I. II.
Potassium perchlorate 35 35
Ammonium nitrate 20 10
Sodium nitrate -- 3
Trinitro-toluene 5} 11
Dinitro-toluene 5}
Wood meal 3 2
Vegetable meal 4 5
Blasting gelatine 4 4
Sodium chloride 24 30
It is practically the same as Wetter-Persalit.
=LIGDYN= is a nitroglycerine explosive similar to American
dynamite made in South Africa. 40 per cent. Ligdyn consists
of--
Nitroglycerine 40
Sodium nitrate 45
Wood meal 13
Wheat flour 2
=*LIGHTNING.=--A 33-grain smokeless shot-gun powder made by the
Schultze Gunpowder Co. See Schultze Powder.
=LIGNOSIT= is a German blasting explosive containing a
considerable percentage of ammonium nitrate. Lignosit I. contains
also aromatic nitro-compounds, of which not more than 15 per cent.
must be trinitro-compounds or wood meal, and not more than 6 per
cent. of potassium nitrate, not more than I per cent. of collodion
cotton and bauxite or salts, such as sodium chloride or carbonate.
Lignosit II. may contain up to 10 per cent. of collodion cotton, but
no wood meal or nitro-compounds. It is somewhat sensitive.
Lignosit III. differs from I. in that it may contain up to 4 per
cent. of blasting gelatine and contains no bauxite.
The object of adding the neutral salts is evidently to make the
explosive safer in coal mines. When intended for this purpose it is
called Wetter-Lignosit I. or III.
Lignosit IV. consists of ammonium nitrate, not more than 13 per cent.
of trinitro-toluene, not more than 13 per cent. of aluminium powder,
and wood meal.
=LITHOFRACTEUR= is a name that has been given to more than one
explosive. One introduced about 1873 by Krebs and Co. of Deutz, near
Cologne, consisted of nitroglycerine absorbed in kieselguhr mixed
with nitrates, charcoal or coal and sulphur. Some of it was imported
into England at one time.
=LOEWENPULVER= or Castroper Sprengpulver is a German blasting
powder consisting of a compressed or granulated mixture of sodium
nitrate, manganese dioxide, sulphur and carbonaceous substances such
as briquette powder or coal. It may also contain potassium nitrate,
wood meal or tar.
=LOMITE NO. 1= is an American coal-mine explosive on the
Permissible List. It is a low-grade dynamite containing hydrated
salts.
=LOWINITE NO. 2-B= is an American coal-mine explosive on the
Permissible List. It is an ammonium nitrate explosive.
=LUXIT I.= is a German blasting explosive consisting of ammonium
nitrate, not more than 17 per cent. of trinitro-toluene, and not
more than 5 per cent. of wood meal.
=LYDDITE.=--A high explosive used in the British Services for
filling shell. It consists simply of picric acid, which is melted
under proper precautions and poured into the shell.
*Poudre =M= is a shot-gun powder made by the French Government,
and is the one that is most used in France. Its composition is--
Nitrocotton 71
Barium nitrate 20
Potassium nitrate 5
Camphor. 3
Binding material 1
The nitrocotton has a solubility of only 15 or 20 per cent., and is
partially gelatinised with ether-alcohol aided by the camphor. It is
granulated under edge runners, granulated and drummed.
=MACARIT.=--A Belgian high explosive for filling shell--
Trinitro-toluene 30
Lead nitrate 70
It has a high density and is not deliquescent. For equal weights its
power is less than that of trinitro-toluene or picric acid, but for
equal volumes it is somewhat greater.
=MARKANIT.= See =SILESIA=.
=MARSIT.=--A sort of Oxyliquit. Liquid oxygen is passed into a
linen bag containing soot.
=M.B. POWDER= (Modernised Black) is a black powder mixture in
which part of the potassium nitrate has been replaced by potassium
or ammonium perchlorate, generally the potassium salt. It is
manufactured at Bonnybridge, Stirling, at the works originally
erected for making Mitchellite. During manufacture the composition is
heated in steam boilers. (See “Arms and Explosives,” 1911, p. 7.)
=M.D.= See =CORDITE=.
=MEGANIT= is a Hungarian nitroglycerine explosive similar to
American dynamite, except that it contains a small percentage of
nitrated vegetable ivory.
=MELANITE.=--A Belgian blasting explosive consisting of--
Nitroglycerine 78
Collodion cotton 4
Sodium nitrate 18
It contains, therefore, a considerable excess of oxygen.
=MÉLINITE= is a high explosive used by the French for filling
shell and other military purposes. It consists essentially of picric
acid, to which other substances are sometimes added. Paraffin wax has
been added to diminish the sensitiveness. Mélinite D is simply picric
acid, but Mélinite O contains also a little Crésilite 2 (q. v.).
=MELLING POWDER= was a coal-mine explosive on the Permitted
List, made by the Cotton Powder Co. The permit has been repealed.
_Date of Permit_ 1-9-13
Nitroglycerine 5
Ammonium nitrate 53·5
Sodium nitrate 12
Trinitro-toluene 6
Wood meal 4·5
Ammonium oxalate 19
Limit charge 12 oz.
Power (swing of
ballistic pendulum) 2·62”
=MERCURIT= is a blasting explosive that has been introduced
recently in Germany. It consists of 88 per cent. of potassium
chlorate and 12 per cent. of high boiling neutral tar oil. In
Mercurit II. up to 20 per cent. of the chlorate may be replaced by
perchlorate.
=MERSEY POWDER= was a coal-mine explosive on the Permitted List,
made by the Cotton Powder Co. The permit has been repealed.
_Date of Permit_ 3-7-15
Nitroglycerine 5·5
Ammonium nitrate 51
Sodium nitrate 11
Trinitro-toluene 6
Wood meal 3·5
Ammonium chloride 23
Limit charge 18 oz.
Power (swing of
ballistic pendulum) 2·60”
=METEOR AXXO= is an American coal-mine explosive on the
Permissible List. It is a low-grade dynamite containing a hydrated
salt.
=MIEDZIANKIT= (also called Egelit or Kieselbacher Chloratsprengstoff)
is a German chlorate explosive of the Sprengel class. It consists
of porous potassium chlorate impregnated with not more than 10 per
cent. of kerosene, having a flash point not below 30° C. It has met
with some unfavourable reports, as it is found that results are not
uniform unless the impregnation be carried out in special factories,
the original idea having been that it was to be done shortly before
use.
During the War a modification of the explosive was introduced for use
in coal mines. This contains up to 30 per cent. of sodium chloride.
=MINERITE.=--A coal-mine explosive made by the Forcite
Co. of Baelen Wezel in Belgium, identical in composition with
Kohlen-carbonite and Colinite antigrisouteuse.
=MINER’S FRIEND, NOS. 1 to 6.= American coal-mine explosives on
the Permissible List. They are ammonium nitrate explosives.
=MINITE.=--A coal-mine explosive of the Grisounite type which
was on the old Permitted List--
Ammonium nitrate 89
Trinitro-toluene 10
Ammonium oxalate 1
There was also an explosive of the Carbonite type of this name made
at Arendonck in Belgium--
Nitroglycerine 25
Potassium nitrate 35
Flour 39·5
Soda 0·5
Charge limite 750 g.
