Tagging of Explosives for Detection

J. S. Gharia; R. K. Shina; U. R. Nair; S. R. Nayak; R. M. Roy

doi:10.14429/dsj.50.3329

J. S. Gharia High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
R. K. Shina High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
U. R. Nair High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
S. R. Nayak High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
R. M. Roy High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.50.3329

Keywords: Liquid chromatography, Explosive vapour detector, PETN explosives

Abstract

This paper gives the results of a study on estimation of shelf life of2,3-dimethyI2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB)-tagged RDX and PETN expiosives by monitoring DMNB depletion by high performance
liquid chromatography and simultaneously recording the detectability of the tagged explosive composition using explosive vapoUf detector Model-97 HS. DMNB was incorporated in the explosive using methanol as solvent for DMNB and the explosive compositions were stored at 35,55 and 75 °C over a long period. Methods developed for preparing the homogeneously tagged composition with DMNB at 0.5 per cent level and for the analysis ofDMNB for ensuring homogeneity of DMNB in the composition are described. The results show no change in compatibility and sensitivity on the incorporation of DMNB in the explosive. Estimation of shelf life of DMNB in the explosive was done for a period of storage of 202-304 days at different temperatures.

Author Biographies

J. S. Gharia, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune

Mr JS Gharia obtained -his MSc (Organic Chemistry). He has undergone an advanced course on warhead technology at MBB, Germany. He worked as Dy Controller of Explosives in the Department of Civil Explosives, Calcutta. He joined DRDO at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune, in 1975. His areas of research include: civil and military explosives. He js the recipient of DRDO Cash Award for the development of warheads for Prithvi and Pinaka and for HMX production.

R. K. Shina, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune

R K Sinha joined DRDO at HEMRL, Pune. His areas of research include: plastic bonded explosive compositions, explosive detection and marking. He is a member of the High Energy Materials Society of India.

U. R. Nair, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune

Ms UR Nair joined DRDO at HEMRL, Pune. Her areas of research include: plastic bonded explosive compositions, explosive detection and marking.

S. R. Nayak, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune

Mr SR Nayak joined DRDO at HEMRL, Pune, in 1987. His areas of research include: high explosives, explosive detection and marking.

R. M. Roy, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune

Ms RM Roy obtained her MSc (Chemistry). She joined DRDO at HEMRL, Pune. Her areas of research include: high explosives, tagging and explosive detection.

References

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Tagging of Explosives for Detection

Abstract

Author Biographies

References

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