11

22

Federation of European Explosives Federation of European Explosives ManufacturersManufacturers

Meeting Meeting of the of the

H&S Working Group H&S Working Group onon

13 March 201313 March 2013in Brussels, Hotel Manosin Brussels, Hotel Manos

33

List of ParticipantsList of Participants

1.1. Maurice Delaloye, SSE, SwitzerlandMaurice Delaloye, SSE, Switzerland2.2. Janusz Janusz DrzyzgaDrzyzga, Nitroerg, Poland , Nitroerg, Poland 3.3. Jose Castresana, Maxam, SpainJose Castresana, Maxam, Spain4.4. Pablo Ramos, Maxam, SpainPablo Ramos, Maxam, Spain5.5. Martin Klein, DynaEnergetics, GermanyMartin Klein, DynaEnergetics, Germany6.6. Jaroslav Konarik, Austin Detonators, Czech Rep.Jaroslav Konarik, Austin Detonators, Czech Rep.7.7. Walter Panchyrz, Orica, GermanyWalter Panchyrz, Orica, Germany8.8. Jean-Paul Reynaud, Titanobel, FranceJean-Paul Reynaud, Titanobel, France9.9. Matti Vähäpassi, Forcit, FinlandMatti Vähäpassi, Forcit, Finland10.10.David White, EPC, U.K.David White, EPC, U.K.

13. In attendance: Hans H. Meyer, FEEM, Belgium13. In attendance: Hans H. Meyer, FEEM, Belgium

Apologies:Apologies:1.1. Thierry Rousse, EPC, FranceThierry Rousse, EPC, France2.2. Claire VieillardClaire Vieillard, Davey Bickford, France, Davey Bickford, France3.3. Marin Dorobantu, Weatherford, RomaniaMarin Dorobantu, Weatherford, Romania

Meeting of the H&S Working Group

44

1.) Compliance with European Competition 1.) Compliance with European Competition LawLaw

As an Association, FEEM operates in strict compliance with As an Association, FEEM operates in strict compliance with

European competition laws. Respect for these laws is a core value European competition laws. Respect for these laws is a core value

applying to all FEEM activities. All members of this Committee applying to all FEEM activities. All members of this Committee

have been informed by the Secretary General about prohibited have been informed by the Secretary General about prohibited

discussion topics which apply not only during meetings but also to discussion topics which apply not only during meetings but also to

social gatherings before and after meetings. By signing the social gatherings before and after meetings. By signing the

participation form, the delegates declare their adherence to the participation form, the delegates declare their adherence to the

Competition Compliance Programme and agree to comply with Competition Compliance Programme and agree to comply with

Competition Law.Competition Law.

55

Compliance with European Competition LawCompliance with European Competition Law(cont.)(cont.)

Very clearly: You are not allowed to discuss or Very clearly: You are not allowed to discuss or exchange information exchange information

which is not in conformity with competition which is not in conformity with competition legislation, including legislation, including

e.g. on:e.g. on:

1.1. PricesPrices

2.2. Production detailsProduction details

3.3. Transportation ratesTransportation rates

4.4. Market proceduresMarket procedures

66

(Draft) Agenda for 13th March 2013(Draft) Agenda for 13th March 20131.1. Compliance with the European and National Compliance with the European and National

Competition Laws and RegulationsCompetition Laws and Regulations2.2. Agenda and ApprovalAgenda and Approval3.3. Minutes of the last meeting on 25 Sept. 2013 in Minutes of the last meeting on 25 Sept. 2013 in

Prague and approvalPrague and approval4. 4. General Secretary’s Report:General Secretary’s Report:

a)a) Track & Trace SituationTrack & Trace Situationb)b) Which notified body is responsible for allowing the Which notified body is responsible for allowing the

manufacturer to manufacturer to CE-mark the product?CE-mark the product?c)c) Can CE-certificates be withdrawn by Notified Can CE-certificates be withdrawn by Notified

