Improvements relating to the Manufacture of Explosives and to Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Apr., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 5th Jan., 1891-Accepted, 21st Feb., 181
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of Crayford Works,
Crayford, in the County of Kent, and Victoria Mansions, Victoria Street, in
the City of Westminster, Mechanical Engineer, at present residing at Vienna,
Austria.]
Improvements relating to the Manufacture of Explosives and to
Apparatus therefor.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows :-
My invention relates to the manufacture of explosives of the kind or class known
as nitro-compounds or nitrated explosives, such as gun-cotton, nitro-glycerine and
mixtures of these substances, and to apparatus for use in such manufacture.
My said invention comprises improved methods or processes whereby I provide
for the production of nitro-glycerine, gun-cotton and similar explosive substances,
and also for the production of a smokeless powder, for use in fire-arms and for other
purposes, by the combination of such gun-cotton and nitro-glycerine with oil.
An important feature of my said invention consists in bringing the acid and the
cotton, glycerine or other material to be acted upon thereby, into intimate contact
with each other while both are in a very finely divided condition. I accomplish
this result by introducing the said cotton, glycerine or other material in the form of
spray, or in a finely divided condition, into a stream or current of acid spray by
means of compressed air or by means of an air-blast.
My said invention, moreover, comprises an improved method or process and
apparatus for the treatment of the explosives so produced to adapt them for use in
cannon, rifles and other fire-arms or for other purposes.
In the manufacture of nitro-glycerine according to my present invention, the
mixing of the nitric or nitrating acid and the glycerine is effected by means of an
injector operated by cold compressed air or by a cold air-blast. The suction pro-
duced by the current of air flowing through a nozzle forming a part of the injector,
draws the glycerine from a tank containing the same, and the current of air impinges
upon and atomizes the glycerine or scatters the same in a fine spray. The acid is
similarly drawn from another tank and blown into a fine spray. The substances are,
therefore, intermingled while in a very finely divided condition in the presence of
air which is rapidly expanding. The air being kept under a high pressure in the
compressed air reservoir, a considerable amount of refrigeration will take place by
reason of its expansion, and the temperature of the acid and glycerine will thus be
prevented from rising too high. The acid and glycerine sprays are together blown
into and conveyed through a mixing pipe or tube of considerable length, so that the
reagents will have ample time to act upon one another in the manner required. The
said pipe or tube may be from one inch and a quarter to one inch and a half in diameter,
at the part which surrounds the injector and for a distance of say sixteen inches or
thereabouts from the said injector, and may gradually increase in diameter beyond
this point until it reaches a collecting tank. It is, moreover, advantageous to
arrange the. said pipe or tube with a fall of about one in fifteen, towards the said
tank. The length of the mixing pipe or tube may be from one to two hundred feet,
more or less, and a wall or a mound of earth may be provided between the injector
and the tank to serve as a protection to the operator. Prior to entering the
collecting tank, the current of spray is met by a jet of cold water which is intro-
duced or injected into the aforesaid pipe or tube by any suitable means and serves
to cool or quench the said spray as it is about to enter the tank.

page_text: The tanks for containing the acid and the glycerine are preferably arranged side
by side above the injector and mixing tube or chamber, and should be made of such
relative dimensions that they will contain the required proportions of acid and
glycerine and will therefore both be emptied at the same time.
By the improvements above described, I ensure that the quantity of explosive
material operated upon at any time in the apparatus shall be very small.
The collecting tank is preferably of large dimensions so that it will contain a
great quantity of water. It is, in some instances, surrounded by a water-jacket or
casing for keeping it cool, as is also the aforesaid pipe or tube in which the nitration
takes place.
The acids and glycerine being blown into a fine spray as above described, an
instantaneous nitration will be effected while the expansion of the air as it issues
from the injector serves to lower the temperature. Moreover by the use of my
improved apparatus, the chemical reaction can be readily controlled, and should any
undue production of heat take place, or nitrous fumes be developed, the supply of
air to the injector may be increased and the temperature thus brought down.
In cases where the space available for the apparatus does not admit of the use of
a long mixing pipe or tube such as I have hereinbefore mentioned, the acid is placed
in a large tank or reservoir, upon the upper part of which is placed an injector
operated by compressed air; the acid is drawn out of the tank by this injector and
discharged into the said tank again with great force through a suitable system of
pipes. The glycerine is allowed to enter the said pipes at any convenient part
thereof, and a thorough commingling of the same with the acid takes place under
great cold due to the expansion of the air from the injector.
For the manufacture of gun-cotton, I adopt the following method, viz. :-The
cotton, preferably in the form of rolls, is fed to and impinges against a toothed
wheel or carding wheel, which is arranged to revolve in the opening or mouth of a
tube or channel communicating with a mixing pipe or tube provided with an injector
operated by compressed air as hereinbefore mentioned. The acid is placed in a
closed tank connected by a pipe with the injector. The said injector operates to
draw the acid from the tank and discharge it in the form of spray into the mixing
tube or chamber; the action of the said injector, moreover, produces a great
inrush of air about the circumference of the said revolving toothed wheel or
carding wheel, thus drawing the cotton torn from the roll by the said wheel, into
the mixing tube or chamber amongst the acid spray, in single fibres. Either a long
mixing pipe or tube may be employed; or where the available space is limited, an
arrangement may be employed similar to that above mentioned for use in the
manufacture of nitro-glycerine, comprising a tank from which the acid is drawn
and into which it is returned by an injector.
The nitro-glycerine and gun-cotton prepared in the manner above mentioned are
thoroughly washed to remove all traces of acid, first with pure water and then with
water having a small quantity of soda, potash, or ammonia mixed therewith. The
gun-cotton is kept wet until required, and the nitro-glycerine is dissolved in ether
or acetone or similar solvent, both substances will then be non-explosive.
In the production of smokeless powder, I first dry the gun-cotton and then
moisten it with ether, acetone or other solvent and mix it with the nitro-glycerine
and with oil, preferably castor oil. I then treat the compound with acetone vapour
in a chamber from which air is exhausted, and I put the block or piece of explosive
material thus produced into a press and thoroughly knead it, and then force it out
through one or more small holes in the form of fine strips or threads. This press
comprises a long cylinder provided with a plunger or ram at each end, and with a
perforated partition or plug inserted through the side of the said cylinder midway
between its extremities. The cylinder is filled with the material to be kneaded and
the charge is squeezed backward and forward by means of the plungers or rams,
which are worked by hydraulic or other power, from one end to the other through
the perforation or perforations in the said partition or plug, until an intimate mixture
of the ingredients is effected. At this stage, one or more openings or vents in the side

page_text: of the cylinder are uncovered by drawing back the said partition or plug, or in any
other convenient manner, the pistons or plungers are caused to approach each
other, and the charge is thus forced or squeezed out through the said openings in
the form of thin rods or strips; these rods or strips may be of different thickness
according to the purpose for which the powder is intended; and may, if desired, be
subsequently granulated.
By altering the form of the orifices, rods or strips different shape in transverse
section may be produced; the form which I prefer is that of a substantially round
rod, the circumference of which has a regular series of waves or alternate elevations
and depressions around the same. A rod having a surface thus formed with six
alternate elevations and depressions is more convenient for packing than is a
perfectly round rod.
Explosive material composed of say seventy-five parts of gun-cotton, twenty-four
parts of nitro-glycerine and one part of oil cannot be easily worked by means of
rolls. When treated by other means heretofore adopted as much as fifty per cent.
of nitro-glycerine has to be added, to make the compound soft enough to be worked.
But, when treated by my process, explosive material composed of the ingredients
above mentioned in, or about in the proportions named, or any other compound of
these materials, can be readily rolled or otherwise worked.
The explosive material, after being forced from the said cylinder, may be
dried, and I prefer to recover therefrom the acetone or other solvent present
therein.
It is obvious that I can, if desired, combine in any other suitable manner the
nitro-glycerine and the gun-cotton produced as hereinbefore mentioned, with or
without the addition of oil. Or the said nitro-glycerine and gun-cotton may be
used separately.
My improvements are moreover applicable to the manufacture of nitro-gelatine
and other nitrated explosives.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE DI MUIFICATION.
Improvements relating to the Manufacture of Explosives and to
Apparatus therefor.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
45, Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to the manufacture of explosives and to machinery or
apparatus therefor.
My said invention is chiefly designed to improve the manufacture of explosives of
the kind or class known as nitro-compounds or nitrated explosives, such as gun-
cotton, nitro-glycerine and mixtures of these substances.
