Year: 1888

page_text: is Specification was, upon the 21st day of December 1889, Amended unde
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
I, CHARLES FREDERICK HENGST of No. 20 Burwash Road, Plumstead in the
County of Kent, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention has reference to and is based upon my Patent dated 6th December
1887 No. 16,783 in which is described a process for the production of a material of a
highly explosive nature applicable for military purposes also for use with sporting guns,
rifles, for blasting and other purposes in which gunpowder is employed.
The object of my present invention is to produce a material of an explosive
power far greater than that described in the specification of my Patent No. 16,783
above referred to.
In carrying out my invention I proceed as follows. I prepare a bath formed of 3
parts by weight of Sulphuric Acid (H, SO) specific gravity 1-850 and 1 part by
weight of Nitric Acid (H NO,) specific gravity 1-486 mixed together with occasional
stirring in a suitable covered receptacle. During the mixing of these two elements,
chemical action causes an increase of temperature of from 140° to 160° Fahrt.
The mixture is allowed to stand until all ebullition ceases and the temperature has
fallen to the normal condition.
Into the bath prepared as above and when cool I immerse as much pulp,-pre-
ferably of oat straw, as the bath will take up, to undergo a process of maceration. I
may, under some circumstances-depending upon the use to which the powder is to
be put, and to the degree of explosive force required-mix with the oat straw pulp, a
due proportion of ligneous fibre such for instance as Poplar, Willow Horse Chesnut,
Lime and like woods as are most free from resinous or gummy substances. Care must
be observed to ensure that the pulped material be perfectly dry and free from moisture,
as also the stirring rod, inasmuch as the contact of moisture with the combined acids
would create violent ebullition accompanied by great heat, which would cause the
pulped material to be spoiled and the bath to become inoperative.
.
The maceration of the pulped material is continued for 24 hours at a constant
temperature of 50° Fahrt., but I do not confine myself to the time or temperature
17

page_text: above mentioned, as I may vary both according to the specific purposes for which the
powder is required, whether for sporting guns or rifles, military rifles, heavy ordnance,
blasting purposes or the like.
As soon as the complete maceration has been effected, the pulp is removed from the
bath and subjected to pressure in an acid proof press in order to remove the crude
acid, which latter, on the addition of a small quantity of fresh acid, is revivified and
may be again utilised. After removal from the press, the pulp is thoroughly washed
in pure cold water for from half an hour to an hour until the water has lost all trace of
acid and becomes tasteless.
Hitherto it has been assumed that by washing the prepared pulp for the production
of pyroxyline in pure cold water for a period ranging from two to four weeks, the
free acid will then have been entirely eliminated. I find in practice however that this
is not so. Whereas by the process hereinafter described, I am enabled to practically
remove all free acids from the pulped material. In order to obtain this result, I place
the pressed and partly washed pulp in a boiler or other suitable receptacle containing a
bath composed of 3 ounces of dissolved Carbonate of Potassium in 6 gallons of water.
The bath, which must be agitated, is maintained constantly boiling for from 6 to 8
hours, loss by evaporation being made up by the addition of water, or if desired, some
of the soiled water in the bath may be removed from the receptacle, the deficiency thus
created being made good by the addition of clean water.
In the process of boiling, the Potassium bath aforesaid becomes greatly discolored
owing to the action of the Potassium Carbonate upon the acid remaining in the pulp,
which Acid is attacked thereby and neutralised. At the expiration of the time
required to complete the above treatment, the pulp is removed from the boiler and
placed in a centrifugal dryer or other suitable strainer, whereupon in the case of the
centrifugal dryer a stream of water is introduced amongst the pulpy contents, carrying
away with it all discoloration, acid and other impurities, which process is continued
until the water leaves the material perfectly clean and free from color.