Bodies?Bodies?d)d) Marking of various explosives in compliance with Marking of various explosives in compliance with

Directives 2008/43 &Directives 2008/43 &e)e) 2012/4/EU2012/4/EUf)f) What should be on an “associated label”?What should be on an “associated label”?g)g) Labelling of SPUsLabelling of SPUsh)h) Manufacturer’s Name on Unique IdentificationManufacturer’s Name on Unique Identificationi)i) Marking of an explosive article incorporating other Marking of an explosive article incorporating other

explosive articlesexplosive articles

77

(Draft) Agenda for 13th March 2013(Draft) Agenda for 13th March 2013

Coffee Break at 10h30Coffee Break at 10h30

5.5. Lead compounds situationLead compounds situation (Jose Castresana)(Jose Castresana)6.6. Study on current practices in the security vetting Study on current practices in the security vetting

of personnel in the whole supply chain of of personnel in the whole supply chain of explosives explosives

7.7. Are detonator manufacturers becoming Are detonator manufacturers becoming complacent? complacent?

8.8. Microreactors to produce explosive materialsMicroreactors to produce explosive materials9.9. Any other businessAny other business

a)a)Laboratory Nitration – somehow different! Laboratory Nitration – somehow different! (Walter (Walter Panchyrz)Panchyrz)

b)b)Unusual production related occurrencesUnusual production related occurrencesc)c) New FEEM web-siteNew FEEM web-site

10.10. Subjects for discussion at the next meetingSubjects for discussion at the next meeting11.11. Date, place and time of next meetingDate, place and time of next meeting

88

(Draft) Agenda for 13th March 2013(Draft) Agenda for 13th March 2013

Do I find your approval to the Agenda?Do I find your approval to the Agenda?

99

Item 3

Approval of the Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting in Minutes of the Meeting in Prague on 26 September 2012.Prague on 26 September 2012.

Meeting of the H&S Working Group

1010

Approval of the Approval of the MinutesMinutes

Do I find your agreement to these Minutes?

1111

Item 4Item 4

Secretary General’s Report

1212

Track & Trace SituationTrack & Trace Situation

FEEM Guidance NoteFEEM Guidance Note

A modified FEEM Guidance Note of the Coding Structure has been discussed yesterday at the Transport Working Group together with an associated XML file structure and a summarized summarized List of International UN/ECE codes available for List of International UN/ECE codes available for Logistics Use which are relevant for FEEM use in Logistics Use which are relevant for FEEM use in Advanced Shipping Notification Files.Advanced Shipping Notification Files.

Directives 93/15 & Directives 93/15 & 2008/43 2008/43

News since the last News since the last meetingmeeting

Item 4 (Secretary General’s Report)Item 4 (Secretary General’s Report)

1414

The affixing of the CE marking is primarily the manufacturer’s The affixing of the CE marking is primarily the manufacturer’s responsibility. However, when the CE marking appears on products responsibility. However, when the CE marking appears on products with an identification number of a notified body, the notified body with an identification number of a notified body, the notified body also assumes responsibility. The CE marking must be affixed at the also assumes responsibility. The CE marking must be affixed at the end of the production phase. The CE marking shall only be followed end of the production phase. The CE marking shall only be followed by the identification number of the notified body if the notified body by the identification number of the notified body if the notified body is involved in the production phase. Thus, the identification number is involved in the production phase. Thus, the identification number of a notified body involved in conformity assessment according to of a notified body involved in conformity assessment according to module B (CE type-examination)module B (CE type-examination) does not follow the CE marking. It does not follow the CE marking. It is therefore the notified body that carries out module C, D, E or F is therefore the notified body that carries out module C, D, E or F (and whose identification number figures on the product together (and whose identification number figures on the product together with the CE marking) that assumes responsibility.with the CE marking) that assumes responsibility.

Which notified body is responsible Which notified body is responsible for allowing the manufacturer to CE-for allowing the manufacturer to CE-

mark the product?mark the product?

