The Analysis of Black Powder and Dynamite Page: 21
This report is part of the collection entitled: Technical Report Archive and Image Library and was provided to UNT Digital Library by the UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
DYNAMITE. 21
tom below the sample, and the Hempel type in which the acid is
contained in the top or cover, above the sample. With an acid sur-
face about 75 per cent as great as in the ordinary type the Hempel
desiccator appears to be slightly more efficient than the Scheibler.
Results of moisture determinations showing effect of variation in acid surface and
in type of desiccator.
Type of desiccator ............................ ................... Scheibler. Scheibler. Hempel.
Size of desiccator .................................................... 4-inch. 9-inch. 6-inch.
Area of acid surface (approximate).......................... 7 square 50 square 38 square
inches. inches. inches.
Name of explosive. Time of Moisture content determined by
drying, loss of weight.
Hours. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent.
6 5.73 9.84 9.97
12 8. 82 10.11 10. 29
Explosive Aa ................ ...................... 24 10.06 10.33 10.43
48 10. 52 10. 63 10.65
72 10. 66 10. 68 10.79
2 1.89 ............... 3.18
5 4.09 ............ 4.88
Explosive B a................. ..................... 24 5.34 5.50 5.51
48 5.49 ............ 5.60
72 5.50 5.59 5.63
a Arbitrary designation of sample.
The quantity of acid used in the desiccator must also be considered,
because the dilution of the acid by the absorbed moisture is dependent
upon the amount of acid present. . In general, the acid contained in a
desiccator does not require frequent renewal, and when from 50 to 75
c. c. of concentrated sulphuric acid (H,SO,) is used in the desiccator
the renewal of this material once each month or once every two
months is all that is necessary.
The following experiment illustrates the effect of dilution of the
sulphuric acid by the absorption of considerable moisture from pow-
der samples. Two samples of the same dynamite were desiccated in
similar desiccators, one containing 75 c. c. of 96 per cent sulphuric
acid, the other the same volume of 90 per cent sulphuric acid. In
three days the losses of moisture were 1.10 per cent and 1.02 per
cent, respectively, and in five days 1.17 per cent and 1.05 per cent,
respectively. In order that 75 c. c. of 96 per cent acid could become
diluted to 90 per cent by the absorption of moisture from dynamite
samples, it would be necessary that all of the moisture from about
460 2-gram samples of dynamite, each containing 1 per cent mois-
ture, be absorbed by the acid. It is therefore obvious that the acid
in the desiccators will not become diluted enough in one or two
months to lose appreciably its affinity for moisture.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This report can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Report.
Snelling, Walter O. & Storm, C. G. The Analysis of Black Powder and Dynamite, report, 1913; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc12847/m1/23/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.