Investigation of the use of a closed pressure vessel test for estimating condensed phase explosive properties of organic compounds

Following the indications of earlier work, the use of a closed pressure ves sel test (a mini-autoclave system) to estimate the explosive properties of organic compounds has been investigated. The dependent variable was an expl osivity ranking derived from the results of a propagation of detonation tes t, a heating under confinement test and a deflagration test. Tentative crit eria have been derived to allow the following conclusions: Not detonable Not Class 1 No explosive properties with respect to transport classification The criteria are based upon the maximum rate of pressure rise observed in t he mini-autoclave and the temperature at which this occurs. They offer a mo re efficient screen than the decomposition energy criteria which are curren tly used for initial assessment of explosive properties. The importance of event temperature suggests that existing classification tests may be undere stimating heating under confinement and deflagration hazards. In this case, maximum rates of pressure rise from a closed pressure vessel test might be a better basis of classification, at least for supply if not transport. Fu rther work is necessary to test the proposed screening criteria and to asse ss the use of a closed pressure vessel test as a means of classification. ( C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.