MUNROE-HOWELL— PRODUCTS OF DETONATION OF TNT. 221 



In order to determine the nature and the quantity of gases ab- 

 sorbed by the solid products of combustion, two 4CK) gram charges 

 were detonated in the Bichel gage. 



M— 2354 



1. After the differential sample of gas had been taken and the 

 pressure in the gage was zero as shown by a water manometer, the 

 gage was again closed up and readings taken every 30 seconds until 

 the manometer reading was constant, when the pressure was again 

 released and the readings repeated. The readings are given in the 

 preceding table. 



2. After the differential sample (a) had been taken for analysis 

 and the pressure reduced to zero, the gage was again closed up and 

 readings taken until there was no further increase in the pressure 

 reading on the water manometer, when a second sample (b) of gas 

 was taken and analyzed. The readings on the water manometer 

 and the analyses of the two samples of gas (a and b) are given in 

 the following tables on page 222. 



In comparing the two gas analyses, it must be kept in mind that 

 the amount of gas given off by the solid products of combustion was 

 enough to change the analyses of all the gas remaining in the 15.3 

 liter gage to the extent given above. 



When the gage w^as opened up, the solids in gage were collected 

 and treated in a vacuum extraction apparatus to determine the com- 

 position of the gases still retained by these products. In calculating 

 the analysis of the gas in the solids, the oxygen present was used as 



