Firework Types, Explosives & How They Work Part 2

Set Pieces

These fireworks are, as their name suggests, used to create a static effect. They can be in the form of waterfalls strung horizontally on string or poles, wheels, flying pigs, fountains or lancework e.g. “Good Night”. These are mini flares linked together with fuse and burn for about 60 secs.

Careful attention needs to be paid to setting these up in order to gain the maximum effect from them, especially with respect to their height. Care must be taken to ensure that the moving fireworks set off in the right direction initially.

Most set pieces are not dangerous if properly assembled, however keep these out of the firing line to avoid premature ignition. Especially lance-work which must be set up-wind of the rest.

Lancework is a set piece of a special type. They are made up from small fireworks set on a frame which burn simultaneously as individual points of light to present a continuing two-dimensional picture. The picture may bes symbolic, such as a badge or crest, or in word form, such as “Good Night”.

More complex effects can be produced by creating different pictures in sequence on the same frame, to produce an impression of motion.

Explosives – How they work

Explosives can be classified under three headings:-

Deflagatory explosives (sometimes called low explosives), of which black powder is a typical example, are a mixture of a fuel and an oxidising agent.

On ignition, rapid combustion takes place producing quantities of hot gas. It is the expansive properties of this hot gas that, if suitably contained, gives rise to any explosive force produced. Deflagatory explosives form the vast majority of pyrotechnics mixtures.

By adjusting grain size and degree of compression of the powder before it is burnt, a considerable range of burn rates can be achieved. By the degree of containment of the hot gases after combustion has started, a considerable range of explosives force can be attained.

Hence the same quantity of black powder can be used to make a Gerb lasting 25 seconds or a lift charge for a shell fired from a mortar that burns for 6 micro seconds.

Because deflagatory explosives contain both fuel and oxidising agent, once alight they cannot be extinguished by blanketing with foam, Co2 etc. The best solution is to try to get sufficient water onto the fire to reduce the temperature to below the ignition point.

Caution! If however the fuel is metallic e.g. Magnesium, the application of water will have the same effect as squirting a bonfire with liquid oxygen! Magnesium is a very powerful reducing agent and can easily extract oxygen from substances commonly used in fire extinguishers e.g. water, carbon dioxide and even sand.

Fires involving pyrotechnic mixtures containing metallic fuels, are best covered with DRY sand in vast quantities in the hope that the thermal mass of the cold sand will cool the fire to below ignition temperature and before the metal fuel has had a chance to extract the oxygen from the sand.

It is also worth noting that pyrotechnic mixtures containing Aluminium and a nitrate oxidiser (e.g. Potassium Nitrate) will spontaneously ignite and then explode if they get wet.

Firework Types & How They Work

Roman Candles

A more complex firework, consisting of a tube containing pyrotechnic units alternating with propellant charges. When fired, the units are thrown into the air in sequence from top to bottom. Different effects are obtained by using successive units of varying colour and form. Roman Candles may also produce sound effects during their trajectory, including a report at the end. Between successive projections, the candle may emit coloured sparks or flame directly from the body.

They are made up to 60mm calibre and can send stars up to nearly 200 ft. The candle must therefore be securely fastened to a stake or candle frame.

It should be noted that as each successive star has further to travel up the case of the candle, it takes longer to exit the tube and is therefore subjected to the lifting charge for longer. The quantity of gunpowder has to be progressively decreased to achieve the same height. Do not use damaged candles – there could be a blow out.

Whilst the styles or effects have remained more or less unaltered throughout their history, there have been alterations in the method of activity of achieving the delay between the successive stars.

a) The original Ruggieri design utilised green mix gunpowder and these candles will emit showers of sparks between successive stars. It should be noted that with the exception of any tube products that may be used, all the products are consumed and there is little or no fallout.

b) Typical Chinese candles are used in vast quantities in the fireworks industry. Here a continuous fuse runs down the side of the tube and is designed to burn for the duration of the candle. The delay between successive stars is achieved by alternating them with loose plugs of potters clay. During the course of even a modest display, a considerable amount of clay is thrown into the air. Beware!

c) In recent Years Britannia Fireworks Ltd have been using “Typical” Chinese Candles manufactured using similar ideas to the “Ruggieri Technique”, and showers are emitted between each shot, this has enabled slightly better timing and larger stars etc.

d) To overcome the problems of achieving synchronised firing, there have been two developments, the earliest being the substitution of the green mix delay with a felt plug with a pressed delay in the centre. These felt plugs return to Earth unburnt.

Shells

A shell is a hollow projectile containing an explosive charge. In Western Europe and the USA the shell may also have an attached lifting charge. It must be remembered that this practice is by no means universal and the presence of a lifting charge would not be considered a defining characteristic by firework technicians. (The presence of a propellant charge is considered a defining characteristic of a rocket!)