1515

Can certificates [for the different modules] be withdrawn by Notified Bodies, if yes, at which

occasions and how?

There are several aspects that need to be taken into There are several aspects that need to be taken into account when considering the validity and the possibility account when considering the validity and the possibility of withdrawing certificates:of withdrawing certificates: - notified bodies are obliged to maintain themselves notified bodies are obliged to maintain themselves updated as far as the updated as far as the development of the state of the art is concerned; development of the state of the art is concerned; - notified bodies allow manufacturers to make use of the notified bodies allow manufacturers to make use of the certificates not certificates not only for the date when the certificate was issued;only for the date when the certificate was issued;- the manufacturer has the obligation to inform the the manufacturer has the obligation to inform the notified body of all notified body of all modifications where such changes may affect modifications where such changes may affect conformity with the conformity with the essential requirements and where therefore a further essential requirements and where therefore a further approval is needed. approval is needed. This obligation is also part of the ongoing licence This obligation is also part of the ongoing licence agreement between agreement between notified body and manufacturer;notified body and manufacturer;- according to national civil law certification bodies according to national civil law certification bodies usually have an usually have an obligation of due diligence vis-à-vis the validity of obligation of due diligence vis-à-vis the validity of issued certificates.issued certificates.

1616

Can certificates be withdrawn by Notified Bodies, if yes, at which occasions and how?

(cont.)

In all cases it needs to be stressed that when In all cases it needs to be stressed that when a Notified Body finds that requirements of a Notified Body finds that requirements of the Directive have not been met or are no the Directive have not been met or are no longer met, it has to restrict, suspend or longer met, it has to restrict, suspend or withdraw certificates, approvals or other withdraw certificates, approvals or other relevant conformity assessment results, relevant conformity assessment results, taking into account the principle of taking into account the principle of proportionality and the risk involved, unless proportionality and the risk involved, unless compliance is ensured through the compliance is ensured through the implementation of appropriate corrective implementation of appropriate corrective measures. measures.

171717

Marking of various explosives in Marking of various explosives in compliance with Directives 2008/43 and compliance with Directives 2008/43 and

2012/4/EU2012/4/EU

Items big enough to fully mark – 2008/43 Article 4

Small items that can be partially marked – 2008/43 Annex Para 3

Marking in accordance with 2012/4/EU for small (8.5mm or less in diameter) or oddly shaped items that cannot even be partially marked in compliance with 2008/43 Annex Para 3

Cartridged explosives

Mark full unique identification on the cartridge and associated label on the case (outer box). No need to mark inner box.

Mark country ID letters, 3 digit site code and electronic readable ID on the cartridge and associated label on the case (outer box). No need to mark inner box.

Not included.

Plain detonators

Mark full unique identification on the detonator and associated label on the case (outer box). No need to mark wrapper or inner box.

Mark country ID letters, 3 digit site code and electronic readable ID on the detonator and associated label on the case (outer box). No need to mark wrapper or inner box.

Mark detonator with country ID letters and 3 digit site code. Mark full unique identification and number of items on the smallest packaging unit (wrapper). Close the smallest packaging unit with a seal so that disappearances in the supply chain can be easily noticed.N.B.: In this case 'full unique identification' refers to the smallest packaging unit, not the individual detonator.

181818

Marking of various explosives in Marking of various explosives in compliance with Directives 2008/43 and compliance with Directives 2008/43 and

2012/4/EU2012/4/EU Items big enough to fully mark – 2008/43 Article 4

Small items that can be partially marked – 2008/43 Annex Para 3

Marking in accordance with 2012/4/EU for small (8.5mm or less in diameter) or oddly shaped items that cannot even be partially marked in compliance with 2008/43 Annex Para 3

Boosters

Mark full unique identification on the booster and associated label on the case (outer box). No need to mark wrapper or inner box.

Mark country ID letters, 3 digit site code and electronic readable ID on the booster and associated label on the case (outer box). No need to mark wrapper or inner box.

