| abstract |
The invention provides an improved process for the production of a pyrotechnic or explosive device containing encased hazardous solid material wherein the material is dispersed in an inert liquid, the dispersion is formed into droplets and the droplets are solidified in a cooling medium. The solidified droplets are loaded into a casing and freeze-dried in situ in the casing to produce dry particles of the hazardous material, which may optionally be pressed within the casing, advantageously under vacuum, n Only the operations (if any) subsequent to the freeze-drying need special precautions to be taken to prevent damage to personnel or equipment. n The invention is advantageous for the preparation of detonators, igniters and other devices containing hazardous materials for example lead azide, lead styphnate, pentaerythritol tetranitrate and boron/potassium nitrate mixtures. |