The shell is projected from a mortar tube by a charge of gunpowder (the lifting charge) to burst high in the air with whatever effect is incorporated in the shell.

The mortar tube may be made from cardboard, fibreboard or specific types of plastic.

The shells may be made from paper or plastic and are either spherical or cylindrical in shape. It is much easier to contrive multiple breaks or bursts with a cylindrical shell, whereas the spherical shells are required to produce spherical bursts, chrysanthemums, peonies.

Shells which explode with a loud report are called maroons or salutes

The diameter of shells used at Britannia Fireworks Ltd are generally anything from 2” to 12” and come in two types:-

a) Bottom fused and

b) Top fused

Bottom fused shells have their lifting charge ignited first. This in turn ignites a delay fuse to the bursting charge.

Top fused shells are fitted with a delay fuse to the bursting charge with a secondary instantaneous fuse to the lifting charge. These are perhaps a little more reliable as there is less risk of the delay fuse being blown out. These tend to be more cylindrical in shape. Care must be taken when installing top fused shells to avoid damage to this lifting charge fuse. It is also essential to ensure that the shell, as with all shells, is inserted into the tube the right way up. Damaged shells should not be used.

Shells can be extremely dangerous if they are not handled and fired in the approved manner. The exit velocity of a shell from the mortar tube could be in excess of 200 mph!

To appreciate the height and effect of a shell, the following can be used as a rough guide

If ‘x’ is the calibre of the shell in inches,

the delay to full height is ‘x’ seconds,

the height reached is ‘X’ x 100 feet,

the spread of burst is ‘X’ x 10 metres.

This will not always apply, however it can be used as a guide for most shells.

Mines

These can be regarded as similar to shells in the method of use. The important distinction between them is that the firework element is ignited in the tube and is already burning when it exits the tube.

The effect of a mine is therefore instantaneous from the spectators viewpoint and always lower, although heights of 100 ft. may still be reached. These produce effects of stars, bombettes, whistles etc. Special care must be given when loading the bag type mines.

It is sometimes extremely difficult to distinguish the difference between some cylindrical mines and cylindrical shells and there are even some spherical mines.

Multi Shot Barrages or “Cakes”

These fireworks known affectionately as “cakes” are actually a collection of other categories of fireworks grouped together in boxes and produce stars, bombettes, whistles, spinners, etc. They may vary in size from small packages up to large cardboard boxes which can be very heavy to handle.

A cake barrage may contain anything from say 36 x 2.5”” shells in light tubes, 100 x 30mm maroons or even up to 1000 roman candles one shot in each tube.

They are extremely powerful so please be careful! They need to be set up very carefully, with particular attention paid to the surface upon which they stand and secured to a series of stakes. Cakes should always be angled away from spectators.

It is important to ensure that they are the right way up! It is not unknown for them to be labelled upside down or even the larger ones to be packed into their boxes upside down. Please take note !

Due to the size of some Cakes and the calibres used, we recommend moving them at least 50 metres, and in some cases even further (refer to Britannia Fireworks Site Policy)

Cake barrages are boxes containing a number of separate items, fused together so that they are fired in sequence over some period of time, normally much longer than for a single firework. The items may be all of one kind, or a mixture, including small, shells, candles etc.

As with roman candles, once started, the firing continues automatically until the last item is reached.

Batteries are comprised of a number of fireworks, normally of the same type, grouped in a single layout, to be fired as a single unit, individually in sequence, or in any other combination. The effect is the same as from any one firework on its own, enhanced by sequential or multiple firing.

Basic Fireworks Training Course

BRITANNIA FIREWORKS TRAINING COURSE MAIN OBJECTIVES

This is to ensure that Display Firers have a full understanding of these general areas-

· Background law covering the storage, transport, and use of fireworks, and the difficulties & responsibilities involved in the operation of a fireworks display

· Communication before the display with other parties

· What makes a suitable fireworks display site, including surrounding areas

· Transport of materials to the site, in safety and in compliance with regulations

· Practical aspects of setting up the fireworks display safely.

· Safe firing of the display, including spectator management

· Complete clearance of the site after the display, leaving it tidy and safe for the public

INDUCTION COURSE

Delegates will be taught the theory behind the safe use of fireworks and will also receive lessons of a practical nature in the tasks associated with setting up safe firework displays in order the work towards BPA Exam Level 1.

