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A saltpetre works or nitrary [1] is a place of production of potassium nitrate or saltpetre used primarily for the manufacture of gunpowder. The saltpeter occurs naturally in certain places like the "Caves of Salnitre" known since the Neolithic.
The soot contains potassium oxide or sodium oxide that turns into potassium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide, which corrodes wrought iron or steel gun barrels. Gunpowder arms therefore require thorough and regular cleaning to remove the residue. [8] Gunpowder loads can be used in modern firearms as long as they are not gas-operated.
Potassium nitrate can be made by combining ammonium nitrate and potassium hydroxide. NH 4 NO 3 + KOH → NH 3 + KNO 3 + H 2 O. An alternative way of producing potassium nitrate without a by-product of ammonia is to combine ammonium nitrate, found in instant ice packs, [30] and potassium chloride, easily obtained as a sodium-free salt substitute.
Because of their similar use, both the original black powder formulation and the smokeless propellant which replaced it are commonly described as gunpowder. The combustion products of smokeless powder are mainly gaseous, compared to around 55% solid products (mostly potassium carbonate , potassium sulfate , and potassium sulfide ) for black ...
The oxidizer most often used in the preparation of sugar motors is potassium nitrate (KNO 3). Other oxidizers can be used as well, such as sodium and calcium nitrates as well as mixtures of sodium and potassium nitrate. [7] KNO 3 can be acquired through purchasing a granular "stump remover" from stores that carry garden supplies. Other rarely ...
In contact with potassium nitrate (e.g. in black powder) produces potassium perchlorate and hygroscopic ammonium nitrate; no such reaction with sodium nitrate. Reacts with potassium chlorate, producing unstable, gradually decomposing ammonium chlorate; such combination has to be avoided. [1] Nitronium perchlorate
Although all firearm propellants are generally called powder, [1] the term gunpowder originally described mixtures of charcoal and sulfur with potassium nitrate as an oxidizing agent. [ 2 ] : 133, 137 By the 20th century these early propellants were largely replaced by smokeless powder of nitrocellulose or similarly nitrated organic compounds .
The Nitre and Mining Bureau is most known for their production of saltpeter (potassium nitrate) for the Confederacy. Because of the blockade of Southern ports, imported supplies of gunpowder and materials were kept away from the Confederacy, and had to be supplied within their own borders. Priority was given to the manufacture of gunpowder.