Pulp
Member
I know that normal static discharges will not ignite commercially made BP. I have heard that this is due to the graphite coating over the kernals of powder. True or False
I have also heard the graphite coating is to help reduce clumping and increase flowability, not to reduce chances of a static discharge ignition. True or False
I would assume that the more finely ground the BP is, the more susceptable to static discharge ignition it would be. Sorta like flour dust can go BOOM big time. Would my assumption be True or False.
I make my own BP from time to time, (in very small batches) and I do not have the facilities to put graphite coating on it. It does not flow through a measure worth a flip, so there is some evidence the reason for graphite is to improve flowability. I haven't tested it for static discharge ignition.
The reason for the question is; there is an ongoing fight on another forum about static electricity in a fireworks plant. Operators going into certain rooms must touch a copper grounding pole as they enter the building. I know fireworks often contain superfinely ground BP. Anyway, one poster says not touching the pole could cause a static discharge ignition, the other poster says it flat out cannot happen.
In my poor little old mind, I can visualize BP dust floating in the air and being ignited by a static spark. Of course my poor little old mind could be hallucinating.
The one thing I know for sure: if I went into a fireworks plant and was told to touch a copper pole before entering a certain room, you can bet your bottom dollar I will touch the pole.
I have also heard the graphite coating is to help reduce clumping and increase flowability, not to reduce chances of a static discharge ignition. True or False
I would assume that the more finely ground the BP is, the more susceptable to static discharge ignition it would be. Sorta like flour dust can go BOOM big time. Would my assumption be True or False.
I make my own BP from time to time, (in very small batches) and I do not have the facilities to put graphite coating on it. It does not flow through a measure worth a flip, so there is some evidence the reason for graphite is to improve flowability. I haven't tested it for static discharge ignition.
The reason for the question is; there is an ongoing fight on another forum about static electricity in a fireworks plant. Operators going into certain rooms must touch a copper grounding pole as they enter the building. I know fireworks often contain superfinely ground BP. Anyway, one poster says not touching the pole could cause a static discharge ignition, the other poster says it flat out cannot happen.
In my poor little old mind, I can visualize BP dust floating in the air and being ignited by a static spark. Of course my poor little old mind could be hallucinating.
The one thing I know for sure: if I went into a fireworks plant and was told to touch a copper pole before entering a certain room, you can bet your bottom dollar I will touch the pole.