Mark booster with country ID letters and 3 digit site code. Mark full unique identification and number of items on the smallest packaging unit (inner box). Close the smallest packaging unit with a seal so that disappearances in the supply chain can be easily noticed.N.B.: In this case 'full unique identification' refers to the smallest packaging unit, not the individual booster.

Detonating cord

Mark full unique identification on the spool/bobbin/reel and on the cord every 5 metres. Associated label on case (box) if used.

Mark country ID letters, 3 digit site code and electronic readable ID on the spool/bobbin/reel .On the cord repeat every 5 metres the minimum human readable part (no logistics information, no matrix/bar code).Associated label on case (box) if used.

Mark full unique identification on the spool/bobbin/reel and the smallest packaging unit (box).

191919

What should be on an “associated label”? If a box What should be on an “associated label”? If a box contains 50 primers does the associated label contains 50 primers does the associated label have to state the unique identifications for all 50 have to state the unique identifications for all 50 or can the label simply state something like or can the label simply state something like “Contains 50 primers”?“Contains 50 primers”?

Associated LabelsAssociated Labels

There is no need that the label contains all numbers of the items in the box. The matrix/bar code should suffice. The related information is available in the systems / database of the producer / distributor and is transferred to the buyer via XML file. If police stopped a truck and wanted to check a specific item number in connection with the box, they should be able to scan the box themselves or obtain information on the number and unique identifications of the items in the box from the manufacturer or distributor. There should be no need to print all item numbers on the box or the delivery documents.

202020

Labelling of SPUsLabelling of SPUs

If the primers are less than 8.5 mm in diameter If the primers are less than 8.5 mm in diameter and therefore the SPU needs to be labelled, do all and therefore the SPU needs to be labelled, do all 50 unique identifications have to be marked on 50 unique identifications have to be marked on the SPU? the SPU?

No!No!

212121

Does the manufacturer’s name need to be in full or Does the manufacturer’s name need to be in full or can it be abbreviated (eg RHEMCO instead of can it be abbreviated (eg RHEMCO instead of Rhinoceros and Hippopotamus Explosives Rhinoceros and Hippopotamus Explosives Manufacturing Co) to assist the marking of smaller Manufacturing Co) to assist the marking of smaller items? items?

This has benefits and in any event the Member This has benefits and in any event the Member State will be able to identify the manufacturer State will be able to identify the manufacturer from their records using the 3 digit site code.from their records using the 3 digit site code.

This is a matter for the competent authorities in This is a matter for the competent authorities in the Member State issuing the code to judge on a the Member State issuing the code to judge on a case-by-case basis. If the abbreviated name is a case-by-case basis. If the abbreviated name is a commonly known and recognisable trade name, commonly known and recognisable trade name, this should be acceptable; if the abbreviation this should be acceptable; if the abbreviation makes it impossible to identify the manufacturer it makes it impossible to identify the manufacturer it would not be advisable.would not be advisable.

Manufacturer’s Name on Unique Manufacturer’s Name on Unique IdentificationIdentification

2222

In the offshore oil and gas industry, companies In the offshore oil and gas industry, companies manufacture jet-perforating guns (JPG) that manufacture jet-perforating guns (JPG) that consist of a number of shaped charges, consist of a number of shaped charges, detonating cord and detonators manufactured by detonating cord and detonators manufactured by a third party. These items will be marked in a third party. These items will be marked in accordance with the Directive however when accordance with the Directive however when they are incorporated into the JPG (essentially a they are incorporated into the JPG (essentially a long pipe with holes cut in it for the shaped long pipe with holes cut in it for the shaped charges) none of their Ids will be visible. Our charges) none of their Ids will be visible. Our view is that a single new Identification is marked view is that a single new Identification is marked on the finished JPG and relevant records are on the finished JPG and relevant records are kept to detail the incorporation of the smaller kept to detail the incorporation of the smaller items within the JPG. Is this a correct items within the JPG. Is this a correct interpretation? interpretation?

