. Methods of locking are:
Two mortise locks
Two padlocks fastened in separate hasps and staples. Padlocks
must be steel, have at least five tumblers, and be at least 3/8-inch
diameter case-hardened shackle. All padlocks must be protected by
steel hoods made from 1/4-inch min- imum thickness steel and
installed so as to discourage the insertion of bolt cutters, saws, files

or levering devices
A combination of a mortise lock and a hooded padlock
A mortise lock that requires two keys to open
A three-point lock that secures the door to the frame at more than

one point.
7) Ventilation. The generally accepted minimum ventilation area is 0.2 square
inches per cubic foot of magazine space. Recommended ventilation is as

follows:
Wall and foundation4x8 inches opening on 6-foot centers.
Roof(Globe type ventilation)one 12-inch diameter per each 12 feet of

magazine length or one 10-inch diameter per 10 feet of magazine length

Ventilating openings must be screened as shown in Plate 4 to prevent

entrance of sparks and rodents

Ventilation openings must be offset or shielded for bullet resistant

purposes
For security, ventilating openings should not be larger than 6x12 inches or
12 inches in diameter.

Bonding and Grounding. Experience over the years indicates that

electrical bonding and grounding of field commercial explosives magazines is not
needed. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA); and the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME)
do not require the bonding or grounding of maga- zines. However, one Mine
Safety and Health Administration standard requires that magazines made of metal
be electri- cally bonded and grounded.
Type 2 Magazine
A Type 2 magazine,3 depicted in Figure 2, is a portable or mobile structure such
as a skid magazine, tractor or semi- trailer.

Any of the details for the requirements shown for a Type 1 magazine are
acceptable for the Type 2 outdoor magazine. A magazine of less than 1 cubic yard
in size must be fastened to a fixed object to prevent theft of the entire magazine.
Hinges, hasps, locks and locking hardware must conform to provisions for
Type 1 magazines. Vehicular magazines must be immobilized by removing the
wheels, by locking with a king pin locking device or by other approved means.
Type 2 Indoor Magazine
Type 2 indoor magazines must be fire resistant and theft resistant. They
need not be bullet resistant. No indoor maga- zine is to be located in a residence or
dwelling. Indoor storage of high explosives must not exceed 50 pounds.
Detonators must be stored separately and must not exceed 5,000 in number.

Wood indoor magazines must have the sides, bottom and doors
constructed with at least 2 inches of hardwood and be covered with sheetrnetal not
less than 26 gauge (.0179 inches). Metal doors must have sides, bottoms, and
doors con- structed of not less than number 12 gauge (.1046 inches) metal and be
lined with a nonsparking material. Hinges and hasps must be attached to doors by
welding, riveting or bolting. Each door must be equipped with two mortise locks
or two padlocks. Padlocks must have at least five tumblers and a case-hardened
3/8-inch shackle.
Type 2 magazine, constructed of 1/4-inch steel and 3-inch hardwood
Type 2 indoor magazines for detonators in quantities of 100 or less must be
constructed of not less than number 12 gauge (0.1046 inches) metal and lined with
a nonsparking material. One padlock is required, having at least five tumblers and
a 3/8-inch case-hardened shackle. No steel hood is required for protection of the
padlock.
Type 3 Magazine
A Type 3 magazine is a day box or other portable magazine. It must be
theft resistant, fire resistant, and weather resistant, but not necessarily bullet
resistant. Figure 3 depicts a Type 3 magazine.

The lock for the Type 3 magazine must be at least a five tumbler steel padlock
with at least a 3/8-inch case-hardened shackle. The lock need not be protected by

a hood. Explosive materials must not be left unattended in a Type 3 magazine.

They must be removed to a Type 1 or Type 2 magazine.
Type 4 Magazine
A Type 4 magazine5 is a permanent, portable or mobile structure such as a
building. It need not be bullet resistant. Figure 4 depicts Type 4 magazines.
Construction must be of wood covered with metal, masonry, fabricated metal or a
combination of these materials. The doors must be of metal or wood covered with
metal.
Door locks must be two mortise locks or two padlocks. Padlocks must have at
least five tumblers and 3/8-inch case- hardened shackles. Padlocks must be
protected by steel hoods of not less than 1/4-inch metal.
When unattended, vehicular magazines must be immobilized, as described for
Type 2 magazines

Type 4 Indoor Magazine

Type 4 indoor magazines must be fire resistant and theft resistant. They need not
be weather resistant if the building in which they are stored provides protection
from the weather.
No indoor magazine may be located within a residence or dwelling. Storage for
low explosives must not exceed 50 pounds. Detonators must be stored in a
separate magazine, and the total number may not exceed 5,000.

Type 4 indoor magazines must be constructed of masonry, metal covered wood,

fabricated metal or a combination of these materials. The walls and floors must be
constructed of or covered with a nonsparking material. The door must be metal or
solid wood covered with metal. Hinges and hasps must be attached to doors by
welding, riveting or bolting (with nuts on the inside of the door).
Each door must be equipped with two mortise locks or two padlocks fastened in
separate hasps and staples. Padlocks must have at least five tumblers and 3/8-inch
case-hardened shackles. Padlocks must be protected by 1/4-inch metal steel
hoods.
Type 5 Magazine
A Type 5 magazine6 is a permanent, portable or mobile structure such as a
building, igloo, box, bin, tank, semitrailer, bulk trailer, tank trailer, bulk truck,
tank truck or other mobile container. It need not be bullet resistant. Figure 5
depicts Type 5 magazines.

Construction of a Type 5 magazine must be of masonry, wood covered with metal,

fabricated metal or a combination of these materials. The doors must be
constructed of solid wood or metal.
Effects of Explosions

An explosion is a gas dynamic phenomenon there are a variety of effects

of the spherically expanding heat and pressure wave. These effects assist the
investigator in understanding the dynamics of the explosion and the sequence of
events that took place during the explosion.

1. Blast Pressure Front Effect

The initiation of chemical explosives and fuel gases result in the
generation of quantities of gases. These gases expand at a high speed and move
outward equally in all directions until an obstruction is encountered.
a. Positive Pressure Phase

The positive pressure phase is when the blast pressure front is moving
away from the point of origin. The positive pressure phase is stronger than the
negative and is responsible for most of the damage.
(1.) Spherical shape of the Pressure Wave

Under ideal conditions the shape of the blast front from an explosion is spherical
in nature, moving outward from the origin equally in all directions. However,
obstructions or vents will change the configuration of the blast front.

(2.) Rate of Pressure Rise vs. Maximum Pressure

The damage caused as a result of the blast pressure front of an explosion is
a result of two items. The maximum pressure and the rate of pressure rise. If the

rate of pressure rise is rapid, then the containing vessel will not have sufficient
time to resist the forces.

Pressure Damage Chart

Restricting Element

Typical Failure Pressure (PSI)

Light partition walls dislodged

(Dry wall on Wooden Studs)

0.3 - 0.7

Glass windows
(Broken or Dislodged)

0.3 1.0

Vehicles Overturned

6.0 8.0

b. Negative Pressure Phase

As a result of the movement outward from the origin of the positive

pressure phase, a low pressure area is created. This low pressure area allows the
movement back towards the origin of the surrounding air. The negative pressure
phase causes additional or secondary damage, and it is common to find the debris
moving towards the point of origin or in opposite directions from the positive
pressure phase.
2. Fragmentation (Shrapnel) Effect
Containers, structures, or vessels that contain or restrict the movement of
the positive pressure fronts may rupture and produce pieces of debris that may
travel long distances and cause considerable damage or injury. The distance that
they may travel depends on a variety of factors, including the types of fuels
involved, the strength of the container, type of initiation, and venting that may be
present.
a. Fragmentation
Debris from the container, for example the structure.
b. Shrapnel
Debris that was placed in the area of a device, in order to inflict harm to
those in the area.

3. Thermal (Incendiary) Effect

Combustion explosions release quantities of energy that may heat light
solid combustibles or gases present to their ignition temperature. Often diffuse
fuels (vapors or gases) or high surface to mass solids (example flexible urethane
foam cushions or vehicle interiors) are more likely to be ignited as a result of the

thermal effects of an explosion. Dense solid fuels are not as likely to be ignited
due to the duration of the heating that takes place.
a. Heat/Thermal
- High Temperature Gas
- Often sufficient to ignite diffuse fuels or lightweight fuels.
4. Secondary Blast Pressure Or Ancillary Effects
a. Reflection
Reflection is caused when the blast pressure front contacts an object and as
a result the front moves in a different direction. This "reflection" often causes
damage in other directions or locations. Refraction is often caused by different
temperature layers. Blast focusing can be caused as a result of reflection and
refraction. The key is that the damage can be amplified as a result of the
movement of the blast pressure front in one direction. Often in cities this damage
can be increased as a result of the configuration of the street and surrounding
structures.
b. Seismic
As the blast pressure wave expands, and damaged portions of buildings
collapse, significant localized seismic waves may be transmitted throughout the
ground. Velocity of the wave and the affect of the wave will vary depending on
soil conditions.
c. Water
As water is basically a non-compressible product. A shock wave will
transmit through water or other with limited reduction in strength for long
distances.

d. Ceiling
A low ceiling can have a dramatic effect on reflection of the blast front and
resultant damage to the surrounding area. Given similar types of materials and the
quantity present, with only a change in the ceiling there will be a noticeable
change in the blast front.