My said invention comprises improved methods or processes whereby I provide
for the production of gun-cotton and of nitro-glycerine, and also for the production
of an improved smokeless powder, for use in fire-arms and for other purposes, by the
combination of the gun-cotton and nitro-glycerine, either with or without the
addition of oil, as hereinafter described.
To effect the thorough or complete nitration of cotton, glycerine and similar
materials, it is necessary that each particle or atom thereof should be properly
subjected to the action of the nitrating acid.
An important feature of my said invention, therefore, consists in bringing the
acid and the cotton, glycerine or other material which is to be acted upon thereby,

page_text: into intimate contact with each other while both are in a very finely divided or
atomized condition.
In the manufacture of nitrated explosives, moreover, it is very important that the
elevation of the temperature of the ingredients to a high degree during the mixing
of the same, should be effectually prevented. To accomplish this result, I effect
the introduction of the said cotton, glycerine or other material in a finely divided
or atomized condition into a stream or current of acid spray by means of cold air or
other gas under pressure, which is utilized for drawing the cotton, glycerine or
similar material and the acid into the mixing-chamber by induction, and which, by
its expansion, effects the required refrigeration of the said ingredients during the
mixing of the same.
My said invention, moreover, comprises improved apparatus for use in the
manufacture of the said explosives. And it also comprises other improvements
hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying drawings, I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a front elevation, partly in vertical section, showing one form of my
improved apparatus for the manufacture of nitro-glycerine or similar explosive
material.
Figure 2 is a similar view showing another form or modification of my said
apparatus.
Figure 3 is a similar view showing a further modification of the said apparatus,
adapted for the manufacture of gun-cotton.
Figure 4 is a side elevation, partly in vertical longitudinal central section, showing
an apparatus constructed according to my said invention, for the mixing or kneading
of materials in the manufacture of explosives.
Figures 5 to 8 are similar views, drawn to a reduced scale, showing the means
for regulating or controlling the distribution of the liquid to the hydraulic
cylinders of the said apparatus, the cylinder in which the material is pressed being
removed, and
Figure 9 is an end elevation, partly in transverse section, illustrating a slight
modification of the said apparatus.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is a tank for containing a supply of the glycerine or similar material. B is a
tank for containing a supply of the nitric or nitrating acid. C is a pipe provided with
a stop-cock or valve C₁ for the supply of air under pressure, for instance from a
suitable reservoir connected with an air-compressor or other apparatus for storing
air under pressure and provided with means for cooling the air, or from an air-
blast apparatus. D is a collecting and quenching tank, which is preferably provided
with a water jacket or casing D, and which should be of large dimensions so that
it may contain a great quantity of water.
The tanks A and B are lined with glass or other suitable material which is not
liable to injury by the chemical action of the contents of the tank; when this
lining is formed of glass or other transparent substance, suitable slots A', B¹
(Figure 1) are provided in the outer casings of metal or other suitable material, so
as to form gauges by means of which the level of the liquids in the said tanks may,
at any time, be readily ascertained. When the linings are made of opaque
material, the tanks A, B are provided with suitable gauge-glasses or with other
devices for indicating the level of the liquids therein.
The tanks A, B are, by preference, arranged side by side as shown in Figure 1,
and are preferably made of equal height, and of such relative area in horizontal
section that they will contain the same relative proportions of the glycerine and acid
as are required in the manufacture of the explosive material. Therefore to ensure
the flow of the glycerine and acid from the said tanks in the required relative
proportions, it is only necessary to so adjust the outlet or delivery cocks or valves
as to keep the liquids always at the same level in the said tanks.
a is an injector connected, by means of screw-threads or otherwise, with a pipe or

page_text: tube b which, in the apparatus shown in Figure 1, is secured to one extremity of a
pipe or tube 6 of larger diameter; in these tubes the mixing of the ingredients takes
place. The injector a is connected with the pipe C for the supply of air under
pressure, and is provided with a taper or conical nozzle a', through which the air
is forced into the tube b. c is an adjustable hollow spindle which, in the apparatus
shown in Figure 1 and in that shown in Figure 2, is connected with the glycerine-
tank A by means of a suitable pipe c¹ provided with a stop-valve or stop-cock c³ for
regulating or controlling the flow of glycerine from the said tank A. The hollow
spindle c extends into the nozzle a', leaving an annular space around the said spindle
for the passage of the compressed air; the area of this space or passage can be
varied or regulated by moving the said hollow spindle further into, or withdrawing
it from the said nozzle, the said spindle being provided for this purpose with screw-
threads, and a hand-wheel c; or other suitable means being provided for
permitting its adjustment. A suitable stuffing-box should be provided in the said
spindle to form a tight joint around the pipe c', whilst permitting the turning of the
spindle about the said pipe.
In the apparatus shown in Figure 1, the tank B is connected at 62 to the pipe or
tube b, and is provided with a stop-cock or valve for regulating or controlling the
flow of the nitric or nitrating acid from the said tank. The length of the pipe or
tube 6', which forms the larger portion of the mixing chamber, may be say two
hundred feet, more or less, and a wall or a mound of earth may be provided between
the injector a and the tank D to serve as a protection to the operator. I find it
advantageous to make the pipe b about one inch and a quarter or one inch and a
half in diameter and about from fifteen to twenty inches long, and to make the pipe
about two and a half or three inches in diameter. The said pipe or tube ¹ is
surrounded by a jacket or casing, which is connected by a piped with any suitable
source of water supply, and is provided with a pipe e for the discharge of the water,
so that a constant circulation of water through the said jacket may be maintained
for the purpose of keeping the pipe cool during the nitrating process. f is a pipe
which is connected to the water supply pipe d and which extends into the bent or
curved end of the pipe or tube ', so that a jet of cold water may be discharged into
the said pipe or tube for the purpose of cooling or quenching the mixed spray as it
is about to enter the tank D. The pipes d, e, f are provided with suitable
stop cocks or valves d', e', f¹, for the purpose of regulating or controlling the
flow of the water.
The pipes or tubes and forming the mixing-chamber may be so placed
as to have a fall or decline of about one in fifteen towards the collecting tank D.
The operation of the apparatus above described is as follows, that is to say:-
The cold compressed air from the pipe C passes through the nozzle a', and, flowing
past the mouth of the hollow spindle c through which the glycerine is supplied,
draws the said glycerine from the tank A and, by impinging upon the said
glycerine as it issues from the hollow spindle, atomizes the same or scatters it in a
fine spray and drives it forward into and through the pipes or tubes and . The
acid is similarly drawn from the tank B by the current or jet of air and glycerine-
spray issuing from the nozzle a¹ and passing through the pipe or tube b, and is blown
in the form of a fine spray into the mixing tube or chamber . The ingredients of
the explosive are, therefore, intermingled while in a very finely divided condition
in the presence of cold air which is rapidly expanding. The air being kept under
a high pressure in the compressed-air reservoir, a considerable amount of refrigeration
of the acid and glycerine will take place by reason of the expansion of such air, and
undue elevation of the temperature of the acid and glycerine will thus be prevented.
The acid and glycerine sprays are together blown into and conveyed through the
mixing tubes & and 6, and discharged into the tank D. By reason of the great
length of the said pipe or tube, there is ample time, during the passage of
the acid and glycerine through the said tube, for the required reactions to
take place.

page_text: Prior to entering the collecting tank D, the current of spray is met by a jet of
cold water, which is introduced or injected into the pipe or tube b1 through the
pipe f, and which serves to cool or quench the said spray as it reaches and enters
the said collecting tank D.
It will be seen that, by my improvements, I ensure that the quantity of glycerine
or other material operated upon at any time by the acid, shall be very small, the
acid and glycerine being brought into contact with each other while both are in
the form of a fine spray or mist as above described. An instantaneous and very
efficient nitration will, therefore, take place, whilst the expansion of the air issuing
from the injector serves, as above stated, to prevent undue elevation of the tem-
perature. By the use of my improved apparatus, moreover, the chemical reactions
can be readily controlled, and should any undue production of heat take place, or
nitrous fumes be developed, the supply of air to the injector may be increased and
the temperature thus brought down.
a
In Figure 2, I have shown another modification of my improved apparatus, which
may be advantageously employed in cases where space does not admit of the use of
long mixing tube such as I have hereinbefore described with reference to
Figure 1. In this modification, the nitrating acid is placed in the tank or
reservoir D, which is formed of large dimensions, and above which is placed an
injector a connected with a glycerine-tank A and with a pipe C for the supply of
cold air under pressure, substantially in the manner hereinbefore described. The
pipe is dispensed with, and the pipe is bent or curved downwards so that it will
discharge into the tank D. The pipe is, moreover, connected with the said
tank D by a dip-pipe 7, through which the acid will be drawn by the current
induced by the injector. The acid and glycerine in the form of fine spray are
mixed in the tube bas above described, and the mixture is discharged into the tank D
from the said pipe.
