US3262824A - Smokeless ashless signal flare composition containing ammonium perchlorate - Google Patents
Smokeless ashless signal flare composition containing ammonium perchlorate Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3262824A US3262824A US385518A US38551864A US3262824A US 3262824 A US3262824 A US 3262824A US 385518 A US385518 A US 385518A US 38551864 A US38551864 A US 38551864A US 3262824 A US3262824 A US 3262824A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ammonium perchlorate
- ashless
- composition containing
- containing ammonium
- flare
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims description 18
- GDDNTTHUKVNJRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-bromo-3,3-difluoroprop-1-ene Chemical compound FC(F)(Br)C=C GDDNTTHUKVNJRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims description 9
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000021355 Stearic acid Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Natural products CCCCCCCC(C)CCCCCCCCC(O)=O OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000008117 stearic acid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000012188 paraffin wax Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000009781 Myrtillocactus geometrizans Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 240000009125 Myrtillocactus geometrizans Species 0.000 description 4
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 3
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- UWRBYRMOUPAKLM-UHFFFAOYSA-L lead arsenate Chemical compound [Pb+2].O[As]([O-])([O-])=O UWRBYRMOUPAKLM-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052788 barium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N barium atom Chemical compound [Ba] DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001639 boron compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000013329 compounding Methods 0.000 description 1
- GUJOJGAPFQRJSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N dialuminum;dioxosilane;oxygen(2-);hydrate Chemical compound O.[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3].O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O GUJOJGAPFQRJSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 1
- LNEPOXFFQSENCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N haloperidol Chemical compound C1CC(O)(C=2C=CC(Cl)=CC=2)CCN1CCCC(=O)C1=CC=C(F)C=C1 LNEPOXFFQSENCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 231100000206 health hazard Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002642 lithium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012255 powdered metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003388 sodium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052712 strontium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- CIOAGBVUUVVLOB-UHFFFAOYSA-N strontium atom Chemical compound [Sr] CIOAGBVUUVVLOB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06C—DETONATING OR PRIMING DEVICES; FUSES; CHEMICAL LIGHTERS; PYROPHORIC COMPOSITIONS
- C06C15/00—Pyrophoric compositions; Flints
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06B—EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
- C06B29/00—Compositions containing an inorganic oxygen-halogen salt, e.g. chlorate, perchlorate
- C06B29/22—Compositions containing an inorganic oxygen-halogen salt, e.g. chlorate, perchlorate the salt being ammonium perchlorate
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an ashless signal flare composition and more particularly to an ashless signal flare composition which, when burned, emits a blue flame.
- an oxidizer-fuel system is used that is almost completely ashless and is comprised of a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and stearic acid.
- the ammonium perchlorate possesses the property of burning evenly, cool, and with only a small amount of smoke.
- all the heat formed is working heat, that is, as there is no residue left behind to absorb and hold heat, all the heat is dissipated out of the nozzle of the flare to increase the candlepower output and the color emission.
- a small amount of copper dust is added to the mixture of ammonium perchlorate and stearic acid.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a signal flare composition which, when burned, is ashless and emits a blue flame.
- stearic acid and paraffin are melted together by heating at a temperature of about 90 degrees C. and copper dust is then added and mixed therewith. The melt is then cooled and screened and then mixed with the ammonium perchlorate. Satisfactory flares have been made by using between about 7080 percent, by weight, of ammonium perchlorate, between about 8-12 percent, by weight, of stearic acid, between about 1-4 percent, by weight, of paraflin, and between about 8-12 percent, by weight, of copper dust.
- the paraffin is used to desensitize the mixture to impact.
- test flares were manufactured using the abovelisted optimum formula with the composition being pressed at a pressure of about 8000 p.s.i.
- a three-quarter inch diameter flare burned at a rate of 20 seconds per inch.-
- the ignition temperature was found to be about 250 degrees C. and the flares were relatively insensitive to both an electrostatic charge and to impact.
- electrostatic sensitivity a charge of 4250 volts at a capacitance of 0.2 ,ufd. was applied to a test flare and no fire resulted.
- sample would fire.
- a sample is considered to be sensitive if there is a firing upon a drop of 20 cm. or less.
- Visibility tests were performed in the field during daylight and were the subjective reports of observers. At a distance of 1000 yards, upon burning, both light and the blue color from the test flares were visible. At a distance of 1500 yards, light was visible but color was not visible.