The second phase will be a further training period with the delegate attending shows with Britannia Fireworks & Events , to ascertain his/her level of competence. Further to this various tasks will be given, educating and increasing the level of skill as the trainee works through to Level two of the training Scheme. The number of shows will be dependent upon previous experience held by the delegate (minimum 12 shows from level 1), as they will have to demonstrate that they are familiar with all aspects of setting up and firing a display

COURSE STANDARDS

The principal aim behind the course will be safety, particularly with the safety of the public and spectators in mind. Also, that it covers all the responsibilities associated with the display, not only the “Firework” element of the display, but also other activities involved in organising the whole event etc… We feel that this is not only beneficial in terms of additional knowledge, and the possible involvement with crowd control and similar aspects, but also in communicating and understanding successfully the needs of our clients etc..

BACKGROUND PRINCIPALS – KEY & GENERAL REGULATIONS

These are key background Regulations affecting the manufacture, supply, and use of fireworks, and the operation of displays. Fireworks are exempt from some of the regulations concerned with explosives, but are mentioned in passing so that Firers are at least aware of their existence and associated responsibilities. We shall also cover the basic principles of explosives in general

If you are interested in attending a Fireworks Training Course then please contact our team at Britannia Fireworks & Events

Providing Events with Fireworks and Entertainment.

It’s no real secret that the team at Britannia Fireworks has over 20 years in the Fireworks Business; the Husband & Wife team have been part of the Fireworks business since 1995 where Lee began Fireworks with his Father. Since then Samantha became part of that team and really developed the marketing and organisation of Fireworks Displays and Weddings.

Naturally through that we became involved in so many Weddings and so many Events that we learned very quickly what makes a Good Event and even a Great Event. We have got to know lots of companies which specialise in so many different areas of the world of Events. Each of the companies supplying niche products and services; and each of them are doing a great job.

Now we have decided to take those contacts, that knowledge and begin stitching together our own brand of Event supply and co-ordination. Back in April we decided on Making Britannia Fireworks & Events, the name came from Lee’s own connection with the name Britannia Fireworks, a brand developed by him in earlier years, the fact that we are proudly British as well as a name that will define us as we branch out into European Markets. Samantha who is a great and natural organiser as well as a person who enjoys greatly the involvement in Weddings and all of the more feminine aspect to that side of the industry has added great enthusiasm for providing couples and other businesses with good quality services and products that help enhance their special occasion.

We are well placed already and have a head start when it comes to contacts and services that we can offer. Of course we will be providing Fireworks Displays but added to that we will be promoting other forms of visual entertainment to include Flame Projectors (both real and simulated) Confetti Products for stage use and hand held use at parties. We are also going to provide decorations for Tables, however we will have a slightly different approach to this, we will not be providing balloon decorating services albeit we will be promoting other suppliers, but we will be hosting some pretty unique ideas which are not widely available.

We also hope to start acting as a go between for various agents and entertainers, over the years we have seen some great entertainers, acts and themed ideas which we have used and work really well. Its taken well over 10 years to find some of them and undoubtedly has we not been involved in the business we are we would never have found them, and because of that we are very keen top pass on the people we know and have met, not only to help promote them, but also because we will know that you will be more than satisfied with what they can offer.

When it comes to Fireworks this will undoubtedly be a large part of what we do, but we are hoping to create a new challenge to better serve our customers. One key factor in Fireworks Displays is the ability to supply a quality service all over the UK, with increased travel costs becoming a major factor I am confident that over tie Fireworks Sourcing will become more localised as more companies become less interested in travelling for work. With this in mind our Company will be extending franchises to its network of firers and regions so we can service displays locally to you. Our Fireworks franchise which is on offer will be controlled by strict approaches to Safety, Services and Value for Money, basically the simple ingredients that we have learned in our journey in the last 14yrs.

If you would like information on our Franchise Plans please feel free to contact us at any time at mail@britanniafireworks.co.uk

Wedding Fireworks Displays with Music

Starting in 2008 we decide to try and bring Fireworks with Music to the masses. Despite what people might think there is such a huge difference in standard Fireworks Displays and those which are fired to music.

Yes we use the same fireworks in our music shows as we do in standard shows but its how we use them that is fundamentally different. In a standard show it’s the fireworks them selves which tend to dictate pace, colour and intensity yet with the music show it is of course the music which will dictate the pace of the show which will also dictate the colours and materials used.

Firing and Designing to music is nice because we get the chance to go through themes of colour and noise, quiet sections and heavy sections, the flow varies with the music and it’s a challenge to try and replicate the vision from the audible, to try and take that emotion created by the music and double up with a visual spectacle to.

Having done quite a few Music shows this year with Fireworks and Weddings its also been nice to get more involved with the clients at a more personal level. The music they choose for their wedding fireworks are chosen for a specific a very personal reason. Just last night we had a show where the bride was reduced to tears, the show was set to music from the “Gladiator”, I had a great time creating it as it was a fantastic choice of Music. We topped it off with Nessum Dorma and an entire sequence for the Finale in just pure gold…wow

At the other end of the scale we have put together a short show for this coming week for a Birthday Party, the client had a more tongue in cheek approach to the event and chose to play “Baywatch Theme” knowing full well this would raise smile. Funnily enough I happen to think the Firework Show will look great with that music, the tune and its pace work really well with Fireworks, its quite powerful and the though of David Hassle Hoff running through the smoke is enough for anyone.

