Colorimetry method for nitrocellulose powder charge monitoring system

Abstract

Nitrocellulose powders are unstable chemical compounds. Over time, the consumer properties of the powder charge can change so much that the charges will not only be unsuitable for their intended use, but also become dangerous for personnel and the barrel system. This is associated with the problem of establishing the terms of safe storage of powders and their operational suitabi lity, the need for a constant system for monitoring their condition. However, in developed NATO countries, there is practically no system for monitoring powder charges throughout their en tire shelf life. Some countries have some components of the above-mentioned system, but its elements do not fully cover the entire spectrum of the state of powder charges. For the monitoring system to work effectively, informative indicators are needed that allow determining the state of powder charges without the use of complex diagnostic equipment. One of such indicators is the color of the surface of the powder element. In this study, an automated method for assessing the quality of nitrocellulose powder charges by the color of their surface for further use as intended was developed. The use of this method will significantly reduce the time of assessment and decision-making by experts, and eliminate subjectivity. In addition, the method will allow creating a database of powder charges for further monitor ing of their condition throughout the entire life cycle. To confirm the reliability and adequacy of the developed method, an experimental study was conducted. The study data showed that the proposed hypothesis is true, namely, during storage, nitrocellulose powder charges change the color of their surface, and it is possible to determine their shelf life.