=MIN-ITE.=--American coal-mine explosive on the Permissible
List. Brands A, A-2, B, and B-2 are nitroglycerine explosives,
whereas Nos. 5-D and 6-D are ammonium nitrate mixtures.
=MINOLITE.=--A Belgian blasting explosive, which is also
approved for transport over the German railways. It contains ammonium
nitrate, dinitro- or trinitro-naphthalene with other substances added
in some cases. A variety for use in coal mines is called Minolite
antigrisouteuse.
Minolite Minolite
antigrisouteuse. nouvelle.
Ammonium nitrate 72 87
Sodium nitrate 23 3
Trinitro-toluene 3 --
Trinitro-naphthalene 2 5
Dinitro-naphthalene -- 3
Quebracho -- 2
Charge limite 400 g.
There was also a variety containing lead nitrate, but this could not
be used in mines because of the poisonous smoke it evolved.
=*MISCHPULVER= is a name given in German to ungelatinised
smokeless nitro-cellulose powders.
=MITCHELLITE= was an explosive that was formerly licensed for
manufacture in Great Britain, and was made at Bonnybridge, Stirling,
but the factory and the licence were transferred to the M.B. Powder
Co. in 1910. It was apparently a chlorate or perchlorate explosive.
It is said to be manufactured at Monticello, Indiana, U.S.A.
=*MODDITE.=--A sporting rifle powder made by Eley Bros. Analysis
of a sample showed--
Nitroglycerine 38·7
Nitrocellulose 56·8
Mineral jelly 4·3
Volatile matter 0·2
Of the nitrocellulose about one-third was soluble in ether-alcohol.
It was made in the form of strip.
=MONACHIT= is a German blasting explosive which was known at one
time as Vigorit. It is distinguished by containing nitro-compounds
derived from naphtha, mostly nitro-xylenes and nitro-mesitylenes.
Monachit I. contains ammonium nitrate, not more than 15 per cent.
of nitro-compounds, of which not more than 60 per cent. must be
trinitro-bodies, also vegetable meal and potassium nitrate.
Monachit II. contains in addition not more than 1 per cent. of
collodion cotton, not more than 1 per cent. of charcoal, also
hydrocarbons and ammonium oxalate or other salts to act as cooling
agents, and render the explosive suitable for use in coal mines,
_e. g._--
Ammonium nitrate 81 64
Potassium nitrate 5 3
Nitro-compounds 13 14
Collodion cotton -- 1
Flour 1 --
Charcoal -- 1
Potassium chloride -- 17
The collodion cotton is to gelatinise the nitro-compounds when they
are liquid.
=MONARKITE= is a coal-mine explosive made by Kynoch, Ltd., and
is on the Permitted List--
_Date of Permit_ 10-2-14
_Revised_ 20-9-19
Ammonium nitrate 49[1]
Sodium nitrate 9
Nitroglycerine 11·5
Collodion cotton 0·3
Starch 3·5
Mineral jelly 2
Sodium chloride 24·7
Limit charge 18 oz.
Power (swing of
ballistic pendulum) 2·30”
[1] Including not more than 2 per cent. of magnesium carbonate.
=MONOBEL= is a coal-mine explosive made by Nobel’s Explosives
Co. There are three formulæ which have passed the Rotherham Test, but
A1 is no longer on the Permitted List--
Monobel A1 A2
No. 1. Monobel. Monobel.
_Date of Permit_ 10-2-14 13-5-14 15-1-15
Ammonium nitrate 68 60 59
Nitroglycerine 8·5 10 10
Wood meal 8·5 10 10
Sodium chloride 15 -- --
Potassium chloride -- 20 20
Magnesium carbonate -- -- 1
Limit charge 10 28 22 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·81 2·78 2·44”
There is also Quarry Monobel which is not permitted for use in
dangerous coal mines, and presumably contains no alkali chloride.
See also Viking Powder and Victor Powder.
=MONOBEL, NOS. 1= to =7= are on the American Permissible
List. Of these, Nos. 4 and 5 are low-freezing explosives, containing
a small percentage of nitro-toluene or similar substance; Nos. 3 and
5 are less violent than the others.
=MONOBEL POWDER= was the predecessor of the above and was on the
old Permitted List. It is now no longer “permitted.”
Ammonium nitrate 80
Nitroglycerine 10
Wood meal 10
=*MULLERITE.=--A shot-gun powder made by the Muller Co. in
Belgium. It is a gelatinised dense powder in the form of green
leaflets, and the charge for a 12-bore cartridge was 33 grains. It
contains no inorganic salts.
=EXPLOSIFS N.= See Favier Explosives.
=NAPHTHALIT.=--A German chlorate explosive introduced during the
War. It contains not more than 80 per cent. of potassium chlorate,
and aromatic hydrocarbons, such as naphthalene, and not more than
12 per cent. of nitro-hydrocarbons, but no trinitro-compounds; also
paraffins, fatty oils, flour or other organic substance. It may
contain also alkali chlorides, and not more than 4 per cent. of
blasting gelatine.
The prefixes Gesteins- and Wetter- are applied according as the
explosive is intended for rock or coal mines.
Grisou-=NAPHTALITE=. See =FAVIER= Explosives.
=NATIONALITE.=--A coal-mine explosive of the Grisounite class
made by the National Explosives Co., Ltd. The composition, which was
on the old Permitted List, was--
Ammonium nitrate 92
Di- and Trinitro-toluene 8
But to pass the Rotherham Test it was necessary to add alkali
chlorides. There were two formulæ formerly on the Permitted List--
No. 1. No. 2.
_Date of Permit_ 22-6-14 28-1-15
Ammonium nitrate 65·5 64
Trinitro-toluene 15 15
Sodium chloride 19·5 --
Potassium chloride -- 21
Limit charge 12 20 oz.
Power (swing of
ballistic pendulum) 2·92 2·63”
The permits have been repealed.
=*N.C.T.= is the name given in the British service to the
Nitro-Cellulose Tubular smokeless powder, made in the same way as the
American service powder. It consists of nitro-cellulose completely
soluble in ether-alcohol, but of comparatively high nitration. It is
gelatinised with ether-alcohol and pressed into cords with either
one or seven perforations running down them length-ways. These are
cut into short cylinders and dried. The powder contains a little
diphenylamine as a stabiliser.
=N.E.= See New Explosives Company’s Smokeless Powder.
=NEGRO POWDER.=--A coal-mine explosive of the Grisounite class
made by Roburite and Ammonal, Ltd. The composition, which was on the
old Permitted List, was--
Ammonium nitrate 88
Trinitro-toluene 10
Graphite 2
and a small quantity of colouring matter.
To enable it to pass the Rotherham Test, sodium chloride has been
added, and Negro Powder No. 2 is now on the Permitted List--
_Date of Permit_ 25-11-13
Ammonium nitrate 57
Trinitro-toluene 15
Graphite 0·7
Sodium chloride 27·3
Colouring matter small quantity
Limit charge 20 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·21”
=NEONAL.=--A coal-mine explosive made by the New Explosives
Company. Two formulæ were at one time on the Permitted List--
No. 1.
_Date of Permit_ 1-9-13 22-6-14
Nitroglycerine 21 40
Collodion cotton 1 2
Di- and Trinitro-toluene 0·2 --
Wood meal 15·8 5
Potassium perchlorate 37 14
Ammonium oxalate 25 39
Limit charge 16 30 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·56 2·51”
Both have now been repealed.
