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Dangers of Black Powder - Darwin Award?

HPmatt

HPmatt

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
1,468
Location
Dallas
Two men who are supposedly students at UT Arlington involved in flash fire after emptying fireworks of their blackpowder. One died and the other with severe burns. W/b interested to see a) if they were really students, and b) what they were going to do with the black powder. UTA has a very large minority & muslim population attending, but also has a good business school. Guess these guys hadn't got to upper division courses dealing with static electricity or code requirements for explosion proof electrical enclosures.

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Arlington-Police-Investigate-Garage-Explosion-273157241.html
 
Grapeshot

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
I carry nitroglycerin with me wherever I go, even in courtrooms.............hint, it is Rx.
 
Grapeshot

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
Grapeshot said:
Well I do have an ignition source implanted in my chest.


......Burp!
Click to expand...

I'm very popular when it's leaf burning time, melting ice from the sidewalk in the winter, and at marshmallow roasts.

Can I light your cigar?

Note: Only a qualified professional should try this.
 
MSG Laigaie

MSG Laigaie

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
3,239
Location
Philipsburg, Montana
JamesCanby said:
Lest we forget, the Boston Marathon bombers allegedly got their explosive content in the same way...
Click to expand...

There is enough "material" laying around the floor of Home Depot and Lowes to make some very impressive explosive devices. You just need a decent recipe and a good cook.

and unlike the gentlemen in the OP, a bit of brains.
 
Freedom1Man

Freedom1Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2012
Messages
4,462
Location
Greater Eastside Washington
It's flash powder that is used in fireworks making. It's not gunpowder.

There are various formulas that can be used to make them depending on what the powder is being used for. Some are much much more sensitive than others.

Either way, there is a safer way to unload fireworks, but you have to be in static electricity free environment first off and use non-sparking tool for the second part.
 
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