Marking of an explosive article Marking of an explosive article incorporating other explosive articlesincorporating other explosive articles

2323

On the assumption that the provisions of the On the assumption that the provisions of the second subparagraph of Article 3(1) of the second subparagraph of Article 3(1) of the Directive do not provide an exemption (taking Directive do not provide an exemption (taking into account also the obligations of Article 4 to into account also the obligations of Article 4 to which that refers), which would seem the case which that refers), which would seem the case here, in principle that would be a correct here, in principle that would be a correct interpretation. The finished JPG would fall interpretation. The finished JPG would fall within the definition of explosive under Directive within the definition of explosive under Directive 93/15/EEC and would need to be marked to 93/15/EEC and would need to be marked to enable a full tracing record. If the JPG is created enable a full tracing record. If the JPG is created 'on-site', marking the JPG as a separate item 'on-site', marking the JPG as a separate item may not be necessary provided it is not may not be necessary provided it is not transported elsewhere.transported elsewhere.

Marking of an explosive article Marking of an explosive article incorporating other explosive articlesincorporating other explosive articles

(cont.)(cont.)

2424

2525

Lead Compound SituationLead Compound Situation(Jose Castresana)(Jose Castresana)

In accordance with article 59 (10) of the REACHIn accordance with article 59 (10) of the REACH

Regulation, the European Commission has included Regulation, the European Commission has included thethe

following substances in the Candidate List:following substances in the Candidate List:

DinitrateDinitrate ((233-245-9) (10099-74-8)233-245-9) (10099-74-8)

Lead MonoxideLead Monoxide ((215-267-0) (1317-36-8)215-267-0) (1317-36-8)

Orange Lead (lead tetroxide)Orange Lead (lead tetroxide) (215-235-6) (1314-41-6)(215-235-6) (1314-41-6)

The date of inclusion was 19.12.2012 and the The date of inclusion was 19.12.2012 and the documentarydocumentary

support for inclusion is available at the Web of ECHA:support for inclusion is available at the Web of ECHA:

http://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-tablehttp://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table

2626

Study on current practices in the security vetting of Study on current practices in the security vetting of personnel in the whole supply chain of explosives personnel in the whole supply chain of explosives

and CBRN materialsand CBRN materials

FEEM has circulated on 4 February to its FEEM has circulated on 4 February to its members a questionnaire concerning an overview members a questionnaire concerning an overview of existing national policies and practices in the of existing national policies and practices in the area of personnel security vetting and pre-area of personnel security vetting and pre-employment background checks in the European employment background checks in the European Union Member States and to explore areas where Union Member States and to explore areas where possible policy initiatives at EU level would have possible policy initiatives at EU level would have added value in enhancing security. This is a added value in enhancing security. This is a project which will define future policy and it is project which will define future policy and it is strongly recommend that you respond to it as it is strongly recommend that you respond to it as it is an opportunity to influence Commission policy an opportunity to influence Commission policy which may impact on the future of businesses in which may impact on the future of businesses in the Explosives industries. This is one of the 50 the Explosives industries. This is one of the 50 recommendations to enhance the security of recommendations to enhance the security of explosives and may lead to a new EU-Directive.explosives and may lead to a new EU-Directive.

2727

Study on current practices in the security vetting of Study on current practices in the security vetting of personnel in the whole supply chain of explosives personnel in the whole supply chain of explosives

and CBRN materialsand CBRN materials

These are some of the questions e.g.: These are some of the questions e.g.:

1. Does the industry you represent require that personnel who have

access to all processes associated with explosives and high risk CBRN materials are subjected to pre-employment background checks / government security vetting level? (This includes, for example, IT, Health & Safety, regulators etc).

2.2. Does your country have a national pre-employment Does your country have a national pre-employment backgroundbackground

checking /government security vetting process which applies to checking /government security vetting process which applies to all all

personnel involved with explosives and/or high-risk CBRN personnel involved with explosives and/or high-risk CBRN materials?materials?

