Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a sensitive and brisant explosive. PETN is transported wetted (25 %) with water to limit its impact and friction sensitivities. Literature on its sensitivities in function of its water content is controversial as the measurements were performed by several operators and laboratories rendering difficult to compare the values. Literature studies of mechanical sensitivity methods show the weaknesses and problems of mechanical measurements. Indeed, it is important to analyze a sample with standardized machines and by a single operator. During this work, pure PETN samples with water contents of 0 to 35 % were prepared and the water content was measured by Karl‐Fischer titration. The sensitivities were analyzed by the “BAM Fallhammer” and the “BAM Friction Apparatus”. The resulting trends were analyzed and discussed with regard to their meaning for handling safety. The study should help to better assess dangers when working with wet PETN (10–25 %) in order to avoid accidents.

In this second part of our work on the sensitivity of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) the investigations focus on the manufacturing process. Literature about the explosive during production is very rare and optimization or changes in the process demand more in-depth knowledge of the safety parameters. Therefore, the industrial process is imitated in a small-scale laboratory reactor. Then impact and friction sensitivities of emergency drowned, spent acid wet and acid washed PETN are investigated. In advance, PETN samples were taken from the filter of the SSE production and measured in the same manner. It becomes clear at which point a sensitive material is expected in the process. The data will improve handling safety and plant design.

The tetranitrate of pentaerythritol, PETN, is used as booster explosive, in detonation cords or detonators. Industrial production has been steadily optimized since the 1930’s, but accidents still occur on plants. In this work, the impact and friction sensitivity of PETN during manufacture is investigated. For this purpose, a laboratory reactor was developed together with BIAZZI S.A. and Austin Powder Technology GmbH. The conditions are kept as close as possible to the industrial standard. The content of dipentaerythritol in the starting material is varied from 0.1 to 1.3% as usual in the industry. BAM impact and friction instruments are used to analyze dry and wet (up to 35%) samples from the filter. The results will be used to assist in the design of new equipment and to help the equipment operator to be able to correctly assess the danger of the material.

The tetranitrate of pentaerythritol, PETN, is used as booster explosive, in detonation cords or detonators. Industrial production has been steadily optimized since the 1930’s, but accidents still occur on plants. In this work, the impact and friction sensitivity of PETN during manufacture is investigated. For this purpose, a laboratory reactor was developed together with BIAZZI S.A. and Austin Powder Technology GmbH. The conditions are kept as close as possible to the industrial standard. The content of dipentaerythritol in the starting material is varied from 0.1 to 1.3% as usual in the industry. BAM impact and friction instruments are used to analyze dry and wet (up to 35%) samples from the filter. The results will be used to assist in the design of new equipment and to help the equipment operator to be able to correctly assess the danger of the material.