=*NEONITE.=--A 30-grain bulk gelatinised smokeless shot-gun
powder introduced by the New Explosives Co. in 1907. According to an
analysis given in “Arms and Explosives,” 1917, p. 76, its composition
is--
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 73·0
” soluble 9·0
Metallic nitrates 10·5
Vaseline 5·9
Moisture 1·6
Neonites are also made for various types of rifled small arms,
including military rifles, cadet rifles, revolvers and rim-fire
rifles. These are all nitrocellulose powders with or without
moderants.
=*NEW EXPLOSIVES COMPANY’S SMOKELESS POWDER= or =N.E.=--A
36-grain fibrous bulk powder for shot-guns introduced in 1912.
According to an analysis given in “Arms and Explosives,” 1917, p. 76,
its composition is--
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 50·0
” soluble 25·8
Metallic nitrates 12·0
Nitro-hydrocarbons 7·0
Vaseline 3·5
Moisture 1·7
=NEW FORTEX.= See =FORTEX=.
=NITRALITE.= See =DENSITE=.
=NITRO-DENSITE.=--A coal-mine explosive made by Kynoch, Ltd. It
was of the Carbonite type, and was at one time on the Permitted List--
_Date of Permit_ 1-9-13
Nitroglycerine 18
Barium nitrate 25
Wood meal 5·5
Starch 28·5
French chalk 23
Limit charge 28 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 1·47”
=*NITROKOL.=--A gelatinised nitrocellulose powder intended for
use in rifles. It consists of a nitrocellulose, mostly soluble in
ether-alcohol, and gelatinised with that solvent. It is made up in
the form of small square flakes which are graphited.
=NITROLIT.=--A high explosive used by the Germans for filling
shell. It is a mixture of ammonium nitrate and trinitro-anisol.
The name was formerly given by C. Lamm of Stockholm to a blasting
explosive containing blasting gelatine, ammonium nitrate and other
substances.
=NITRO LOW-FLAME, NOS. 1= and =2= are American coal-mine
explosives on the Permissible List. They are nitroglycerine mixtures.
=NOBEL AMMONIA POWDER.=--A coal-mine explosive which was on the
old Permitted List--
Ammonium nitrate 84
Nitroglycerine 8
Wood meal 8
=NOBEL GELATINE DYNAMITE.=}
=NOBEL GELIGNITE.=} Under these names explosives were
introduced during the War with modified compositions, the potassium
nitrate being replaced by sodium nitrate, and the percentage of
nitroglycerine being reduced.
=NOBELIT= is a German blasting explosive containing blasting
gelatine, carbonaceous substances, inorganic nitrates and sodium or
potassium chloride.
=AMMON-NOBELIT= contains ammonium nitrate, and the proportion of
blasting gelatine is limited to 4 per cent. It may contain sodium or
potassium oxalate, and various other substances that are not present
in Nobelit.
=*NORMAL POWDER.=--A smokeless powder which was said to have
been adopted by the Governments of Switzerland, Sweden, Norway,
Denmark and Finland. The following analyses were given in “Arms and
Explosives,” 1917, p. 91--
Rifle. Shot-gun Powders.
_Date of Sample_ 1895 1913 1902
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 93·0 8·8 40·8
” soluble 3·5 89·4 56·1
Resin 2·0 -- --
Moisture 1·5 1·8 2·0
=NORMANITE.=--A coal-mine explosive which was made by the Cotton
Powder Co., and was on the old Permitted List--
Nitroglycerine 33·5
Collodion cotton 1·5
Potassium nitrate 44·5
Wood meal 8
Charcoal 1·5
Ammonium oxalate 11
Explosifs =O= are the chlorate explosives made in the French
State factories. O1, O2, O4 and O5 are Cheddites (q. v.). O3 is a
Sprengel explosive, and is dealt with under the heading of Prométhée.
=OAKLEY QUARRY POWDER= is a blasting explosive consisting of
ammonium nitrate and tetryl.
=OAKLITE.=--A coal-mine explosive made by the Explosives and
Chemical Products, Ltd., which was on the old Permitted List--
No. 1. No. 2.
Nitroglycerine 25·5 10
Collodion cotton 1 0·5
Potassium nitrate 34·5 --
Ammonium nitrate -- 79·3
Wood meal 38·7 10
Magnesium carbonate 0·3 0·2
=ODITE.=--A coal-mine explosive which was made by the New
Explosives Co., and was on the old Permitted List--
Ammonium nitrate 88
Dinitro-benzene 12
=OPHORITE.=--A mild but hot explosive consisting of--
Potassium perchlorate 60
Magnesium powder 40
It is used as a bursting charge for incendiary shell, smoke bombs,
etc.
=ORKANIT= is the same as Alkalsit, but may contain sodium
chloride and similar salts.
=OXYLIQUIT= is a blasting explosive consisting of liquid oxygen
absorbed in some porous combustile material, such as absorbent cork,
soot or kieselguhr mixed with petroleum. It was discovered in 1895
by Prof. F. C. Linde, and was tried on a large scale in 1899 in the
construction of the Simplon tunnel. It is very cheap, and is safe in
the case of a missfire, because in about half-an-hour the oxygen has
all evaporated off and the charge becomes inexplosive. On the other
hand, it is necessary to have the air liquefying plant near the scene
of operations, and the charge must be fired soon after charging.
These disadvantages prevented the adoption of the explosive, but
during the War fresh trials were made in Germany in consequence of
the scarcity of nitrates.
Liquid oxygen explosives are now used on a considerable scale by
the Germans for military, as well as civil blasting operations. The
name Oxyliquit, however, seems only to be applied to them when the
explosive is made in the manner and with the plant of the Linde
Company. See also Marsit.
=PANCLASTITE.=--A Sprengel explosive made by mixing liquid
nitrogen peroxide with carbon bisulphide, nitro-benzene or
nitro-toluene. It was proposed in 1881 by Turpin, and was tried by
Germany for filling shell, the two constituents being contained
in separate glass containers, which were broken by the shock of
discharge. It was not adopted there on account of the inconvenience
of dealing with a liquid which gives off poisonous fumes. It is a
powerful and violent explosive, and is probably the same as the
“Turpinite” about which sensational statements were made in the press
early in the War.
=PANNONIT.=--A blasting explosive made by the A. G. Dynamit
Nobel of Austria. It has replaced Progressit in Austria as a
coal-mine explosive. Its composition is--
Nitroglycerine 25·5
Collodion cotton 1·5
Ammonium nitrate 37
Dextrin 4
Glycerine 3
Nitro-toluene 5
Sodium or potassium chloride 24
=PASTANIL.=--A German ammonium nitrate blasting explosive
similar to Plastammon.
=*P.C./88.=--A Swiss smokeless powder for small-arms
consisting of--
Nitrocellulose 82
Trinitro-toluene 18
=PERAGON.=--A German blasting explosive containing potassium
perchlorate, zinc-aluminium alloy, aromatic nitrocompounds and some
other constituents.
=PERCHLORIT= is a German blasting explosive introduced
recently. It contains ammonium nitrate, a perchlorate, mono- and
dinitro-compounds, meal, charcoal, and not more than 4 per cent. of
nitroglycerine.