Our team competed in the British Pyromusical Championships in 2003 and took a respected 2^nd place, in the following year some of us also helped out All-star Fireworks when they won in 2004 using material imported by Britannia Fireworks.

Needless to say Fireworks and music are in our blood, we enjoy rising to the challenge and fulfilling our clients expectations if not actually surpassing them. We enjoy the challenge of good design and using the materials and effects we have to hand to create a visual spectacular using Fireworks, Pyrotechnics and other special effects. We also enjoy the embrace of modern Firework Firing Technology and the ability it gives us to replicate our vision using a combination of methods and skills, that for the most go un noticed in terms of behind the scenes work. Yet the up front explosion of Fireworks does not and there is nothing better than an ecstatic audience at the end of a show!

The Art of Fireworks New & Old

I personally have now been involved since I was Nine years old that sounds madness in this day and age, especially in the almighty Health & Safety Days that we live in, the blame culture has got us all diving for cover behind administration and Risk Assessments

Of course the art of Fireworks Displays and making Fireworks is centuries old, it’s a form of grand entertainment that has been around longer than most things and its time proven fascination that keeps the industry going despite the enormous changes that have happened recently.

I think its in so many of us, the fascination of Fire and Light, Noise and Explosions, it gets the senses going, the Vision, The Hearing, The sense of touch ands the Fireworks Vibrate through the floor and our bodies. Its this part of it that’s old and part of our very being that makes fireworks interesting, emotional and exciting.

I was once told by my Father that when the audience clap they are applauding the fireworks and not the person who let them off. Now looking back at this, and baring in mind I know how personally my Dad felt about the displays he provided I know he didn’t really truly believe in that sentence. What I take from it and more so in the last couple of years is that its to easy to simply rely on manufactured fireworks, to lay them out and just put a match to them, that leads to complacency and that can lead to a number of things, not least safety concerns and customer dissatisfaction.

Now I have thought long and hard about what he said and as an artist (well kind of) and certainly a person, although slightly shy, one who does enjoy creating attention, and finally and most significantly someone who is very very competitive…mostly with myself! I am striving to be one of the best, and part of this has meant embracing (which we have found pretty easy and a natural step) and investing in some of the latest and best Firework Firing Technology and Computer Software.

This has lead our team to create some pretty awesome displays, you can view one at YouTube . I / We are now forever looking forward at Fireworks and Effects and are pushing to make ourselves one of the best. This will take years for sure, but hey can you imagine a better way of spending your time!

We use the Pyromate Smarthawk, Nighthawk and P45 units as well as our own Wireless small systems and DMX controllers for our flame projectors. As we are aiming to take part in some European Firework Competitions over the next few years we will be extending our hardware and pushing our learning to the limit so we can evolve, educate ourselves and hopefully make our Firework Displays more exciting, more innovative and better to watch.

Fireworks from around the World – Valencia Part 3

Of the Four shows put on each night you notice that as you go from one day to the next the Firework Displays get much bigger, containing far more Fireworks than the previous nights. Many More Mortar Tubes and Shells can be seen along with loads more Roman Candles and Flying Saucers.

This particular show is from the Firing Site of the 2005 Las Fallas celebration and the site is courtesy of Ricardo Caballier from near Valencia. They are without doubt or at least in my opinion one of the best Firework Display Companies in the world. They have a whole cupboard full of international trophies and medals.

Whats even more impressive to me is the fact that they make and manufacture virtually every Firework which is on the site. My own company have imported Fireworks from them before and we have used a good number and variety of Spanish Fireworks over the last 14 years and they are certainly the best we have used. They are so reliable, spot on with timings and the quality of the compositions are also really on the mark.

The show that night in 2005 still sticks out in my mind, the Spanish companies really go in for colour coordination as well as coordination of colours with effects. The themes are really noticeable and you can see that both audience and operator get excited by being able to see these themes as they happen. They also make great use of firing rhythm which helps make the show exciting.

The part that really made an impression on me were the skill and timing used to take effectively small individual fireworks and create symmetrical patterns and firing rhythms’ that really got the hairs on end. It appealed to everyone, even someone who knows absolutely nothing about fireworks, and let’s face it that is the aim to simply entertain and entertain well!.

I brought back to Britannia Fireworks that day a vision that we would use rhythm and skill to create the shows we provided as well as just good quality material. That way the audience are clapping you and not just the Fireworks (as my Father would tell me!)