Laboratory Methodology for Assessment of Toxic Fumes in Post Detonation Gases from Explosives

A study into the toxic fumes generation by C–H–N–O explosives was undertaken in a cylindrical steel chamber in the laboratory. A single component explosive, PETN and two composite commercial explosives of permitted group P5 belonging to both NG-based and slurry type, were studied under four different confinement conditions. Instrumental analysis of carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), major toxic components in the post detonation products were carried out. Subsequent data analysis by applying statistical methods led to the development of an ideal method under which detonating explosives generate least fumes and another method, providing the worst detonating condition for the explosives producing maximum fumes, suitable for assessment of toxic fume level in the laboratory.