What is “Cool Burn” ignition?
In this video, we discuss the “cool burn” ignition and how it differs from other more conventional “hot smoke” bombs and how this helps reduce fire risk.
All pyrotechnics contain risk
Please be aware that any pyrotechnic is going to be a fire-risk, even when using cool-burn technologies. Be aware of your surroundings where you operating your pyrotechnic devices and take any precautions necessary to ensure safe operation of your technicals.
In the height of summer, New Zealand woodland, scrubland, and bush can get very, very dry. When operating pyrotechnics in these areas be vigilant and always have firefighting equipment close by.
What is “Cool Burn” ignition?
As discussed in the video above, the term cool-burn is used to describe the ignition method of our smoke bomb/grenade/signal units. It refers to there being no external flame required to start the ignition of the smoke grenade. The units will still get hot, but substantially less than military and marine distress smoke signals. The combination of this greatly reduces the fire risk of the units. But as with any pyrotechnic device, there is always the chance of a fire and they should not be used on or near easily flammable materials.
The ignition method of our smoke signals is done through a simple and effective metallic friction causing a reaction that ignites the material inside the casing. Once this is ignited it’s incredibly hard to stop until the material is spent. The casings do get warm, and will gradually get warmer throughout their operation and whilst we don’t recommend holding them, if you do, gloves are advised. The smoke coming out of the top of the unit will also be hot for about 6″ and can potentially burn.
Effects on the environment
The unit’s themselves are plastic cased, and the top of the units will melt, we advise persons using these devices to collect their empty units and dispose of them accordingly.
Below are several photos of different units and the effects on the dry grass around them where they have been let off. Whilst the heat emitted was enough to burn the surrounding dry, dead grass, it was not enough to start a fire. Some colour transfer may also happen so be aware of this when using them as discolouration of the ground is possible.