Figure 3 shows another modification of my improved apparatus, adapted for the
manufacture of gun-cotton. g, are suitable feed-rollers whereby the cotton or
similar material, preferably twisted or spun into the form of a cord i, is fed to a
toothed or carding-wheel , which is arranged to revolve over the opening or mouth
of a tube or channel 6 connected with the mixing tube or chamber 6. An injector a
operated by compressed air is provided as herein before described.
The acid-tank B is, in this case, placed below the injector a and is connected
with the hollow spindle c of the injector a by means of a pipe 67 provided with a
stop cock or valve 68. The said pipe 67 extends to within a short distance of the
bottom of the said tank B, and the upper part of the said tank is connected, by means
of a pipe provided with a stop cock or valve 10, with the compressed-air pipe C.
The air-pressure acting upon the acid in the tank B, therefore, assists the injector
in effecting the discharge of the acid from the said tank. The fibres of the cotton
or similar material fed to the carding-wheel or card-wheel h by the feed-rolls g, are
separated from each other by the said carding-wheel. The acid drawn from the
tank B by the current induced by the jet of air passing through the nozzle a¹, is
forced in the form of spray or in a finely divided or atomized condition into the
mixing tube or chamber b. The jet of air and acid-spray issuing from the nozzle a
produces a great inrush of air about the circumference of the revolving card-
wheel h, which draws the separated fibres of the cotton or similar material into the
tube or chamber amongst the acid-spray, to the action of which each separate
fibre is thus effectually subjected. Either a long mixing pipe or tube such as that
described with reference to Figure 1 may be employed, or an arrangement
similar to that shown in Figure 2 may be used where the available space is
limited.
The nitro-glycerine and the gun-cotton prepared in the manner above described.
are thoroughly washed to remove all traces of acid, first with pure water and then
with water having mixed therewith a small quantity of soda, potash or ammonia.
The gun-cotton is kept wet until required for use, and the nitro-glycerine is

page_text: dissolved in ether, acetone or other suitable solvent; both substances will then
be non-explosive.
To produce smokeless powder from the nitro-glycerine and gun-cotton manu-
factured as above set forth, I proceed as follows, that is to say I first dry the
gun-cotton and then moisten it with the ether, acetone or other suitable solvent,
and I then mix the moistened gun-cotton with the nitro-glycerine, preferably with
the addition of oil, such as castor-oil. I then treat the mixture with acetone
vapour (or other suitable vaporized solvent) in a chamber from which air is
exhausted. The material thus produced, I thoroughly knead in a suitable press,
such as that illustrated in Figure 4, in which the said material is repeatedly
forced through a perforated partition or diaphragm alternately in either direction.
The press shown in Figure 4 comprises a long cylinder ; provided with a
plunger or ram k in each end thereof, and with a partition, diaphragm or plug
having holes or perforations l', and inserted transversely through the said
cylinder midway between its extremities. On the said plungers or rams kare
fixed pistonsk, which work in hydraulic cylinders m, m. jis an opening
or vent in the cylinder j, which is closed by a taper portion of the perforated
partition or plug 1, fitting against a corresponding seat in the said vent; the
said plug is adjustable to and from the said seat 2 by means of screw-threads 13
and a hand-wheel ; or other convenient means may be provided for effecting
its adjustment.
The cylinder is filled with the material to be kneaded, and the charge is
repeatedly forced backward and forward through the holes in the partition or
diaphragm by means of the plungers or rams k until the material is thoroughly
kneaded and an intimate mixture or incorporation of the ingredients is thus
effected.