2828

Study on current practices in the security Study on current practices in the security vetting of personnel in the whole supply vetting of personnel in the whole supply chain of explosives and CBRN materials chain of explosives and CBRN materials

(cont.)(cont.)

3. 3. Does your organisation make pre-employment Does your organisation make pre-employment background checks of personnel who have background checks of personnel who have access to all processes associated with access to all processes associated with explosives and high risk CBRN materials?explosives and high risk CBRN materials?

Etc., etc.Etc., etc.

2929

Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming

Complacent?Complacent?

There has been a dramatic increase in 2012 in There has been a dramatic increase in 2012 in the frequency of incidents associated with the the frequency of incidents associated with the manufacture of detonators in general. manufacture of detonators in general.

There were three fatalities and two serious There were three fatalities and two serious injuries. The Incident Reports suggest that injuries. The Incident Reports suggest that Basis of Safety (BoS) and Good Explosives Basis of Safety (BoS) and Good Explosives Practices (GEP) are being neglected in factory Practices (GEP) are being neglected in factory systems. These are fundamental principles for systems. These are fundamental principles for the safe manufacturing of detonators and their the safe manufacturing of detonators and their components.components.

3030

Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Complacent?Complacent?

(cont.)(cont.)

Basis of SafetyBasis of Safety (BoS) is an understanding of (BoS) is an understanding of those simple, fundamental safety and technical those simple, fundamental safety and technical principles that do two things:principles that do two things:

1.1. Prevent unintentional explosions, ignitions, and Prevent unintentional explosions, ignitions, and fume-offs specific to the explosives industry.fume-offs specific to the explosives industry.

2.2. If there is an explosion, fire or fume-off, manage If there is an explosion, fire or fume-off, manage the consequences to minimize the impact on the consequences to minimize the impact on people, assets and the environment.people, assets and the environment.

It is developed from identified process hazards It is developed from identified process hazards and the lessons of past events in order to and the lessons of past events in order to provide better process controls.provide better process controls.

3131

Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Complacent?Complacent?

(cont.)(cont.)

Good Explosives PracticesGood Explosives Practices (GEP) is a generic (GEP) is a generic term used to describe methods of working with term used to describe methods of working with explosives that incorporates the BoS for that explosives that incorporates the BoS for that process. They ensure that explosives hazards are process. They ensure that explosives hazards are understood and practical measures applied to understood and practical measures applied to reduce:reduce:

1.1. Likelihood of initiation; andLikelihood of initiation; and2.2. Potential consequences of an initiation if it Potential consequences of an initiation if it

occursoccurs

3232

Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Complacent?Complacent?

(cont.)(cont.)

It is strongly recommended that for all It is strongly recommended that for all explosives operations, schedules are in place for explosives operations, schedules are in place for robust auditing of practices and processes robust auditing of practices and processes against comprehensive BoS and GEP standards. against comprehensive BoS and GEP standards. All BoS / GEP systems emphasize the importance All BoS / GEP systems emphasize the importance of incident prevention by controlling sources of of incident prevention by controlling sources of Friction, Impact, Static and Heat. These are the Friction, Impact, Static and Heat. These are the primary issues to be controlled to prevent an primary issues to be controlled to prevent an event occurring. Thereafter, the focus is event occurring. Thereafter, the focus is mitigation (making the impact less severe), to mitigation (making the impact less severe), to minimize the consequences of an event.minimize the consequences of an event.

The review of incidents reported in 2012 would The review of incidents reported in 2012 would suggest that the following aspects of BoS / GEP suggest that the following aspects of BoS / GEP may have been contributing factors:may have been contributing factors:

3333

Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Complacent?Complacent?

(cont.)(cont.)

QuantityQuantity: In a number of cases the qunatity of : In a number of cases the qunatity of explosive involved either exceeded that explosive involved either exceeded that authorized or was lethal in quantity. GEP always authorized or was lethal in quantity. GEP always requires the quantity to be kept to a practical requires the quantity to be kept to a practical minimum.minimum.