The pulp having thus been freed from all acid and thoroughly cleansed, is treated in
a bath composed of 1 lb. of Permanganate of Potasium dissolved in about 50 gallons,
of boiling water in which it remains with frequent agitation for say half an hour;
when the explosive power will be fixed within the pulpy material. It is now removed
from the bath, and having been again washed, is placed in a press to remove the
greater part of its moisture, and afterwards dried by any suitable means, such for
instance as steam, hot water, hot air, or the like; fire, or similar sources of heat being.
avoided, the material having now become highly explosive, I do not however confine
myself to the employment of Permanganate of Potassium for the fixing or oxidising
of the explosive power within the pulped fibrous material, as I find in practice. I may.
employ with equal advantage any convenient aniline or other oxidising agent to effect
this purpose. Should a still bigher degree of explosive power be desired than is
possessed by the material in its present condition, as in the case of the bursting charge
of shells, for torpedoes, for blasting purposes and the like, the pulp is subjected to a
further process by treating it in a bath composed of 3 ounces of Nitrate of Potassium
dissolved in 6 gallons of water; this proportion being prepared for each pound of
material to be treated. During this treatment the bath which must be kept constantly
stirred, should be maintained at a constant temperature of from 80° to 100° Fahrt.
during an interval of time of half an hour, according to the explosive force required;
it is then pressed to remove as much as possible of the. liquid, and subjected to the
drying process above described. When thoroughly freed from moisture the material
is ground in a suitable machine until it assumes the state of an impalpable powder,
which latter is then moistened and brought into the consistency of a stiff plastic doughy
mass, which may be pressed into wads or pellets, or in the case of military or sporting
powders, to effect granulation, the doughy mass is fed in a granulating machine, which
latter can be regulated to produce granules of various degrees of fineness.
Having been thoroughly dried, the powder is sifted to free it from dust, and then
placed in a drum for the purpose of subjecting the grains to the process of polishing.
The granules of powder may now if desired, be subjected to the final process of

page_text: hardening, which is performed as follows: I employ a solution of Benzoline and
Camphor or other suitable carbonaceous material in which is placed the granulated
powder, the solution aforesaid perineates each granule and leaves upon the surface
thereof, after the evaporation of the volatile spirit, a firm gelatinous coating. In order
to avoid the danger arising from the ignition of the vapors evolved from the above
volatile materials, the process of hardening should be performed during daylight. The
explosive material produced in the manner above described is especially applicable for
use with sporting guns and military rifles as it is not only perfectly smokeless and
without flash or flame when fired in the dark, but it leaves no residual ash, and has no
corrosive action upon the weapons in which it is used. Another important advantage
arising from the use of the explosive compound herein described is that the recoil
of the weapon in which it is used upon the explosion of a cartridge, is reduced to a
minimam, thus increasing the accuracy of firing, and further, inasmuch as there is no
corrosive action, nor residual ash, there is no fouling of the barrel, and therefore the
frequency of cleaning the weapon is materially reduced.
The explosive compound according to my invention is absolutely safe, as its explosive
nature is unaffected by friction or shock and can only be ignited by means of a spark,
fire, detonator or the like.
Dated this Savontsanth day of Sentember 1888
JAMES STEVENSON,
Gray's Inn Chambers,
20, High Holborn, W.C.,
Agent for Applicant.

page_text: I, CHARLES FREDERICK HENGST of No. 20 Burwash Road, Plumstead in the County
of Kent, Engineer, 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 has reference to and is based upon my Patent dated 6th December
1887 No. 10,783 in which is described a process for the production of a material of a
highly explosive nature applicable for military purposes, as also for use with sporting
guns and rifles; likewise for blasting and other purposes in which gunpowder is
employed.
The object of my present invention is to produce a material of an explosive power
far greater than that described in the Specification of my Patent No. 16783 above
referred to.
In carrying out my invention I proceed as follows. I prepare a bath formed of
3 parts by weight of Sulphuric Acid (H, SO,) and 1 part by weight of Nitric Acid
(H NO,) mixed together with occasional stirring in a suitable covered receptacle.