To provide for imparting the required movements to the plungers or rams k, I
connect the cylinders m, m² with an accumulator or pressure-main and with the
exhaust, and provide for controlling. the distribution of the fluid to the said
cylinders, as follows, viz. -I employ three cocks n, n¹, n³, (Figures 5, 6, 7,
and 8) connected with each other through pipes or passages p, p, and with the
cylinders m, m', through pipes 4, 7, r, r, as shown in Figures 5 to 8. The
pipes p, pare connected through a pipes with an accumulator or pressure-main,
and the cocks n, n', n² are connected with the exhaust or discharge through
pipes t, t, t. The said cocks are manipulated as follows:-Assuming the
pistons, to be in the position shown in Figure 5, the cock n² is so adjusted
as to put the inner ends of the cylinders m, m¹ in communication with the exhaust
through the pipes, r¹, t2, and the cocks n, n¹ are so adjusted as to put the outer
end of the cylinder m in communication with the pressure-main through the
pipes q,, and the outer end of the cylinder m² in communication with the exhaust
through the pipes q', t. The piston will then be moved inward by the fluid-
pressure, thus forcing the material in the press j through the perforated partition or
diaphragm l, and causing the piston to move outward. When the pistons k¹, k
assume the position shown in Figure 6, the cocks n, n¹ are adjusted, as shown in
this figure, so as to cause the movement of the said pistons in the reverse direction.
These operations are repeated until the material is sufficiently kneaded.
The opening or vent in the cylinder j is then uncovered by drawing back the
partition or plug 1, and the cocks n, n¹ are so adjusted as to put both of the
cylinders m, m¹ in communication with the pressure-main through the pipes 9, 1', s
as shown in Figure 7. One of the said pistons, say for example the piston, is
then held at the inner end of its stroke, whilst the other piston k is moved inward,
thus forcing or squeezing the charge out through the said opening or vent ¹ in the
form of a thin rod or strip which may be of any desired thickness according to the
purpose for which the powder is intended, and which may be subsequently granulated
if desired.
To move the pistons outward and thus permit the re-charging of the press j, the
cocks are adjusted to the position shown in Figure 8, so as to put the cylinders m,
m¹

page_text: in communication with the pressure-main through the pipes r, r¹, t², and with the
exhaust through the pipes q, q', t, t¹.
The re-charging of the press ; may be effected by withdrawing the plug and
introducing the material through the aperture from which the said plug is with-
drawn. Or, if preferred, I make one of the cylinders m, m' and the corresponding
plunger or ram of such length that the said ram can be readily withdrawn from
the press to permit the introduction of the material into the said press through one
end thereof. I make this end of the said press bell-mouthed to facilitate the
introduction of the material.
It is obvious that I can, if desired, provide slide-valves operated by tappets, or
other suitable means for controlling the distribution of the fluid to the said cylinders
for the purposes above specified. Moreover I can, if desired, substitute for the
hydraulic cylinders, screws or other suitable apparatus for effecting the required
movements of the plungers or rams k.
One or more openings or vents may be provided for the discharge of the material
from the press; and, by varying the form of such openings, rods or strips of
different shape in. transverse section may be produced; the form which I prefer is
that of a substantially round rod, the circumference of which has a regular series
of waves or alternate elevations and depressions around the same.
A hexagonal rod or a rod having a surface formed with six of such alternate
elevations and depressions is more convenient for packing than a perfectly
round rod.
In the modification of my kneading-press shown in Figure 9, the opening or
vent is arranged at one side of the press j. A travelling band u is provided for
receiving the explosive material as it is forced out of the opening or openings and
conveying it away to a suitable receptacle. The band u is passed around rollers or
pulleys v; and, if desired, a wheel w provided with suitable blades or cutters, is
arranged in combination with it for the purpose of cutting or dividing the strips of
explosive material into pieces of any required length. The said cutting-wheel and
the pulley beneath it should be connected by suitable gear-wheels.
It is evident that the improved method of kneading above described is applicable
for the treatment of explosive material composed of nitro-glycerine and gun-cotton
or similar ingredients, and also for the treatment of such ingredients separately if
desired.
Explosive material composed of 75 parts of gun-cotton, 24 parts of nitro-
glycerine and 1 part of oil, cannot be efficiently worked with rolls, when produced
by the methods or processes heretofore adopted. With some methods or processes,
as much as 50 per cent. of nitro-glycerine has to be used to make the material soft
enough to be rolled. But with my process, any desired compound of these
materials can be readily made in such a manner that it can be easily worked
between rolls.
The explosive material may, after being forced from the press, be dried, and the
small per-centage of acetone present therein be recovered if desired.
It is obvious that I can, if desired, combine in any other suitable manner, the
nitro-glycerine and the gun-cotton produced as hereinbefore described, with or
without the addition of oil. Or the said nitro-glycerine and gun-cotton may be
used separately as explosives.
My improvements above described are applicable also to nitro-gelatine and
similar explosives.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent I wish it understood that I claim :-
First. In the manufacture of explosives, the treatment of cotton, glycerine or
other suitable material with an acid or acids by bringing the same into intimate
contact with each other while both are in a finely divided or atomized condition,
for the purposes above specified.

page_text: Second. In the manufacture of explosives, the treatment of cotton, glycerine or
other suitable material with an acid or acids by bringing the same into intimate
contact with each other by means of a current or jet of air or other gas under
pressure, for the purposes above specified.
Third. The herein described method of manufacturing nitro-glycerine or similar
explosives, consisting essentially in simultaneously introducing the glycerine or
similar material and the acid or acids, by means of a current or jet of air or other
gas under pressure, into a mixing tube or chamber, from which the mixture is
delivered into a collecting tank or other suitable receiver, substantially as, and for
the purposes, above specified.
Fourth. The modification of my improved method of manufacture, wherein the
acid is drawn up into the mixing tube or chamber from a suitable tank, and, after
being mixed with the glycerine or similar material in the said tube or chamber, is
caused to return to the said tank, substantially as set forth.
Fifth. The herein described method of manufacturing gun-cotton, consisting
essentially in separating the fibres of the cotton or similar material and subjecting
the separated fibres to the action of nitric or other suitable acid in a finely divided
or atomized condition, for the purposes above specified.
Sixth. The herein described method of rendering nitro-glycerine, nitro-gelatine
or similar material non-explosive by dissolving the same in ether, acetone or other
suitable solvent.
Seventh. The improved method of manufacturing smokeless powder, consisting
essentially in first moistening the gun-cotton with ether, acetone or other suitable
solvent, then mixing it with nitro-glycerine, nitro-gelatine or similar material (with
or without the addition of oil) and then treating the mixture with a vaporized
solvent in a chamber from which air is exhausted, kneading the material thus pro-
duced in a press and forcing it out of the said press through small holes in the form
of strips or threads, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Eighth. An apparatus for the manufacture of explosives, comprising an injector
operated by air or other gas under pressure and connected with pipes for the supply
of acid and of cotton, glycerine or other material to be treated thereby, for the
purposes above specified.
Ninth. The combination of an injector operated by air or other gas under
pressure and connected with pipes for the supply of acid and of cotton, glycerine or
other material to be treated thereby, and a mixing tube or chamber connected with
the said injector and with a collecting tank or other suitable receiver, for the
purposes above specified.
Tenth. The combination of a tank for containing nitric or other acid, another
tank for containing glycerine or other material to be treated thereby, and an
injector connected with the said tanks and with a pipe for the supply of air or other
gas under pressure, for the purposes above specified.
Eleventh. The combination, with an injector operated by air or other gas under
pressure and connected with a pipe for the supply of acid, of a carding-wheel or
similar device for separating the fibres of cotton or similar material, and a pipe
through which such fibres will be drawn by the action of the said injector, for the
purposes above specified.
Twelfth. The herein described method of intimately mixing or kneading explosive
material by forcing the same alternately in either direction through a perforated
partition or diaphragm.
Thirteenth. An apparatus for use in the manufacture of explosives, comprising a
cylinder provided with rams or plungers and with a perforated partition or
diaphragm between the said rams or plungers, through which the material will be
forced thereby alternately in either direction, for the purpose above specified.
Fourteenth. The improved apparatus constructed substantially as described with
reference to Figure 1, or to Figure 2, or to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings
and operating as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Fifteenth. The improved mixing or kneading press constructed substantially as

page_text: described with reference to Figures 4 to 9.of the accompanying drawings, and
operating as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Sixteenth. A nitrated explosive manufactured by a method or process such as I
have hereinbefore described, wherein the cotton, glycerine or other substance is
brought into contact with the acid or acids while both are in a finely divided or
atomized condition.
Seventeenth. An explosive produced, substantially as hereinbefore described, by
the combination of nitro-glycerine, nitro-gelatine or similar material and gun-
cotton manufactured as above specified, with or without the addition of oil.
Dated this 5th day of Januar 1901
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.