ExposureExposure: Some incidents involved exposure of : Some incidents involved exposure of operators to explosive being processed and/or operators to explosive being processed and/or exposure of additional people who became exposure of additional people who became collateral damage. GEP always requires the collateral damage. GEP always requires the minimum exposure of personnel to any minimum exposure of personnel to any operation involving explosives. operation involving explosives.

3434

Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Are Detonator Manufacturers Becoming Complacent?Complacent?

(cont.)(cont.)

Impact / FrictionImpact / Friction: A number of incidents invoved : A number of incidents invoved the use of tools made from inappropriate the use of tools made from inappropriate materials. For sensitive materials, i.e. primary materials. For sensitive materials, i.e. primary and secondary explosives and pyrotechnics, at and secondary explosives and pyrotechnics, at least one surface of either a tools or receptacle least one surface of either a tools or receptacle should be a soft material; usually plastic or should be a soft material; usually plastic or rubber.rubber.

Electrostatic DischargeElectrostatic Discharge (ESD): ESD has been (ESD): ESD has been referred to as “our invisible enemy”: the referred to as “our invisible enemy”: the importance of good anti-static measures both in importance of good anti-static measures both in detonator design and in the production detonator design and in the production environment can never be overstated.environment can never be overstated.

3535

Microreactors to produce explosive Microreactors to produce explosive

materialsmaterials Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT in Pfinztal have Chemical Technology ICT in Pfinztal have developed a method for safer production of developed a method for safer production of nitroglycerine: a microreactor process, tailored to nitroglycerine: a microreactor process, tailored to this specific reaction. What makes the process this specific reaction. What makes the process safer are the tiny quantities involved. If the safer are the tiny quantities involved. If the quantities are smaller, less heat is generated. And quantities are smaller, less heat is generated. And because the surface is very expansive compared to because the surface is very expansive compared to the volume involved, the system is very easy to the volume involved, the system is very easy to cool. Another benefit: the tiny reactor produces the cool. Another benefit: the tiny reactor produces the explosive material considerably faster than in explosive material considerably faster than in agitating vessels. Unlike a large agitating vessel agitating vessels. Unlike a large agitating vessel filled before the slow reaction proceeds, the filled before the slow reaction proceeds, the microreactor works continuously: the base microreactor works continuously: the base materials flow through tiny channels into the materials flow through tiny channels into the reaction chamber in “assembly-line fashion“. reaction chamber in “assembly-line fashion“. There, they react with one another for several There, they react with one another for several seconds before flowing through other channels into seconds before flowing through other channels into a second microreactor for processing – meaning a second microreactor for processing – meaning purification.purification.

3636

9.9. Any other business?Any other business?

9. Any other business?9. Any other business?

Walter Panchyrz:Walter Panchyrz:

Laboratory Nitration – somehow differentLaboratory Nitration – somehow different

Unusual production related occurrencesUnusual production related occurrences

9. Any other business?9. Any other business? (cont.) (cont.)

4040

New FEEM homepage

FEEM has started into 2013 with a new, up-dated web site. It is professional, has got a modern design and web architecture and looks very nice. It is easy to operate and to navigate.

You find the site under www.

feem-europe.com feem-europe.eu feem-europe.org

feem.info

9. Any other business?9. Any other business? (cont.) (cont.)

10. Subjects for discussion at the next 10. Subjects for discussion at the next meeting?meeting?

4242

8. Date & Place of the next meeting:8. Date & Place of the next meeting:

Hotel Gellért Hotel Gellért Szent Gellért tér 1. Szent Gellért tér 1.

in in 1111 Budapest, Hungary1111 Budapest, Hungary

Tuesday, 17 September 2013 Dinner at Tuesday, 17 September 2013 Dinner at 19h00 19h00

Wednesday, 18 September: Meeting from Wednesday, 18 September: Meeting from 09h00 to 13h0009h00 to 13h00