- Author
- Tinkler, W. S. N.
- Title
- Quantity-Distances for Hazard Division 1.3 Mass Fire Risk Explosives.
- Coporate
- Ministry of Defence, St. Mary Cray, England
- Book or Conf
- Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board. Explosives Safety Seminar, 20th. Volume 1. August 25-26, 1982., Norfolk, VA, 643-660 p., 1982
- Keywords
- explosives
- Abstract
- Quanity-Distances for HD 1.3 explosives, particularly bulk gun propellants, are considered to be less soundly based than for HD 1.1 (mass explosing) and HD 1.2 explosives. Blast effects and projection hazards have been extensively studied and are comparatively well understood. The behavior in a fire of bulk stocks, or loads, of HD 1.3 explosives depends primarily on the strength of the confining structure. Tests on tonnage quantities of boxed gun propellants in representative structures are reported. The unexpectedly energetic behavior displayed indicates that existing Q-Ds for HD 1.3 explosives may give inadequate levels of protection. The orientation of entrances to propellant magazines may be a crucial element in the protection against communication between magazines and process buildings.