Mitigating Potential Single-Point-Failure in the Chain of Materials Supply of Densified Basic Magnesium Carbonate for Smoke Generation None

Abstract : Densified Basic magnesium carbonate (DBMC) is widely used in military for smoke generation, such as in M18/M83 smoke grenades, M8 smoke pot, battlefield effect simulator (BES) and other miscellaneous pyrotechnic sub-components. It is mainly a coolant through a multi-stage decomposition to produce desirable smokes without flaming. It also has unique properties, such as particle size, density, that are essential to the Glatt Mixer process. However, domestic production (Rohm&Haas) has long ceased, and the army currently relies on a sole foreign source, Dead Sea Bromide of Israeli, for the supply of the material. Consequently, there is a high chance of single-point failure (SPF) in the chain of material supply. The aim of this work is to identify, evaluate and establish alternative sources/suppliers of BMC to mitigate the potential source single point failure. Among six supply sources identified for assessment, the BMC samples from Lehmann and Voss of Germany and Melox Chemicals of India more closely resemble the material currently used in the Army in terms of their physiochemical and thermal properties as outlined in military spec MIL-DIL-11361E. The heavy metals and other trace constituents were also assessed against the spec with satisfactory results. These two BMC source supplies are, therefore, down selected for further evaluation in complete munition systems for performance data at a production level.