Chapter 5: Impact and Friction Sensitivities of Petn During Manufacture

The tetranitrate of pentaerythritol, PETN, is used as booster explosive, in detonation cords or detonators. Industrial production has been steadily optimized since the 1930’s, but accidents still occur on plants. In this work, the impact and friction sensitivity of PETN during manufacture is investigated. For this purpose, a laboratory reactor was developed together with BIAZZI S.A. and Austin Powder Technology GmbH. The conditions are kept as close as possible to the industrial standard. The content of dipentaerythritol in the starting material is varied from 0.1 to 1.3% as usual in the industry. BAM impact and friction instruments are used to analyze dry and wet (up to 35%) samples from the filter. The results will be used to assist in the design of new equipment and to help the equipment operator to be able to correctly assess the danger of the material.