=PERDIT.=--An explosive used by the Germans for mining and
demolitions and rifle grenades. It consists of--
Ammonium nitrate 76
Potassium perchlorate 6
Wood meal 2
Dinitro-toluene 16
=PERILIT.=--A German perchlorate blasting explosive made by the
Koeln-Rottweil Pulverfabriken. It contains not more than 65 per cent.
of potassium perchlorate, aromatic nitro-compounds, not more than
6 per cent. of dinitro-chlorhydrin, flour, etc., and nitrates (but
not more than 10 per cent. of potassium nitrate).
=PERKORONIT.= See Koronit.
=PERMON POWDER.=--A coal-mine explosive which was on the
Permitted List. It was made by the Carbonite Syndicate in Germany,
and imported into Great Britain--
_Date of Permit_ 25-11-13
Nitroglycerine 12
Collodion cotton 0·4
Ammonium nitrate 55
Sodium nitrate 1
Glycerine 4
Potato flour 10·6
Sodium chloride 17
Limit charge 18 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·57”
The permit was repealed on 21-11-16.
=PERMONITE.=--A potassium perchlorate explosive made by the
Carbonite Syndicate at Schlebusch in Germany. A number of mixtures
have been placed on the market, but they do not differ from one
another very much. One which was on the old British Permitted List
was--
Potassium perchlorate 32·2
Ammonium nitrate 41
Nitroglycerine 3·5
Collodion cotton 0·3
Trinitro-toluene 12
Starch 8
Wood meal 3
See also Gesteins Leonit.
=PERRUMPIT.=--A German coal-mine explosive containing ammonium
nitrate, sodium nitrate, vegetable meal, fatty oils, graphite
and aluminium, cooling agents such as ammonium oxalate or sodium
chloride, and not more than 15 per cent. of trinitro-toluene.
=PERSALIT= is a German perchlorate explosive made by the
Westfälisch-Anhaltische Sprengstoff A.-G. It contains not more than
77 per cent. of an alkali or alkali earth perchlorate, organic matter
such as hydrocarbons, resins, meal or nitrated hydrocarbons (with the
proviso that if the percentage of perchlorate exceed 70, there must
not be more than 10 per cent. of trinitro-toluene). There must also
be not less than 4 per cent. of ammonium nitrate, and there may be an
addition of sodium nitrate or other salt that does not increase the
sensitiveness.
=WETTER-PERSALIT= is a similar explosive, but has been modified
to make it more suitable for use in coal mines. It contains not more
than 35 per cent. of potassium perchlorate, not more than 25 per
cent. of ammonium nitrate, aromatic nitro-compounds of which not
more than 20 per cent. must be trinitro-toluene, vegetable meal, not
more than 6 per cent. of nitroglycerine, sodium nitrate, and neutral
salts. It is similar to Neu-Leonit.
=PETROKLASTIT= or =HALOKLASTIT= is a modified gunpowder
mixture used in Germany in potash mines and stone quarries. It
contains sodium nitrate, sulphur, coal-tar pitch, potassium nitrate,
not more than 1 per cent. of potassium bichromate, and may have up to
10 per cent. of charcoal, as, for instance--
Sodium nitrate 69
Potassium nitrate 5
Sulphur 10
Coal-tar pitch 15
Potassium bichromate 1
It is more powerful than ordinary blasting powder, and somewhat less
sensitive to blows. This explosive is also made in Switzerland.
=PETROLIT= is a German chlorate explosive introduced during the
War. It contains not more than 88 per cent. of potassium chlorate,
nitro-compounds, kerosene, and neutral salts. (This is rather a
dangerous mixture.--A.M.)
=PFALZIT.=--A German blasting explosive containing
ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, not more than 13 per cent. of
trinitro-toluene, not more than 1 per cent. of collodion cotton,
meal, sodium chloride, etc.
=PHŒNIX POWDER.=--A German coal-mine explosive made by Dr. R.
Nahnsen and Co., of Hamburg. It passed the Woolwich Test and was on
the old Permitted List.
Nitroglycerine 29·5
Collodion cotton 0·5
Potassium nitrate 32
Wood meal 38
=PICROL.=--See Shellite.
=PIERRITE.=--A form of Cheddite which was made at Gamsee, near
Brig, for excavating the Simplon tunnel--
Potassium chlorate 80
Nitro-naphthalene 11·5
Picric acid 2
Castor oil 6·5
=PIT-ITE= was a coal-mine explosive of the Carbonite type, made
by the New Explosives Co., Ltd. The composition, which was on the old
Permitted List, was--
Nitroglycerine 26
Barium nitrate 33
Wood meal 41
and a little sodium or calcium carbonate.
In order to pass the Rotherham Test, the composition was modified to
the following, No. 2, which was formerly on the Permitted List--
_Date of Permit_ 1-9-13
Nitroglycerine 24
Potassium nitrate 30
Wood meal 38
Ammonium oxalate 8
Limit charge over 32 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·15”
=PITSEA POWDER NO. 2= was a coal-mine explosive on the Permitted
List, made by the British Explosives Syndicate, Ltd.--
_Date of Permit_ 25-11-13
Nitroglycerine 6·5
Ammonium nitrate 55
Potassium nitrate 10
Wood meal 10
Ammonium oxalate 18·5
Limit charge 8 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·64”
The permit has been repealed.
Gesteins-=PLASTAMMON=.--A German blasting explosive containing
not less than 70 per cent. of ammonium nitrate, glycerine, not more
than 15 per cent. of nitro-toluene or other nitro-compounds, and not
more than 4 per cent. of nitro-semicellulose.
Steinkohlen-=PLASTAMMON= is a variation of this, containing not
more than 25 per cent. of potassium nitrate, and intended for use in
coal mines.
=*PLASTOMENIT= was an early German shot-gun powder which
possessed no great merits. The following was the composition of a
sample examined in 1893, and given in “Arms and Explosives,” 1917, p.
90--
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 32·7
” soluble 19·3
Metallic nitrates 21·0
Dinitro-toluene (solvent) 26·0
Moisture 1·0
=PLASTROTYL.=--A German high explosive for filling shell.
It consists of a partially liquid mixture of trinitro- and
dinitro-toluene gelatinised by means of not more than 0·5 per cent.
of collodion cotton, and mixed with a small quantity of turpentine or
soft resin. It does not appear to be in use now.
=PLESSIT= is a blasting explosive that was introduced in Germany
during the War. It consists of potassium chlorate, not more than 9·5
per cent. of kerosene and 0·5 per cent. of albumen. Wetter-Plessit
III. contains sodium chloride as well.
=PNIOWIT.=--A German blasting explosive containing ammonium
nitrate, trinitro-toluene, wood meal and a small percentage of
potassium perchlorate.
Nobel =POLARITE= is a blasting explosive made by Nobel’s
Explosives Co., Ltd. It consists of potassium perchlorate, and
nitroglycerine mixed with a nitro-compound and gelatinised with
collodion cotton, and absorbed in wood meal.
Poudres =B=, =J=, =M=, =S=, =T=. See under
respective letters.
=PRAEPOSIT= is a modified gunpowder--
Potassium (or sodium) nitrate 70
Sulphur 18
Charcoal 6
Hipposin 6
the last constituent being a fine powdery substance obtained from
dried horse dung. It is slower than ordinary blasting powder and more
expensive. It has a tendency to blow out, and opinions as to its
value vary. Formerly it was supplied in the form of a fine powder,
but it is now granulated or made into compressed cartridges.