- a consumable pyrotechnic mixture consisting of between about and about ammonium perchlorate,
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Fire-Extinguishing Compositions (AREA)
Description
United States Patent 3,262,824 SMOKELESS ASHLESS SIGNAL FLARE COM- POSITION CONTAINING AMMONIUM PER- CHLORATE James B. McGrifiin, Linton, and William L. Ripley, Bedford, Ind., assignors to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy No Drawing. Filed July 27, 1964, Ser. No. 385,518 4 Claims. (Cl. 149-42) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
The present invention relates to an ashless signal flare composition and more particularly to an ashless signal flare composition which, when burned, emits a blue flame.
Various formulas have heretofore been used in compounding flares for military operations. Generally, those flares that produce a blue flame contain lead arsenate, and also may contain powdered metal, such as finely divided magnesium. While the use of magnesium in a blue flame formula may increase the candle power output of a flare, a dense white smoke is produced along with ash. This smoke tends to obscure the flame, and the ash causes the flare composition to burn unevenly. The use of lead arsenate causes the smoke and fumes to be a health hazard.
In the present invention an oxidizer-fuel system is used that is almost completely ashless and is comprised of a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and stearic acid. The ammonium perchlorate possesses the property of burning evenly, cool, and with only a small amount of smoke. As the mixture, upon burning, is practically ashless, all the heat formed is working heat, that is, as there is no residue left behind to absorb and hold heat, all the heat is dissipated out of the nozzle of the flare to increase the candlepower output and the color emission. In order to provide a blue color, a small amount of copper dust is added to the mixture of ammonium perchlorate and stearic acid.
It is therefor a general object of the present invention to provide an improved signal fiare for military operations.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a signal flare composition which, when burned, is ashless and emits a blue flame.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description.
In manufactuiing a flare according to the teachings of the presentinvention, stearic acid and paraffin are melted together by heating at a temperature of about 90 degrees C. and copper dust is then added and mixed therewith. The melt is then cooled and screened and then mixed with the ammonium perchlorate. Satisfactory flares have been made by using between about 7080 percent, by weight, of ammonium perchlorate, between about 8-12 percent, by weight, of stearic acid, between about 1-4 percent, by weight, of paraflin, and between about 8-12 percent, by weight, of copper dust. The paraffin is used to desensitize the mixture to impact.
While the above-listed range of ingredients, when mixed, result in satisfactory flares, the following was found to be the optimum formula:
Various test flares were manufactured using the abovelisted optimum formula with the composition being pressed at a pressure of about 8000 p.s.i. A three-quarter inch diameter flare burned at a rate of 20 seconds per inch.- The ignition temperature was found to be about 250 degrees C. and the flares were relatively insensitive to both an electrostatic charge and to impact. As to electrostatic sensitivity, a charge of 4250 volts at a capacitance of 0.2 ,ufd. was applied to a test flare and no fire resulted.
In order to test impact sensitivity, a 100 mg. sample was placed on an iron block and a 2 kg. weight was dropped from various heights directly onto the sample.
-When the weight was dropped from a height of 41- cm.,
or more, the sample would fire. A sample is considered to be sensitive if there is a firing upon a drop of 20 cm. or less.
Visibility tests were performed in the field during daylight and were the subjective reports of observers. At a distance of 1000 yards, upon burning, both light and the blue color from the test flares were visible. At a distance of 1500 yards, light was visible but color was not visible.
The advantages of an ashless and smokeless signal flare composition for military use becomes readily apparent. There is no smoke to obscure the light or color of the flare nor is there any ash to absorb heat, obstruct the nozzle throat, or interfere with the smooth burning rate Within the flare body. Also with an ashless formulation there is a free dissipation of heat during the burning period and there is no extreme heating of the flare container.
Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. For example, as the color of the flare depends upon the particular molecular emitter used, it is entirely feasible that strontium or lithium compounds could be used instead of the copper dust when a red color is desired. Sodium compounds could be employed for a yellow color and barium or boron compounds could be employed for a green color. It is therefore to be understood, that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
What is claimed isr 1. A consumable pyrotechnic mixture consisting of between about and about ammonium perchlorate,
between about 8% and about 12% stearic acid,
between about 1% and about 4% of a desensitizing ingredient, and
between about 8% and about 12% emitter for producing color.
