New Concepts in Studying Electrostatic Discharge Hazards of Propellants, Pyrotechnics and Explosives

Abstract : A study of electrostatic discharge hazards was conducted to determine the worse case situation in handling and producing propellants, pyrotechnics and explosives (PEP). Electrostatic charge generation, storage and mechanisms of discharge were studied. External versus internal generated discharges were studied. A set of guidelines were established to evaluate electrostatic charging, charge transfer, storage and discharges. Impedance matching is essential for ignition of a wide variety of materials in processing and handling.