=*PRIMROSE SMOKELESS= is an inexpensive 42-grain bulk powder for
shot-guns made by the New Explosives Co.
=PROGRESSIT= was an explosive formerly used in Austrian coal
mines--
Ammonium nitrate 94 89
Aniline hydrochloride 6 5
Ammonium sulphate -- 6
It was superseded in 1913 by Pannonit.
=PROMÉTHÉE= or =PROMETHEUS= is a Sprengel explosive made
by the French Government, by whom it is also called Explosif O3. It
consists of a porous oxygen carrier and a liquid combustible, which
are supplied separately, and the one is dipped in the other shortly
before use--
_a_ _b_ _c_
Potassium chlorate 95 90 80 }
Manganese dioxide 5 10 20 } Oxygen carrier, 92 to 87%
1 2
Nitro-benzene 50 60 }
Turpentine 20 15 } Combustible, 8 to 13%
Naphtha 30 25 }
Any combination of _a_, _b_ or _c_ with 1 or 2 may be
used. The amount of liquid combustible taken up may vary from 8 to 13
per cent.: this irregularity is a serious defect, and may cause
incomplete detonation. This explosive is also made in Italy.
=PROSPERIT= is a German ammonium nitrate explosive, containing
also vegetable meal, nitro-compounds and other constituents. It may
contain up to 4 per cent. of blasting gelatine.
Gelatine-Prosperit contains also up to 20 per cent. of
dinitro-chlorhydrin gelatinised with collodion cotton.
=PULVÉRIN.=--An ungranulated black powder made in France for use
in fireworks, etc.
=PULVÉRITE.=--A Belgian coal-mine explosive containing
perchlorate--
Ammonium nitrate 30·5
Potassium perchlorate 24
Nitroglycerine 6
Collodion cotton 0·5
Trinitro-toluene 7
Flour 5
Sodium chloride 18
Ammonium sulphate 7
Barium sulphate 2
The “charge limite” is 850 grammes, equivalent to 504 grammes of
Dynamite No. 1.
=PYROCOLLODION= is a nitrocotton almost entirely soluble in
ether-alcohol, and of comparatively high nitration. It contains
about 12·5 to 12·7 per cent. of nitrogen, and consequently has about
enough oxygen to oxidise all its hydrogen to water, and its carbon
to the monoxide. It was first prepared by Mendeléeff for the Russian
smokeless powder, and was afterwards adopted by the United States for
their present powder.
=PYROXILINE= was a name formerly given to nitro-cellulose.
=RACK-A-ROCK= is a Sprengel explosive which has been used
extensively in America, and also in Siberia and China. It consists
of cartridges of potassium chlorate mixed sometimes with oxide of
iron, which are dipped shortly before use into a liquid. The latter
is nitro-benzene or “dead oil,” a heavy hydrocarbon oil obtained
from coal-tar, or a mixture of the two. The chlorate cartridges
are enclosed in small cotton bags, and are placed in a wire basket
suspended from a spring balance. They are dipped into a vessel
containing the liquid until a quarter or a third of the weight of the
chlorate has been taken up.
=RASCHIT= is a blasting explosive consisting entirely of salts
readily soluble in water, invented by F. Raschig. The incorporation
is carried out by dissolving the constituents in water, and
evaporating the solution rapidly on a rotating steam-heated drum.
The oxidising substance is ammonium or sodium nitrate, and the
combustible is the sodium salt of an organic sulphonate or the
residue obtained from the manufacture of wood cellulose.
II. III. IV. V. VI.
Ammonium nitrate -- 84 87 60 85
Sodium nitrate 70 -- -- -- --
Ammonium nitro-cresol sulphonate -- 16 -- -- --
Sodium cresol sulphonate 30 -- 13 10 --
Cellulose residue -- -- -- -- 15
Sodium sulphate -- -- -- 30 --
No. II. is the only one made at present.
=R.D.B.= (Research Department B). See =CORDITE=.
=RED CROSS= explosives are American dynamites containing
some nitro-toluene or other substance to make the nitroglycerine
low-freezing.
=RED H=, Nos. 1 to 7 are American coal-mine explosives on the
Permissible List. They are ammonium nitrate mixtures.
=*RED STAR= is a 33-grain bulk smokeless powder for shot-guns,
introduced in 1906 by the New Explosives Co. According to an analysis
given in “Arms and Explosives,” 1917, p. 76, its composition is--
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 52·2
” soluble 25·5
Metallic nitrates 10·5
Nitro-compounds 7·0
Vaseline 3·0
Moisture 1·8
=RENDROCK.=--A brand of American dynamite.
=REX POWDER= is a coal-mine explosive made by the Cotton Powder
Co. It is on the Permitted List, and is used to a considerable
extent--
_Date of Permit_ 16-8-15
Nitroglycerine 12
Ammonium nitrate 60
Wood meal 8·5
Sodium chloride 19·5
Limit charge 20 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·61”
=REXITE.=--A coal-mine explosive made by the New Explosives Co.,
which was on the old Permitted List. It is no longer “permitted.”
Nitroglycerine 7·5
Ammonium nitrate 66
Sodium nitrate 14·5
Trinitro-toluene 7·5
Wood meal 4·5
=REXOL.=--A high explosive containing ammonium perchlorate,
zinc dust, resin and mineral oil.
=R.F.G.= (Rifled Fine Grain)} black powders made for
=R.L.G.= (Rifled Large Grain)} rifles and rifled ordnance
respectively.
=RHENANIT.=--A German blasting explosive containing ammonium
nitrate, not more than 4 per cent. of blasting gelatine, and
combustibles such as charcoal and naphthalene.
Wetter-Rhenanit is for use in coal mines, and contains also sodium
chloride.
Rhenanit V., which has been introduced recently, contains up to 10
per cent. of potassium perchlorate, and is similar to Astralit V.
=RHEXIT.=--An Austrian dynamite.
II. III. IV. V.
Nitroglycerine 50 35 24 15
Sodium nitrate 32·6 37 56·2 62·9
Wood meal 17 27·5 19 21·2
Sodium carbonate 0·4 0·5 0·8 0·9
=*RIFLEITE= was a completely gelatinised smokeless powder which
was made by the Smokeless Powder Co.; it was in the form of flakes.
A variety was also introduced for use in shot-guns and was called
Shot-Gun Rifleite; this was a 37-grain gelatinised dense powder.
Shot-gun For ·303
Rifleite. Rifle.
_Date of Introduction_ 1894 1890
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 76·0 1·7
” soluble 18·9 82·5
Nitro-compound 3·5 14·8
Moisture 1·6 1·0
The nitrocellulose was made from lignin. These analyses were given in
“Arms and Explosives,” 1917, p. 77.
=RIPPING AMMONAL.= See =AMMONAL=.
=RIPPITE= is an explosive made by Curtis’s and Harvey, which was
on the old Permitted List--
Nitroglycerine 61
Collodion cotton 4
Potassium nitrate 19
Castor oil 1
Wood meal 5
Ammonium oxalate 10
It is no longer “permitted” for use in dangerous coal mines, but is
still used for general purposes.
