Preparation of gas generation grain

• US 3,971,729 A
• Filed: 09/14/1973
• Issued: 07/27/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/1973
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: HBB Limited Partnership
• Original Assignee: Specialty Products Development Corporation
• Inventors: Timmerman, Hubert G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Padgett, Benjamin R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Gluck, Irwin
• Application Number:
  US05/397,296
• Time in Patent Office: 1,047 Days
• Field of Search: 252/188.3 R, 252/187 R, 280/150 AB, 60/217, 149/83, 149/77, 23/281
• US Class Current: 149/83
• CPC Class Codes: C06B 29/08 with an organic non-explosive or an organic non-thermic component
• CPC Class Codes: C06D 5/06 by reaction of two or more solids

Abstract

A technique is provided for making a granulated propellant suitable for gas generation for an automobile passenger restraint bag. The propellant is about 1/4 anhydrous nickel formate and 3/4 potassium chlorate. The dry powders are blended and mixed with about 12 to 15% of liquid comprising water and up to 50% methanol. The blended mixture is granulated and dehydrated.

Claims

1. A process for preparing a deflagration gas generation mixture comprising the steps of:

mixing substantially anhydrous nickel formate powder with an oxidizer compound powder;

blending the mixture with a liquid having more water than sufficient to form nickel formate dihydrate;

agglomerating the blended mixture; and

substantially completely dehydrating the agglomerated mixture.

2. A process as defined in claim 1 further comprising the preliminary step before the mixing step of forming anhydrous nickel formate by substantially completely dehydrating nickel formate dihydrate by heating.

3. A process as defined in claim 2 wherein the agglomeration step comprises granulation by wet sieving.

4. A process as defined in claim 1 wherein the quantity of liquid added in the blending step is in the range of from about 12 to 25% by weight of the dry mixture.

5. A process as defined in claim 4 wherein the mixture comprises about 1/4 to 1/3 anhydrous nickel formate and about 2/3 to 3/4 alkali metal chlorate or alkali metal perchlorate.

6. A process as defined in claim 4 wherein the liquid is at least about 50% water and up to about 50% liquid miscible with water and vaporizable more rapidly than water.

7. A process as defined in claim 6 wherein the liquid comprises up to about 50% methanol.

8. A product produced according to the process of claim 1.

9. A process as defined in claim 1 wherein the agglomeration step comprises granulation by wet sieving.

10. A process as defined in claim 1 wherein the oxidizer compound powder is selected from the group consisting of chlorates, perchlorates and nitrates.