An experimental study of mitigation of fire hazards of flash powder by adding Mono Ammonium Phosphate as a solid inertant for explosive waste disposal in firework industries

Abstract

In firework industries, flash powder which is a chemical mixture is used for crackers manufacturing. Flash powder is a highly inflammable chemical mixture. It consists of Aluminium, Sulphur, and Potassium Nitrate. In the manufacturing, daily wastes are collected and burned in the open pit. This leads not only to air pollution but also causes many accidents. There seems to exist no satisfactory method of waste disposal that is suitable for explosive waste. Here, the author has suggested a novel method according to which the explosives can be converted into an inert substance by adding solid inertants and then can be safely disposed by land fill. A solid inertant mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) chemical was utilized to lower the flash powder's sensitivity. MAP is a fire extinguishing agent which can also be used as a fertilizer for the soil. In this work, various tests like layer ignition temperature, friction and impact sensitivity, plant growth test and decomposition test were conducted for the MAP mixed flash powder. From the various tests, it has been concluded that 50% MAP mixed flash powder would be safe to handle and that 75% mixed flash powder does not decompose at all weather conditions. After land filling, soil is not polluted, and it could be used for agriculture purpose.