Improved mixing, granulation and drying of highly energetic pyromixtures

Abstract : A safer and more efficient method of mixing, granulating and drying (MIGRAD) highly energetic (UN 1.1) pyrotechnic composition will be reported. The process uses a MIGRAD mixer/granulator that was tailored to mix, granulate and dry a pyrotechnic material (20-40 lbs.) within a single mixing chamber. Features of the process include remote loading and unloading, reduced solvent, shortened mixing cycle (40 minutes), infinitely variable speed control of mixing and granulating impellers, built-in state-of-the-art fire detection/suppression (UV-50MS, IF-10MS), explosion venting, heated-chamber, vacuum drying, remote/programmable controls, and remote mixer cleanup using energy of the mixer. The mixing process will be evaluated for preparation of some 24 pyrotechnic compositions for five Arsenals/Ammo Loading Plants. Hazards Classification Safety Data Sheets were prepared for the 24 pyrotechnic compositions and will be reported along with resultant physical properties of the completed compositions.