=SUPER-RIPPITE= is a modification of this, which has passed the
Rotherham Test and is on the Permitted List--
_Date of Permit_ 29-8-14
Nitroglycerine 52
Collodion cotton 3
Potassium nitrate 14·5
Borax 22·5
Potassium chloride 8
Limit charge 18 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·53”
=RIVALIT= is a German blasting explosive containing ammonium
nitrate, vegetable meal, nitro-compounds, and may also contain up to
3 per cent. of blasting gelatine.
Rivalit P, which has been introduced recently, contains up to 10
per cent. of potassium perchlorate, and is practically the same as
Astralit V.
Chlorat-Rivalit is an explosive of the Cheddite type, introduced in
Germany during the War--
Potassium chlorate 88·5
Paraffin 11·5
=ROBURITE= is a coal-mine explosive of the Grisounite class. In
Germany many different mixtures have been made, but in general they
are within the following limits--
Ammonium nitrate 70 to 80
Potassium nitrate 5 ” 10
Trinitro-toluene 12 ” 15
Flour 6
Sodium chloride 5 to 6
Potassium permanganate 0·1 ” 0·5
but some are outside them.
The explosive has also been made in England by the Roburite
Explosives Co., Ltd., now incorporated in Roburite and Ammonal,
Ltd., who had the following on the old Permitted List--
No. 3
Ammonium nitrate 88
Dinitro-benzene 11
Chlor-naphthalene 1
The following has passed the Rotherham Test and is now
on the Permitted List--
No. 4
_Date of Permit_ 13-5-14
Ammonium nitrate 61
Trinitro-toluene 16
Sodium chloride 23
Limit charge 18 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·86”
=ROCKITE= is an explosive made by Curtis’s and Harvey for quarry
work, etc.
=ROMPERIT.=--A German blasting explosive containing ammonium
nitrate, potassium nitrate, trinitro-toluene, flour and resin. It may
also contain up to 4 per cent. of blasting gelatine.
Wetter-Romperit contains also sodium chloride, ammonium chloride or
magnesite, and is used in coal mines.
Gelatine-Romperit contains gelatinised nitroglycerine, glycerine,
potato meal, etc., and nitrates, and may also contain aromatic
nitro-compounds and alkali nitrates.
Romperit G, which has been introduced recently, contains up to 10 per
cent. of potassium perchlorate, and is similar to Astralit V.
=ROSLIN GIANT BLASTING POWDER= is a perchlorate explosive made
by Curtis’s and Harvey.
=*ROTTWEIL SMOKELESS POWDERS.=--These were pushed energetically
in England in 1913. They comprised a gelatinised rifle powder, and a
37-grain gelatinised dense shot-gun powder. Analyses were given in
“Arms and Explosives,” 1917, p. 90--
Shot-gun. Rifle.
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 72·3 72·8
” soluble 24·5 25·0
Metallic nitrates 0·7 --
Camphor and diphenylamine 1·0 1·0
Moisture 1·5 1·2
=*RUBY POWDER.=--- A 42-grain bulk smokeless powder, for
shot-guns, introduced in 1899 by Curtis’s and Harvey. The following
analysis was given in “Arms and Explosives,” 1917--
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 46·6
” soluble 4·0
Metallic nitrates 34·0
Nitro-compound 8·2
Starch 5·5
Moisture 1·7
It is an inexpensive powder made without solvents.
=RUSSELITE.=--A coal-mine explosive which was made by the
Forcite Co. in Belgium. It was on the old British Permitted List--
Nitroglycerine 40·5
Collodion cotton 2·3
Potassium nitrate 24·5
Trinitro-toluene 5·5
Wood meal 4
Ammonium oxalate 23
Calcium carbonate 0·2
*Poudre =S= is a shot-gun powder made by the French Government.
It consists of--
Guncotton 37
Soluble nitrocotton 28
Potassium nitrate 6
Barium nitrate 29
Moisture 2
The ingredients are incorporated together under light edge runners,
dried and partially gelatinised with 35 per cent. of ether-alcohol.
The dough, which is not very coherent, is formed into grains by
simply passing it through a sieve. The grains are dried, sifted,
hardened if necessary with ether-alcohol, and again dried and sifted.
=SABULITE= is a blasting explosive containing ammonium nitrate,
trinitro-toluene and calcium silicide. The last constituent increases
the heat of explosion and renders the mixture more sensitive both
to detonation and to blows; it plays the same part as the aluminium
powder in Ammonal.
Ammonium nitrate 78
Trinitro-toluene 8
Calcium silicide 14
This composition was modified by the Belgian Sabulite Co. to render
it suitable for use in coal mines: by introducing some potassium
nitrate and ammonium chloride it was able to pass the tests, and
obtain a place on the list of “explosifs S.G.P.”--
Sabulite
antigri-
souteuse A.
Ammonium nitrate 54
Potassium nitrate 22
Ammonium chloride 13
Trinitro-toluene 6
Calcium silicide 5
Sabulite has been used as a military high explosive.
=SAFETY BLASTING POWDER.= See =CAHUECIT=.
=SALIT= or Wittenberger Wetterdynamit is a German
coal-mine explosive. The following is an analysis--
Ammonium nitrate 53·6
Nitroglycerine 11·8
Collodion cotton 0·5
Dinitro-toluene 8·5
Dextrin 2·5
Sodium chloride 23·1
=SAMSONITE.=--A coal-mine explosive made by Nobel’s Explosives
Co., Ltd. It was on the old Permitted List. It is now no longer
permitted for use in dangerous coal mines but is still used for
general purposes.
Nitroglycerine 58·5
Collodion cotton 3·5
Potassium nitrate 18
Wood meal 6·5
Ammonium oxalate 13·5
During the War potassium nitrate was replaced by sodium nitrate, and
the nitroglycerine was reduced to 50 per cent.
Nos. 2 and 3 have passed the Rotherham Test and are on the Permitted
List--
No. 2. No. 3.
_Date of Permit_ 25-1-19 25-1-19
Nitroglycerine 51·5 51·5
Collodion cotton 3 3
Amide compound 0·2 0·3
Potassium perchlorate 11 --
Sodium nitrate -- 10
Borax 23·3 25·2
Potassium chloride 10 --
Sodium chloride -- 10
Moisture 1 --
Limit charge 26 24 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·49 2·42”
=SAXONITE= was the predecessor of Samsonite on the old Permitted
List. It has practically the same composition, but wide limits
are allowed. It also is used for general purposes. During the War
potassium nitrate was replaced by sodium nitrate.
Ammon-=SCHLESIT= or Kohlen-=SCHLESIT= is a German
coal-mine explosive containing ammonium nitrate and other nitrates,
nitro-compounds, starch, neutral salts, not more than 4 per cent.
of blasting gelatine, and not more than 2 per cent. of potassium
perchlorate.
=SCHNEIDERITE= is a high explosive used by the French for
filling shell. Its composition is the same as the Favier explosive
N_1 c.
=*SCHULTZE POWDER= was the first successful smokeless powder
made. It was invented by Capt. E. Schultze of the Prussian Artillery,
who appears at first simply to have impregnated little grains of
wood with saltpetre (Eng. Pat. 900 of 1864). But later the wood
cellulose was purified and nitrated, and then mixed with nitrates.
The powder has remained the same as this until the present day,
although the methods of manufacture have been developed and, indeed,
revolutionised more than once. In “Arms and Explosives,” 1917, p. 75,
the following analyses of different brands were given--
Sawdust. Schultze. Imperial. Cube. Lightning.
_Date introduced_ 1869 1883 1902 1908 1913
_Charge for_ 42 42 33 30 33
_12-bore grns._
Fibrous. Fibrous. Fibrous. Gelatinised. Fibrous.
Nitrocellulose,
insoluble} 25·0 63·7 62·1 55·0
” soluble} 64·8 40·0 18·9 27·0 27·0
Metallic nitrates 33·0 29·0 8·0 5·0 11·2
Vaseline -- 4·0 7·6 4·0 5·0
Moisture 2·2 2·0 1·8 1·9 1·8
The nitrocellulose in all cases has been made from wood
cellulose. All the powders are of the bulk type.
Schultze powder is also made in America as a 36-grain
fibrous bulk powder--
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 4·9
” soluble 78·5
Metallic nitrates 10·5
Vaseline 3·7
Moisture 2·4
=SEAMEX= is a coal-mine explosive on the Permitted List made by
Explosives and Chemical Products, Ltd.--
Nitroglycerine 10
Ammonium nitrate 58
Wheat flour 20
Sodium chloride 12
Limit charge 36 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2.54”
=SEBOMITE= is a French chlorate explosive resembling Cheddite,
but containing tallow instead of castor oil.
=SECURITE= was one of the first coal-mine explosives. It
contained ammonium nitrate and dinitro-benzene, and was therefore
similar to Bellite and Roburite.
=SECUROPHORE.=--A Belgian coal-mine explosive containing
nitroglycerine, nitrates, flour and other constituents.
=SENGITE= is a variety of Tonite introduced in South Africa
as a substitute for Gelignite in consequence of the scarcity of
glycerine due to the War. It contains guncotton and sodium nitrate,
and sufficient moisture to render it safe to handle without
diminishing its strength. The first four letters of its name stand
for _s_ubstitute _e_xplosive _n_o _g_lycerine. It requires a priming
cartridge of gelignite or similar explosive. It is more expensive
than gelignite, and consequently is not likely to be used when the
scarcity of glycerine has been relieved.
=SHELLITE.=--A high explosive consisting of picric acid and
dinitro-phenol, used for filling shells. The mixture possesses
the advantage over straight picric acid that it melts at a lower
temperature. It was for a time called Picrol.
=SHEPPEY POWDER.=--A coal-mine explosive made by the Cotton
Powder Co. which was on the Permitted List for a short time, but was
removed in 1914--
_Date of Permit_ 25-11-13
Nitroglycerine 27
Potassium nitrate 31
Wood meal 36
Ammonium oxalate 6
Limit charge 10 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·10”
=SIEGENIT.=--A German blasting explosive containing ammonium
nitrate, flour, and not more than 15 per cent. of dinitro-toluene.
For use in coal mines, sodium chloride and magnesium sulphate are
added as diluents, and nitroglycerine to increase the sensitiveness.
=SILESIA= is a German blasting explosive consisting of potassium
chlorate, the particles of which are coated with resin or oxidised
resin. The latter is made by treating ground colophony, mixed with 10
per cent. of starch, with nitric acid. After washing and drying this
is incorporated with the chlorate with the aid of alcohol, in which
it is soluble. For use in coal mines sodium chloride is sometimes
added. The following are examples--
4. 4_a_. IV. 22.
Potassium chlorate 80 80 70
Resin 20 16 } 8
” oxidised -- 4 }
Sodium chloride -- -- 22
It is practically the same as Steelite.
=*S.K., S.R., S.S., S.V.= were partially gelatinised fibrous
smokeless powders, introduced by the Smokeless Powder Co. about 1889.
They are no longer made. The following analyses were given in “Arms
and Explosives,” 1917, p. 77--
S.R. S.S.
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 45·2 53·0
” soluble 25·5 13·0
Metallic nitrates. 18·5 18·0
Nitro-compound -- 10·0
Vaseline -- 4·6
Starch 8·0 --
Moisture 2·8 1·4
The nitrocellulose was made from lignin. S.S. was a 38-grain bulk
powder; S.R. was a fibrous powder for rifles; S.K. a similar powder
for small rifles, and S.V. for revolvers.
=*SMOKELESS DIAMOND= is a 33-grain bulk smokeless powder for
shot-guns, introduced in 1903 by Curtis’s and Harvey. According to an
analysis in “Arms and Explosives,” 1917, p. 78, its composition is--
Nitrocellulose, insoluble 69·0
” soluble 6·6
Metallic nitrates 15·0
Vaseline 2·5
Charcoal 5·6
Moisture 1·3
=*SOLENITE.=--A smokeless powder introduced in Italy in 1896 for
use in rifles--
Nitroglycerine 34
Nitrocotton, soluble 63
Mineral jelly 3
It is gelatinised with the aid of acetone, and is made in the form of
translucent short tubes of a light brown colour.
=SPRENGCHLORAT.= See Hassia-Chlorat.
=SPRENGEL EXPLOSIVES= were patented in 1871 by Dr. Hermann
Sprengel, F.R.S., the inventor of the mercury vacuum pump. They are
made by mixing an oxidising substance with a combustible one, the
essential features being that one or both of the substances must be
liquid, and the mixing takes place shortly before the explosive is
required. The mixture is exploded by means of a fulminate detonator.
As oxidising agents, Sprengel mentioned amongst others nitric acid
and potassium chlorate; nitrogen peroxide has also been used; as
combustibles, a large number of substances including nitro-benzene,
nitro-naphthalene, carbon bisulphide, petroleum and picric acid. For
most purposes nitric acid is an inconvenient material to use. Porous
cartridges of potassium chlorate constitute the oxidiser generally
employed, the combustibles being hydrocarbon oils and nitro-benzene.
This possesses considerable advantages, as there is no danger of
a premature explosion until the constituents have been mixed.
Under the British Explosives Act, however, this mixing constitutes
“manufacture,” and can only be carried out in a properly licensed
factory. Consequently Sprengel explosives have not been used in Great
Britain, but they have been employed on a considerable scale in the
United States, France, Italy and other countries.
For examples of Sprengel explosives _see_ Panclastite, Prométhée,
Rack-a-Rock.
=SPRENGGELATINE= is the German for Blasting Gelatine.
=SPRENGSALPETER= is a cheap German blasting powder made from
sodium nitrate, sulphur and brown coal. It is used in the potash
mines.
=STABILITE= is a name that has been given to trinitro-anisole.
It has been tried as a constituent of a smokeless powder, but it
belies its title as it is readily hydrolysed with the formation of
picric acid. It has also been used by the Germans as a filling for
bombs.
=STANFORD POWDER.=--A coal-mine explosive of the Favier class
which was on the Permitted List for a short time in 1913.
=STEELITE= was practically the same as Silesia. Colliery
Steelite was a coal-mine explosive on the old Permitted List, and
made by Steelite Explosives, Ltd. It contained--
Potassium chlorate 74
Oxidised resin 25
Castor oil 1
Steelite is no longer authorised for manufacture or import
into the United Kingdom.
=ST. HELEN’S POWDER.=--A coal-mine explosive of the Ammonal type
made by the Roburite Explosives Co., which was on the old Permitted
List--
Ammonium nitrate 93·5
Aluminium powder 2·5
Trinitro-toluene 4
=STOMONAL= is a coal-mine explosive made by the New Explosives
Co., Ltd. It was on the old Permitted List. In order to pass the
Rotherham Test and obtain places on the new Permitted List, No. 1 and
No. 2 have had salts added as cooling agents--
No. 1. No. 2.