During the mixing of these two elements, chemical action causes an increase of
temperature of from 1-10° to 160° Fahrt. The mixture is allowed to stand until all
ebullition ceases and the temperature has fallen to the normal condition. Into the
bath prepared as above, and when cool, I immerse as much pulped or disintegrated
material preferably oat straw,-as the bath will take up to undergo a process of
maceration. I may under some circumstances-depending upon the use to which the
powder is to be put, and to the degree of explosive force required-mix with the pulpod
or disintegrated oat straw, when such is used, a due proportion of ligneous fibre such
for instance as Poplar, Willow, Horse-Chestnut, Lime and like woods as are most free
from resinous or gummy substances. Care must be observed to ensure that the pulped
or disintegrated material be free from foreign matters and also that it be perfectly dry
and free from moisture, as also the stirring rod, inasmuch as the contact of moisture
with the combined acids would create violent ebullition accompanied by great heat
which would cause the pulped or disintegrated material to be spoiled and the bath to
become inoperative.
The maceration of the pulped or disintegrated material is continued for 24 hours at
a constant temperature of 50° Fahrt., but I do not confine myself to the time or
temperature above mentioned, as I may vary both according to the specific purposes
for which the powder is required, whether for sporting guns or rifles, military rifles,
heavy ordnance, blasting purposes or the like.
As soon as complete maceration has been effected, the pulped or disintegrated
material is removed from the bath and subjected to pressure in an acid proof press in

page_text: order to remove the crude acid, which latter, on the addition of a small quantity of
fresh acid, is revivified and may be again utilised. After removal from the press the
pulped or disintegrated material is thoroughly washed in pure cold water for from
half an hour to an hour until the water has lost all trace of acid and becomes tasteless.
Hitherto it has been assumed, that by washing prepared pulp for the production of
pyroxyline in pure cold water for a period ranging from two to four weeks, the free
acid will then have been entirely eliminated. I find in practice however that this is
not so, but by the process hereinafter described, I am enabled to practically remove all
free acids. In order to obtain this result I place the pressed and partly washed
pulped material in a boiler or other suitable receptacle containing a bath composed of
3 ounces of dissolved Carbonate of Potassium to 6 gallons of water. The bath, which
must be agitated, is maintained constantly boiling for from 6 to 8 hours; loss by
evaporation being made up by the addition of water, or if desired, some of the soiled
water in the bath may be removed from the receptacle, the deficiency thus created
being made good by the addition of clean water. In the process of boiling, the
Potassium bath aforesaid becomes greatly discolored owing to the action of the
Potassium Carbonate upon the acid remaining in the pulped or disintegrated material
which acid is attacked thereby and neutralised. At the expiration of the time required
to complete the above treatment, the pulped or disintegrated material is removed from
the boiler and placed in a centrifugal dryer or other suitable strainer, whereupon, in
the case of the centrifugal dryer, a stream of water is introduced amongst the contents,
carrying away with it all discoloration, acid and other impuritities, which process is
continued until the water leaves perfectly clean and free from color. The pulped or
disintegrated material having been freed from acid, which can be ascertained by any
delicate chemical test, and thoroughly cleansed, is now treated in an oxidising bath
composed of one pound of Potassium permanganate dissolved in 50 gallons of boiling
water, in which it remains with frequent agitation for say, half an hour, or for such
time until it has assumed a deep brown color, when it must be immediately removed,
as further oxidation beyond the deep brown color above referred to would result in
injury to the material. By the oxidising treatment last above described the explosive
power will be fixed within the pulped or disintegrated material. I do not however
confine myself to Potassium permanganate as an oxidising agent, as I find-in-practice
I may employ with equal advantage muy convenient oxidising substance to effect the
desired object.
The oxidised material having been removed from the Potassium bath, is again
washed and placed in a press to remove by pressure the greater part of its moisture,
after which is thoroughly dried by steam, hot water, hot air or similar sources of
heat; fire and the like being strictly avoided, as the material has now become highly
explosive.
With a view to impart a higher degree of explosive power to the material prepared
in accordance with my Invention, and to meet the requirements which would apply
say in the cases of the bursting charges of shells, the discharge of torpedoes and for
blasting purposes, I treat the before mentioned material in a bath composed of three
ounces of Potassium Nitrate or Sodium Nitrate dissolved in six gallons of water, this
proportion being suitable for each pound of the material. The bath which must be
kept constantly stirred, is maintained at a temperature of from 80° to 100° Fahrt.
during an interval of time of, say, half an hour, according to the explosive force
required; the material is then pressed to remove as much as possible of the liquid,
and subjected to the drying process above described. When thoroughly dry, the now
friable material has incorporated with it a gelatinous substance produced from soaking
linseed in boiling water until it is brought into a stiff plastic dougby mass, in which
condition it is passed into a grinding machine where it is reduced to the finest possible
condition. I may under some circumstances add to each gallon of the gelatinous
substance above mentioned two ounces of starch or dextrine, the introduction of which
tends to ensure uniformity in the explosive compound, at the same time it reduces or
checks the rapidity of combustion. The combined gelatinous substance above referred

page_text: to, and the starch or dextrine possess valuable binding and hardening properties,
which, when burned leave no residual ash.
The stiff plastic doughy mass is now passed into the granulating machine for con-
version into grains, suitable for military rifles, sporting guns and the like, or, it may
be pressed, cut, moulded or otherwise formed into wads, prisms, cubes, pellets and like
shapes suitable for large ordnance, torpedoes, the bursting charges of shells, and for
blasting and like purposes.
The granulated powder having been thoroughly dried, is sifted to free it from dust,
and is then placed in a suitable drum for the purpose of polishing, the time required
in the process of polishing depending upon the purpose for which the powder is
to be employed. The polishing process having been completed, the powder is now
ready for the final stage, namely, that of rendering it impervious to moisture. For
this purpose I dissolve the dust or refuge obtained from the sifting of the granu-
lated powder in a solution produced by the distillation of equal parts of the spent,
or partly spent acid bath and methylated or other spirit. This solution not only
perineates the substance of each grain, but, in the evaporation of the volatile spirit,
forms thereon a firm gelatinous waterproof envelope or casing which not only
thoroughly hardens the grains, but renders them thoroughly impervious to moisture,
hence the granulated powder may be soaked or boiled in water without sustaining any
injurious effects as regards its explosive force.
In lieu of the above described method of hardening the grains of powder, I may
employ a solution of Benzoline and Camphor or other suitable carbonacous material
in which is placed the granulated powder. The solution last above described permeates
each granule and leaves upon the surface thereof, after the evaporation of the volatile
spirit, a firm gelatinous coating. In order to avoid danger arising from the ignition
of the vapors evolved from the above volatile materials, the process of hardening
should preferably be performed during daylight or by the aid of such artificial light
as the electric-light. The process above referred to is conducted in suitable closed
vessels heated by any suitable means, other than directly from fire, the object of which
is, that the vapors arising therefrom may be condensed and the materials recovered,
again utilised.
The explosive material produced in the manner above described is especially
applicable for use with sporting guns and military rifles as it is not only perfectly
smokeless and without flash or flame when fired in the dark, but it leaves no residual
ash, and has no corrosive action upon the weapons in which it is used. Another
important advantage arising from the use of the explosive compound herein described
is that the recoil of the weapon in which it is used upon the explosion of a cartridge,
is reduced to a minimum, thus increasing the accuracy of firing, and further, inasmuch
as there is no corrosive action, nor residual ash, there is no fouling of the barrel, and
therefore the necessity for the cleansing of the weapon is materially reduced.
The improved gunpowder according to my invention, from its constitution is
absolutely safe, as its explosive nature is unaffected by friction or shock, and can only
be exploded by means of fire, a spark, detonator or the like.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
First In the improved gunpowder herein described the employment of
Potassium Permanganate for oxidising the macerated pulp substantially as herein
described.
Second-The neutralising of the free acid remaining in the partly washed pulped
or disintegrated material after maceration by treating said pulp in a Potassium
Carbonate bath substantially as herein set forth.
Third-The employment of a gelatinous substance obtained from the soaking of
Linseed for binding and hardening the material from which my improved powder is
. formed, whereby the combustion thereof is checked substantially as herein set forth.

page_text: Fourth-The utilisation in the manner described of the dust or refuse of the powder
after granulation to form a waterproof varnish to the granules substantially as set.
forth.
Fifth-The combination of the various processes and materials employed as
herein described, and in or about the proportion named for the production of a
smokeless, flameless, odorless, nonfouling and safe gunpowder substantially as set
forth.
JAMES STEVENSON,
Gray's Inn Chambers,
20, High Holborn, W.C.,
Agent for Applicant.

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Sept., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 1oth Mar., 1889
Complete Specification Accepted, 27th Apr., 188
RESERVE
1, CHARLES FREDERICK HENGST of No. 20 Burwash Road, Plumstead in the
County of Kent, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention has reference to and is based upon my Patent dated 6th December
1887 No. 16,783 in which is described a process for the production of a material of a
highly explosive nature applicable for military purposes also for use with sporting guns,
rifles, for blasting and other purposes in which gunpowder is employed.
The object of my present invention is to produce a material of an explosive
power far greater than that described in the specification of my Patent No. 16,783
above referred to.
In carrying out my invention I proceed as follows. I prepare a bath formed of 3
parts by weight of Sulphuric Acid (H, SO) specific gravity 1.850 and 1 part by
weight of Nitric Acid (H NO3) specific gravity 1.486 mixed together with occasional
stirring in a suitable covered receptacle. During the mixing of these two elements,
chemical action causes an increase of temperature of from 140° to 160° Fahrt.
The mixture is allowed to stand until all ebullition ceases and the temperature has
fallen to the normal condition.
Into the bath prepared as above and when cool I immerse as much pulp,-pre-
ferably of oat straw, ,- as the bath will take up, to undergo a process of maceration. I
may, under some circumstances-depending upon the use to which the powder is to
be put, and to the degree of explosive force required-mix with the oat straw pulp, a
due proportion of ligneous fibre such for instance as Poplar, Willow Horse Chesnut,
Lime and like woods as are most free from resinous or gummy substances. Care must
be observed to ensure that the pulped material be perfectly dry and free from moisture,
as also the stirring rod, inasmuch as the contact of moisture with the combined acids
would create violent ebullition accompanied by great heat, which would cause the
pulped material to be spoiled and the bath to become inoperative.
The maceration of the pulped material is continued for 24 hours at a constant
temperature of 50° Fahrt., but I do not confine myself to the time or temperature

page_text: above mentioned, as I may vary both according to the specific purposes for which the
powder is required, whether for sporting guns or rifles, military rifles, heavy ordnance,
blasting purposes or the like.
As soon as the complete maceration has been effected, the pulp is removed from the
bath and subjected to pressure in an acid proof press in order to remove the crude
acid, which latter, on the addition of a small quantity of fresh acid, is revivified and
may be again utilised.
After removal from the press, the pulp is thoroughly washed
in pure cold water for from half an hour to an hour until the water has lost all trace of
acid and becomes tasteless.
Hitherto it has been assumed that by washing the prepared pulp for the production
of pyroxyline in pure cold water for a period ranging from two to four weeks, the
free acid will then have been entirely eliminated. I find in practice however that this
is not so.
Whereas by the process hereinafter described, I am enabled to practically
remove all free acids from the pulped material. In order to obtain this result, I place
the pressed and partly washed puip in a boiler or other suitable receptacle containing a
bath composed of 3 ounces of dissolved Carbonate of Potassium in 6 gallons of water.
The bath, which must be agitated, is maintained constantly boiling for from 6 to 8
hours, loss by evaporation being made up by the addition of water, or if desired, some
of the soiled water in the bath may be removed from the receptacle, the deficiency thus
created being made good by the addition of clean water.
In the process of boiling, the Potassium bath aforesaid becomes greatly discolored
owing to the action of the Potassium Carbonate upon the acid remaining in the pulp,
which Acid is attacked thereby and neutralised. At the expiration of the time
required to complete the above treatment, the pulp is removed from the boiler and
placed in a centrifugal dryer or other suitable strainer, whereupon in the case of the
centrifugal dryer a stream of water is introduced amongst the pulpy contents, carrying
away with it all discoloration, acid and other impurities, which process is continued
until the water leaves the material perfectly clean and free from color.
The pulp having thus been freed from all acid and thoroughly cleansed, is treated in
a bath composed of 1 lb. of Permanganate of Potasium dissolved in about 50 gallons.
of boiling water in which it remains with frequent agitation for say half an hour,
when the explosive power will be fixed within the pulpy material. It is now removed
from the bath, and having been again washed, is placed in a press to remove the
greater part its moisture, and afterwards dried by any suitable means, such for
instance as steam, hot water, hot air, or the like; fire, or similar sources of heat being.
avoided, the material having now become highly explosive, I do not however confine
myself to the employment of Permanganate of Potassium for the fixing or oxidising
of the explosive power within the pulped fibrous material, as I find in practice I may
employ with equal advantage any convenient aniline or other oxidising agent to effect.
this purpose. Should a still higher degree of explosive power be desired than is
possessed by the material in its present condition, as in the case of the bursting charge
of shells, for torpedoes, for blasting purposes and the like, the pulp is subjected to a
further process by treating it in a bath composed of 3 ounces of Nitrate of Potassium
dissolved in 6 gallons of water; this proportion, being prepared for each pound of
material to be treated. During this treatment the bath which must be kept constantly
stirred, should be maintained at a constant temperature of from 80° to 100° Fahrt.
during an interval of time of half an hour, according to the explosive force required;
it is then pressed to remove as much as possible of the liquid, and subjected to the
drying process above described. When thoroughly freed from moisture the material.
is ground in a suitable machine until it assumes the state of an impalpable powder,
which latter is then moistened and brought into the consistency of a stiff plastic doughy
mass; which may be pressed into wads or pellets, or in the case of military or sporting
powders; to effect granulation, the doughy mass is fed in a granulating machine, which
latter can be regulated to produce granules of various degrees of fineness.
Having been thoroughly dried, the powder is sifted to free it from dust, and then
placed in a drum for the purpose of subjecting the grains to the process of polishing.
The granules of powder may now if desired, be subjected to. the. final process of

page_text: hardening, which is performed as follows: I employ a solution of Benzoline and
Camphor or other suitable carbonaceous material in which is placed the granulated
powder, the solution aforesaid permeates each granule and leaves upon the surface
thereof, after the evaporation of the volatile spirit, a firm gelatinous coating. In order
to avoid the danger arising from the ignition of the vapors evolved from the above
volatile materials, the process of hardening should be performed during daylight. The
explosive material produced in the manner above described is especially applicable for
use with sporting guns and military rifles as it is not only perfectly smokeless and
without flash or flame when fired in the dark, but it leaves no residual ash, and has no
corrosive action upon the weapons in which it is used. Another important advantage
arising from the use of the explosive compound herein described is that the recoil
of the weapon in which it is used upon the explosion of a cartridge, is reduced to a
minimum, thus increasing the accuracy of firing, and further, inasmuch as there is no
corrosive action, nor residual ash, there is no fouling of the barrel, and therefore the
frequency of cleaning the weapon is materially reduced.
The explosive compound according to my invention is absolutely safe, as its explosive
nature is uneffected by friction or shock and can only be ignited by means of a spark,
fire, detonator or the like.
DL:
11 1
1008
JAMES STEVENSON,
Gray's Inn Chambers,
20, High Holborn, W.C.,
Agent for Applicant.

page_text: I, CHARLES FREDERICK HENGST of No. 20 Burwash Road, Plumstead in the County
of Kent, Engineer, 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 has reference to and is based upon my Patent dated 6th December
1887 No. 16,783 in which is described a process for the production of a material of a
highly explosive nature applicable for military purposes, as also for use with sporting
guns and rifles; likewise for blasting and other purposes in which gunpowder is
employed.
The object of my present invention is to produce a material of an explosive power
far greater than that described in the Specification of my Patent No. 16783 above
referred to.
In carrying out my invention I proceed as follows. I prepare a bath formed of
3 parts by weight of Sulphuric Acid (H, SO) and 1 part by weight of Nitric Acid
(H NO3) mixed together with occasional stirring in a suitable covered receptacle.
During the mixing of these two elements, chemical action causes an increase of
temperature of from 140° to 160° Fahrt. The mixture is allowed to stand until all
ebullition ceases and the temperature has fallen to the normal condition. Into the
bath prepared as above, and when cool, immerse as much pulped or disintegrated
material preferably oat straw, as the bath will take up to undergo a process of
maceration. I may under some circumstances-depending upon the use to which the
powder is to be put, and to the degree of explosive force required-mix with the pulped
or disintegrated oat straw, when such is used, a due proportion of ligneous fibre such
for instance as Poplar, Willow, Horse-Chestnut, Lime and like woods as are most free
from resinous or gummy substances. Care must be observed to ensure that the pulped
or disintegrated material be free from foreign matters and also that it be perfectly dry
and free from moisture, as also the stirring rod, inasmuch as the contact of moisture
with the combined acids would create violent ebullition accompanied by great heat
which would cause the pulped or disintegrated material to be spoiled and the bath to
become inoperative.
The maceration of the pulped or disintegrated material is continued for 24 hours at
a constant temperature of 50° Fahrt., but I do not confine myself to the time or
temperature above mentioned, as I may vary both according to the specific purposes
for which the powder is required, whether for sporting guns or rifles, military rifles,
heavy ordnance, blasting purposes or the like.
As soon as complete maceration has been effected, the pulped or disintegrated
material is removed from the bath and subjected to pressure in an acid proof press in

page_text: order to remove the crude acid, which latter, on the addition of a small quantity of
fresh acid, is revivified and may be again utilised. After removal from the press the
pulped or disintegrated material is thoroughly washed in pure cold water for from
half an hour to an hour until the water has lost all trace of acid and becomes tasteless.
Hitherto it has been assumed that by washing prepared pulp for the production of
pyroxyline in pure cold water for a period ranging from two to four weeks, the free
acid will then have been entirely eliminated. I find in practice however that this is
not so, but by the process hereinafter described, I am enabled to practically remove all
free acids. In order to obtain this result I place the pressed and partly washed
pulped material in a boiler or other suitable receptacle containing a bath composed of
3 ounces of dissolved Carbonate of Potassium to 6 gallons of water. The bath, which
must be agitated, is maintained constantly boiling for from 6 to 8 hours; loss by
evaporation being made up by the addition of water, or if desired, some of the soiled
water in the bath may be removed from the receptacle, the deficiency thus created
being made good by the addition of clean water. In the process of boiling, the
Potassium bath aforesaid becomes greatly discolored owing to the action of the
Potassium Carbonate upon the acid remaining in the pulped or disintegrated material
which acid is attacked thereby and neutralised. At the expiration of the time required
to complete the above treatment, the pulped or disintegrated material is removed from
the boiler and placed in a centrifugal dryer or other suitable strainer, whereupon, in
the case of the centrifugal dryer, a stream of water is introduced amongst the contents,
carrying away with it all discoloration, acid and other impurities, which process is
continued until the water leaves perfectly clean and free from color. The pulped or
disintegrated material having been freed from acid, which can be ascertained by any
delicate chemical test, and thoroughly cleansed, is now treated in an oxidising bath
composed of one pound of Potassium permanganate dissolved in 50 gallons of boiling
water, in which it remains with frequent agitation for say, half an hour, or for such
time until it has assumed a deep brown color, when it must be immediately removed,
as further oxidation beyond the deep brown color above referred to would result in
injury to the material. By the oxidising treatment last above described the explosive
power will be fixed within the pulped or disintegrated material. I do not however
confine myself to Potassium permanganate as an oxidising agent, as I find in practice
may employ with equal advantage any convenient oxidising substance to effect the
desired object.
I
The oxidised material having been removed from the Potassium bath, is again
washed and placed in a press to remove by pressure the greater part of its moisture,
after which it is thoroughly dried by steam, hot water, hot air or similar sources of
heat; fire and the like being strictly avoided, as the material bas now become highly
explosive.
With a view to impart a higher degree of explosive power to the material prepared
in accordance with my Invention, and to meet the requirements which would apply
say in the cases of the bursting charges of shells, the discharge of torpedoes and for
blasting purposes, I treat the before mentioned material in a bath composed of three
ounces of Potassium Nitrate or Sodium Nitrate dissolved in six gallons of water, this
proportion being suitable for each pound of the material. The bath which inust be
kept constantly stirred, is maintained at a temperature of from 80° to 100° Fahrt.
during an interval of time of, say, half an hour, according to the explosive force
required; the material is then pressed to remove as much as possible of the liquid,
and subjected to the drying process above described. When thoroughly dry, the now
friable material has incorporated with it a gelatinous substance produced from soaking
linseed in boiling water until it is brought into a stiff plastic doughy mass, in which
condition it is passed into a grinding machine where it is reduced to the finest possible
condition. may under some circumstances add to each gallon of the gelatinous
substance above mentioned two ounces of starch or dextrine, the introduction of which
tends to ensure uniformity in the explosive compound, at the same time it reduces or
checks the rapidity of combustion. The combined gelatinous substance above referred

page_text: to, and the starch or dextrine possess valuable binding and hardening properties,
which, when burned leave no residual ash.
The stiff plastic doughy mass is now passed into the granulating machine for con-
version into grains, suitable for military rifles, sporting guns and the like, or, it may
be pressed, cut, moulded or otherwise formed into wads, prisms, cubes, pellets and like
shapes suitable for large ordnance, torpedoes, the bursting charges of shells, and for
blasting and like purposes.
The granulated powder having been thoroughly dried, is sifted to free it from dust,
and is then placed in a suitable drum for the purpose of polishing, the time required
in the process of polishing depending upon the purpose for which the powder is
to be employed. The polishing process having been completed, the powder is now
ready for the final stage, namely, that of rendering it impervious to moisture. For
this purpose I dissolve the dust or refuse obtained from the sifting of the granu-
lated powder in a solution produced by the distillation of equal parts of the spent,
or partly spent acid bath and methylated or other spirit. This solution not only
permeates the substance of each grain, but, in the evaporation of the volatile spirit,
forms thereon a firm gelatinous waterproof envelope or casing which not only
thoroughly hardens the grains, but renders them thoroughly impervious to moisture,
hence the granulated powder may be soaked or boiled in water without sustaining any
injurious effects as regards its explosive force.
In lieu of the above described method of hardening the grains of powder, I may
employ a solution of Benzoline and Camphor or other suitable carbonacous material
in which is placed the granulated powder. The solution last above described permeates
each granule and leaves upon the surface thereof, after the evaporation of the volatile
spirit, a firm gelatinous coating. In order to avoid danger arising from the ignition
of the vapors evolved from the above volatile materials, the process of hardening
should preferably be performed during daylight or by the aid of such artificial light
as the electric-light. The process above referred to is conducted in suitable closed
vessels heated by any suitable means, other than directly from fire, the object of which
is, that the vapors arising therefrom may be condensed and the materials recovered,
again utilised.
The explosive material produced in the manner above described is especially
applicable for use with sporting guns and military rifles as it is not only perfectly
sinokeless and without flash or flame when fired in the dark, but it leaves no residual
ash, and has no corrosive action upon the weapons in which it is used. Another
important advantage arising from the use of the explosive compound herein described
is that the recoil of the weapon in which it is used upon the explosion of a cartridge,
is reduced to a minimum, thus increasing the accuracy of firing, and further, inasmuch
as there is no corrosive action, nor risidual ash, there is no fouling of the barrel, and
therefore the necessity for the cleansing of the weapon is materially reduced.
The improved gunpowder according to my invention, from its constitution is
absolutely safe, as its explosive nature is unaffected by friction or shock, and can only
be exploded by means of fire, a spark, detonator or the like.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
First-In the improved gunpowder herein described the employment of
Potassium Permanganate for oxidising the macerated pulp substantially as herein
described.
Second-The neutralising of the free acid remaining in the partly washed pulped
or disintegrated material after maceration by treating said pulp in a Potassium
Carbonate bath substantially as herein set forth.
Third-The employment of a gelatinous substance obtained from the soaking of
Linseed for binding and hardening the material from which my improved powder is
formed, whereby the combustion thereof is checked substantially as herein set forth.

page_text: Fourth-The utilisation of the dust or refuse of the powder after granulation to
form a waterproof varnish to the granules substantially as set forth.
Fifth-The various processes and materials employed as herein described, and in
or about the proportion named for the production of a smokeless, flameless, odorless,
nonfouling and safe gunpowder substantially as set forth.
JAMES
STEVENSON,
Gray's Inn Chambers,
20, High Holborn, W.C.,
Agent for Applicant.