Static electricity

[Peterla]

I am looking into storing powder charges in the 100 plastic test tubes I have in stock.
The reason for this is when we have large shoots like the queens and I need to reload at site I can take measure powder load in the tubes and just pour into the cases.
A concern I have is that the powder may stick into the tubes with static.
Has anyone done this before or got any ideas on how to limit the static during transport

Thanks

Peter

[DMC]

I think i read somewhere in Bill Hamblys book that he washes the test tubes with detergent but dosn't rinse them ? Id have to read it again, someone else may have a copy close or another idea

Cheers
Darren

[Peterla]

Thank's for the quick reply Darren.
Keen to see what others have to say about that.

Peter

[Tim L]

Not sure what the rules are in SA but that's not strictly legal in QLD, it's easier to just put it in a case!

QLD Explosives regs

89 Requirements for storing propellant powder
A person storing a propellant powder must—
(a) store the explosive in—
(i) its original packaging; and
(ii) a secured area;.....

[Tim N]

Peter
I have taken measured powder charges in small plastic screw top containers to a queens before and it worked fine.
Most powders are in plastic containers so I assume it to be safe.

[Ken Melgaard]

Hi Peter
I have doing this for a long time with no problems with granules sticking in the vials, the graphit coating on the powder is there to disapate static electricity and it's a great way to have weighted CW ready reload when you don't have enough cases
Cheers
Ken Melgaard

[Cliff Austen]

The solvents such as xylene, toluene, mineral turps etc have antistatic agents added to prevent static build up when they are being poured into mixing tanks. The tanks also have earth straps attached. If this is not done the the solvent builds up a static head and a spark discharge may occur causing an explosion.
The same situation could happen when pouring powder into containers that are prone to static electricity build up.
I strongly recommend that if you do know if static electricity could be a problem then DON'T GO DOWN THAT PATH.
Cliff. Industrial Chemist, Paint Industry for 44years.

[Peterla]

Thanks for all the comments.
I will have to give it some serious thought
Maybe even look at Glass tubes

Pete