An Improved Explosive.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Apr., 1899-Accepted, 5th Aug., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Explosive.
We, THOMAS HUSSEY KELLY, of "Glenyarrah," Double Bay, Gentleman,
GEORGE W. BELL, of Mutual Life Chambers, Martin Place, Author, and ROBERT
NEWBY KIRK, of Forest Knoll," Denham Street, Secretary, all of Sydney,
in the Colony of New South Wales, 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; -
This invention relates to an improved explosive which may be classed as a
high explosive of the nitro-glycerine series and owes its existence to the
discovery that Australian gum or eucalyptus leaves (green) contain in them-
selves an explosive element of great potency. The volatile spirit contained in
the green gum leaves is according to this invention harmoniously incorporated
with nitro-glycerine in such a way that each will keep its place and remain
neutral until explosion is brought about by means of a detonator.
The manufacture of this improved explosive naturally divides itself into three
distinct stages or steps as follows:-1. The peculiar preparation or treatment of
green leaves of trees belonging to the Eucalyptus family while at the same time
preparing acids for the production of nitro-glycerine containing the volatile
spirit of such eucalyptus leaves. 2. The admixture of the prepared leaves and
3. The kneading
the prepared nitro-glycerine with other ingredients in vacuo.
of the mixture with further additions if necessary and then the drying of the
finished product.
The nitro-glycerine which is used in the production of this improved explosive
differs from that article as used in other explosives in that it contains the
essential volatile spirit of green gum leaves. This is brought about by a special
process in which is involved also the treatment of the gum leaves. A lead vat
(chemically pure lead) is say two-thirds filled with green gum leaves and on to
these leaves sulphuric acid of from 1'840 to 1'846 specific gravity is poured so
as just to cover them and the vat kept tightly closed for say one hour. The
gum leaves (which will have been somewhat decomposed by the acid) are then
removed and pressed and rinsed in water and are then treated into another vat
containing nitric acid at 150 specific gravity in the same manner remaining
one hour under close cover (no vessel containing acid should be allowed to
remain open longer than is absolutely necessary). After having undergone the
decompositions in the sulphuric acid and in the nitric acid the pulp into which
the leaves have been thus converted is removed and run through wood, or lead
covered or better still stone rollers, to express all surplus acid after which the
partially dry material is shredded finely and washed with the utmost care and

page_text: completeness and placed in a calcining box or oven where it is baked under a
temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Centigrade for two or three hours.
The acids which have been already prepared as above described are mixed
together in a large vat in the proportions by weight of two sulphuric acid to
one nitric acid and as much fresh acid of either or both as may be needed for
the operations of one day are added to it. The nitro-glycerine which is to form
one of the bases of the explosive is then made from this vat in the ordinary
manner. It will be well to note indeed it is important that it should be noted
that the two acids first used in the treatment of the green leaves must be used in the
nitro-glycerine vat as it is in this way that the spirit of the eucalyptus is given
its place in the body of the explosive.
The nitro-glycerine prepared as above described in the required quantity
hereinafter set forth is placed in a large vat preferably resting on a rocking table
and the hereinafter stated quantity of calcined leaves and free nitrate of potash
added and a vacuum or as nearly as possible a vacuum created in the vat by
a pump or other means. In a few minutes the mass is ready for the further
treatment.
The mass which is then of a doughy consistency is placed upon a mixing table
of wood or earthenware or enamelled metal and preferably revolving and is there
thoroughly kneaded and if necessary a small quantity of cork dust added to it
during such kneading.
The explosive is now made and is ready for being moulded and pressed into
cartridges of any required size which after being formed are allowed to dry in
the open air or in drying rooms heated to about 20° (degrees) to 30° (degrees)
Centigrade. In winter artificial heat may be necessary though in summer, air
drying (though not sun drying) will be best.
The proportions of the materials prepared and admixed as above set forth
which I use are, for one or the stronger quality of improved explosive about as
follows:
Cork aust
"
2.5
"
The quantities named may and probably will vary as varying demands may
occasion. Various methods may further suggest themselves whereby the improved
explosive may be produced with greater facility by other methods of combining
the bases.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is :-
First. An explosive compound consisting of nitro-glycerine containing spirit
of eucalyptus leaves mixed with nitrate of potash calcined leaves and cork dust
substantially as herein described and explained.
Second. The manufacture of an explosive compound by treating green gum
leaves with sulphuric acid and with nitric acid and calcining the washed pulpy
remanent and then adding same with other ingredients to nitro-glycerine manu-
factured from the said acids substantially as herein described and explained.

page_text: Third. The manufacture of an explosive compound in the manner and of the
ingredients in about the proportions set forth substantially as herein described and
explained.
Dated this Fifteenth day of March One thousand eight hundred and ninety-
T. H. KELLY.
GEO. W. BELL.
ROBERT NEWBY KIRK.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicants.