Pyrotechnics devices
Pots
As the name suggests these devices are small pots (normally made from cardboard) partially filled with a powder of some type which is ignited to produce the effect. Due to the fact that these pots are only partially filled, there is a chance that the igniter may not be in contact with the powder which may cause the pot not to function correctly. Where possible these pots should be angled away from people to prevent injury and fired on a slight incline with the igniter towards the bottom of the slope. A quick shake of the pot will make sure that the powder is in contact with the igniter as shown below.
Stars
A star is an amount of pyrotechnic composition that has by some means been fashioned into a solid object. These are the bright burning objects you see ejected from Roman candles, shells, mines etc.
Usually the pyrotechnic composition is mixed with a binder and a small amount of solvent to make a doughy mass which is then fashioned into stars, although some use has been made of so-called pressed stars, which involve the composition being pressed extremely hard into a mold with a hydraulic press or similar, thus doing without the solvent.
Smoke Puffs
Almost the same as a flash pot except they produce a rolling puff of smoke. Once again they can be obtained in a number different colours. As a general rule coloured smoke should be avoided however the coloureds smoke from these pots is soon blown away and can be considered safe.
Shell
The shell is a sphere or cylinder of papier mache or plastic which contains stars and a bursting charge, together with a fuse. It is fired into the air from a tube using a lift charge, usually black powder. The time the fuse takes determines the height above the ground at which the shell will burst, igniting and spreading the stars.
Coloured Fire
These look like a flash pot but when they are ignited they burn intense heat and a choice of different coloured flare. They also produce white smoke which at the time of use reflects the colour of the flare.
Maroons
For the sake of a better description, these devices are "Bangers". They are normally a black powder charge, encased in a cardboard tube. When fired will produce a very loud bang. A number of different types and sizes are available.
Rocket
A rocket consists of a tube of rocket fuel, sealed at one end, with a constriction, or nozzle, at the other end. The burning fuel produces exhaust gases, which, when forced out the nozzle, produce thrust, moving the rocket in the other direction.
Solid fuel rockets can be one of two types - end-burning, where the fuel is solidly packed into the tube, so the fuel can only burn at one end - and core-burning, where there is a central core longitudinally through the fuel, so the fuel can burn down its full length. At the top of the rocket can be a smoke composition, so it is possible to determine the maximum height ("apogee") of the rocket, or a burst charge and stars.
Smoke Generators
These are generally metal cylinders, that contain a smoke compound and an igniter. When fired they produce a dense smoke screen and the metal body gets very hot. They normally come as coloured smoke units. Coloured smoke is normally poisonous and thus should be avoided. White smoke generators on the whole are no more dangerous than normal wood smoke and thus can be used in large quantities. If you want to use coloured smoke make sure the party will not be effected by it, (place it downwind of them so that they do not have to enter the smoke and keep an eye on the wind direction).
Waterfall
These are similar to gerbs, but usually do not spray as far. They are usually
mounted horizontally in banks of several tubes, placed some distance
above the ground. When ignited, the effect is like a brilliant waterfall
of sparks.
more pyrotechnical
information |