2. A consumable pyrotechnic mixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said desensitizing ingredient is paraflin.
of a molecular 3. A. consumable pyrotechnic mixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said molecular emitter is copper dust. 4. A consumablepyrotechnic mixture consisting of UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/ 1955 Heiskell 149-44 X 12/1955 Heiskell 149-44 References Cited by the Applicant UNITED STATES PATENTS Minrath.
Vinton.
Loedding.
Hall.
Brock.
Rolle et a1.
LEON D. ROSDOL, Primary Examiner.
B. R. PADGETT, Assistant Examiner.
Claims (1)
- 4. A CONSUMABLE PYROTECHNIC MIXTURE CONSISTING OF ABOUT 74.2%, BY WEIGHT, OF AMMONIUM PERCHLORATE, ABOUT 11.1%, BY WEIGHT, OF STEARIC ACID, ABOUT 3.6%, BY WEIGHT, OF PARAFFIN, AND ABOUT 11.1%, BY EIGHT, OF COPPER DUST.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US385518A US3262824A (en) | 1964-07-27 | 1964-07-27 | Smokeless ashless signal flare composition containing ammonium perchlorate |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US385518A US3262824A (en) | 1964-07-27 | 1964-07-27 | Smokeless ashless signal flare composition containing ammonium perchlorate |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US3262824A true US3262824A (en) | 1966-07-26 |
Family
ID=23521722
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US385518A Expired - Lifetime US3262824A (en) | 1964-07-27 | 1964-07-27 | Smokeless ashless signal flare composition containing ammonium perchlorate |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3262824A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3464869A (en) * | 1967-12-13 | 1969-09-02 | American Cyanamid Co | Pyrotechnic compositions containing metal fuel,inorganic oxidizer salt,and a vinyl polymer in a solvent |
| US3862865A (en) * | 1971-05-24 | 1975-01-28 | Kilgore Corp | Sparkler composition |
| US8677904B2 (en) | 2011-08-17 | 2014-03-25 | Matthew D. Rexford | Tricolor flare projectile |
Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1608518A (en) * | 1926-11-30 | William mineath | ||
| US2628897A (en) * | 1951-08-30 | 1953-02-17 | Vinton John | Signal flare composition |
| US2716599A (en) * | 1949-12-01 | 1955-08-30 | Raymond H Heiskeil | Dark burning igniter composition |
| US2726943A (en) * | 1955-06-09 | 1955-12-13 | Raymond H Heiskell | Pyrotechinc composition |
| US2841481A (en) * | 1954-03-11 | 1958-07-01 | Brock S Crystal Palace Firewor | Pyrotechnic masses |
| US2864311A (en) * | 1953-12-07 | 1958-12-16 | Unexcelled Chemical Corp | Flares |
| US2968542A (en) * | 1958-07-15 | 1961-01-17 | Olin Mathieson | Illuminants |
| US2984558A (en) * | 1957-06-10 | 1961-05-16 | Rolle Edward | Plastic pyrotechnic compound |
-
1964
- 1964-07-27 US US385518A patent/US3262824A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1608518A (en) * | 1926-11-30 | William mineath | ||
| US2716599A (en) * | 1949-12-01 | 1955-08-30 | Raymond H Heiskeil | Dark burning igniter composition |
| US2628897A (en) * | 1951-08-30 | 1953-02-17 | Vinton John | Signal flare composition |
| US2864311A (en) * | 1953-12-07 | 1958-12-16 | Unexcelled Chemical Corp | Flares |
| US2841481A (en) * | 1954-03-11 | 1958-07-01 | Brock S Crystal Palace Firewor | Pyrotechnic masses |
| US2726943A (en) * | 1955-06-09 | 1955-12-13 | Raymond H Heiskell | Pyrotechinc composition |
| US2984558A (en) * | 1957-06-10 | 1961-05-16 | Rolle Edward | Plastic pyrotechnic compound |
| US2968542A (en) * | 1958-07-15 | 1961-01-17 | Olin Mathieson | Illuminants |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3464869A (en) * | 1967-12-13 | 1969-09-02 | American Cyanamid Co | Pyrotechnic compositions containing metal fuel,inorganic oxidizer salt,and a vinyl polymer in a solvent |
| US3862865A (en) * | 1971-05-24 | 1975-01-28 | Kilgore Corp | Sparkler composition |
| US8677904B2 (en) | 2011-08-17 | 2014-03-25 | Matthew D. Rexford | Tricolor flare projectile |
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