_Date of Permit_ 22-6-14 9-5-17
Nitroglycerine 8 10 10
Ammonium nitrate 84·5 56[2] 60·5
Sodium nitrate -- 6 --
Wood meal 7·5 -- 6·5
Wheat flour -- 8·5 --
Sodium chloride -- 19·5 17
Ammonium oxalate -- -- 6
Limit charge -- 20 30 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) -- 2·68 2·57”
[2] Including not more than 2 per cent. magnesium carbonate.
=STONAX= is a low-freezing Gelignite containing a small
percentage of a nitro-compound.
=STOW-ITE.=--A coal-mine explosive made by the New Explosives
Co., Ltd. It was on the old Permitted List--
Nitroglycerine 59
Collodion cotton 4·7
Potassium nitrate 18·3
Wood meal 6
Ammonium oxalate 12
=*STOWMARKET SMOKELESS= is a 33-grain bulk powder for shot-guns
made by the New Explosives Co. It is a comparatively inexpensive
powder.
=SUNDERITE= was a coal-mine explosive made by Nobel’s Explosives
Co., Ltd., at one time on the Permitted List--
_Date of Permit_ 25-11-13
Nitroglycerine 9
Ammonium nitrate 53·2
Potassium perchlorate 9
Wood meal 8·8
Ammonium oxalate 20
Limit charge 16 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·66”
=SUPER-CLIFFITE.= See =CLIFFITE=.
=SUPER-CURTISITE.= See =CURTISITE=.
=SUPER-EXCELLITE.= See =EXCELLITE=.
=SUPERITE.=--A coal-mine explosive which was made by the
Carbonite Company in Germany, and formerly on the Permitted List--
_Date of Permit_ 1-9-13
Nitroglycerine 4
Ammonium nitrate 82
Potassium nitrate 10
Starch 4
Limit charge 10 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·53”
The Permit was repealed on 21-11-16.
=SUPER-KOLAX.= See =KOLAX.=
=SUPER-RIPPITE.= See =RIPPITE=.
=SWALE POWDER= was a coal-mine explosive on the
Permitted List made by the Cotton Powder Co., Ltd.--
_Date of Permit_ 10-2-14
Nitroglycerine 19
Collodion cotton 1
Trinitro-toluene 4
Potassium perchlorate 38
Wood meal 10
Ammonium oxalate 28
Limit charge 20 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·50”
The permit has been repealed.
=SWALITE.=--A coal-mine explosive made by the Cotton
Powder Co., Ltd. It was on the old Permitted List--
Nitroglycerine 59·5
Collodion cotton 4
Potassium nitrate 17
Wood meal 6
Ammonium oxalate 13·5
=SYNDITE.=--A coal-mine explosive formerly on the Permitted
List. It was made by the Carbonite Syndicate in Germany--
Nitroglycerine 11
Collodion cotton 0·2
Ammonium nitrate 46·3
Sodium nitrate 8
Glycerine 3·5
Starch 4
Sodium chloride 27
Limit charge over 40 oz.
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·22”
The permit was repealed on 21-9-16.
*Poudre =T= is a condensed smokeless shot-gun powder
manufactured by the French Government. It is made from guncotton,
CP_1, to which 2 per cent. of saltpetre is added, gelatinised with
acetone. The dough is pressed into strips which are rolled down to a
thickness of 0·15 mm. and cut into small squares of 1·5 mm. side. The
powder is then steeped in water to dissolve out the greater part of
the potassium nitrate, dried, and finally drummed with a little gum
and graphite to make it more progressive. This powder is superior to
the other French sporting-powders, but is more expensive. The charge
for a 16-bore cartridge is 1·9 grammes.
=TELSIT A= is a blasting explosive made at the Nobel Works in
Switzerland. It consists of ammonium nitrate, nitrated toluene and
aluminium powder.
Gelatine-Telsit contains ammonium nitrate, blasting gelatine and
liquid trinitro-toluene, also gelatinised with collodion cotton.
Special-Gelatine-Telsit differs from this in having part of the
ammonium nitrate replaced by sodium nitrate.
=TERRIT= is a plastic blasting explosive made in Sweden, and
consisting of ammonium perchlorate, sodium nitrate and liquid
dinitro-toluene, gelatinised with collodion cotton--
Ammonium perchlorate 43
Sodium nitrate 28
Dinitro-toluene (liquid) 27·8
Collodion cotton 1·2
It is difficult to detonate.
=TETRYL= is the name usually given to tetranitro-methyl-aniline,
the strictly scientific designation of which is trinitro-phenyl-
methyl-nitramine--
CH_3 NO_2
\ /
\ /
N
/ \
NO_2 | | NO_2
| |
\ /
NO_2
It is used extensively as an intermediate detonating agent for
high-explosive shell, as it is somewhat more sensitive than most of
the explosives used, and can consequently be detonated by a small
charge of fulminate. It is also called C. E.
Grisou-=TETRILITE=. See Favier Powder.
=TEUTONIT= is a German Favier explosive containing not less than
70 per cent. of ammonium nitrate, not more than 5 per cent. of flour
or potato meal, and not more than 15 per cent. of aromatic nitro- and
dinitro-compounds. It may also contain neutral salts.
=TEUTONITE= was a name given occasionally to White Gunpowder
(q. v.).
=THAMES POWDER= is a coal-mine explosive on the Permitted List
made by the British Explosives Syndicate, Ltd.--
No. 2.
_Date of Permit_ 22-6-14 28-1-15
Nitroglycerine 6·5 10
Ammonium nitrate 55 59[3]
Potassium nitrate 10 --
Wood meal 4·5 10
Starch 5 --
Ammonium oxalate 19 --
Sodium chloride -- 21
Limit charge 32 22
Power (swing of ballistic pendulum) 2·78 2·59”
[3] Including not more than 2 per cent. of magnesium carbonate.
=THERMIT= is not an explosive, although in some respects it
resembles one. It generally consists of a mixture of about three
parts oxide of iron with one part of aluminium powder, but other
oxides and other metals are sometimes used. When initiated by strong
heat in one place a reaction sets in with great evolution of heat
and the formation of a white-hot mass of molten iron and slag. It
differs from an explosive in that no gas is formed and the reaction
is comparatively slow. It is used for filling incendiary bombs and
for many industrial purposes.
=THORNIT.=--A German blasting explosive consisting of ammonium
nitrate and vegetable meal. It may also contain animal or vegetable
fats.
=TITANITE.=--A coal-mine explosive manufactured in Hungary.
A variety of it was on the old British Permitted List--
Ammonium nitrate 87
Trinitro-toluene 7
Curcuma charcoal 6
Other varieties containing a smaller percentage of ammonium
nitrate have been used for general blasting.
=T.N.T.= stands for trinitro-toluene or trotyl.
=TOLITE= stands for trinitro-toluene.
=TONITE=, or Cotton Powder, is a blasting explosive which was
much used at one time. It consists of guncotton mixed with a nitrate
and compressed into blocks or cylinders, but a small percentage of
a nitro-compound has sometimes been added. A Belgian Tonite had the
composition--
Guncotton 53·0
Barium nitrate 37·6
Sodium nitrate 9·4