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Author: Subject: ETN Synthesis/Yield Problems
the Z man
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[*] posted on 17-7-2010 at 03:21


Don't crimp the detonator tube around the fuse, especially when you're using something like AP. Also organic peroxides become very unstable when in contact with some metals, especially copper. You had better use something like aluminium tube or a plastic tube or even a drinking straw. Always use as little AP as you can (with ETN you need very little AP) and push it down VERY gently, and while you do this don't keep it in your hands. The fuse should be sticked with something like electrical tape taking care that tape covers the open side of the tube, so that sparks from the fuse cannot reach the AP. After AP has been added handle the detonator as little as possible.
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quicksilver
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[*] posted on 17-7-2010 at 04:55


I would be extremely careful with metal contacting an energetic peroxide.......
The only studies done of energetic peroxides was via the USBoM with HMTP and the major reason why they stopped was that Bakelite tubes were the only material (polymer plastics were not popular at that item; many had not been invented) that could be used with safety and the material had an even lower shelf life than Hg Fulminate. TATP is actually a much less efficient initiator than HMTP. The later also dries fairly well thus making it much more stable than TATP. The inconsistent results of TATP have been too many to quantify & is generally considered to be a setup for problems.
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jack3k3
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[*] posted on 17-7-2010 at 09:39


Quote: Originally posted by the Z man  
Don't crimp the detonator tube around the fuse, especially when you're using something like AP. Also organic peroxides become very unstable when in contact with some metals, especially copper. You had better use something like aluminium tube or a plastic tube or even a drinking straw. Always use as little AP as you can (with ETN you need very little AP) and push it down VERY gently, and while you do this don't keep it in your hands. The fuse should be sticked with something like electrical tape taking care that tape covers the open side of the tube, so that sparks from the fuse cannot reach the AP. After AP has been added handle the detonator as little as possible.


I tried to accont for some of these things but you are right its still risky.

For example, primary packed immediately prior to detonation, plenty of room was left between area that was very carefully crimped and the top of the AP (also it was ensured that no ap was in the area). Also fuse was quite long to ensure no sparks jumped to AP.
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