EXPLOSIVES UNDERWATER

If I were to suggest to any relatively sane person (or even to most divers for that matter) that they
stand within a few yards of half a pound of TNT while it was initiated they would probably respond
by saying that I should go forth, be fruitful, and multiply (or words to the same effect!). Yet, in
spite of the best efforts of diving instructors, people will insist on leaving charged cylinders
standing upright unattended at dive sites. Unfortunately, cylinders left standing upright can fall
over! Should a charged cylinder fall over there is a serious risk of the cylinder bursting as a result
of the impact. The area of highest risk on a diving cylinder is at the point of connection to the pillar
valve. So an impact at, or close to, the neck of the cylinder is particularly serious.

The free energy released when any gas cylinder (including diving cylinders) bursts may be
calculated from the equation:-

P
Freeenergy,-∆G = nRTx ln( )
Pa

where:-n = number of 'moles' of gas in cylinder

R = molar gas constant = 8.31 Jmol-1K-1
T = temperature in degrees Kelvin (°C + 273)
P = cylinder pressure
Pa = atmospheric pressure = 1 bar

The number of moles of gas in the cylinder, n, can be calculated using the equation:-

V P T0
n= x x
Vn Pa T

where:-V = cylinder volume (water capacity)

Vn = Volume occupied by 1 mole of gas at standard temperature & pressure = 22.4 litres
T0 = 0°C = 273K (273 degrees Kelvin)

As an example, consider a 12l cylinder charged to 232 bar at 25°C (298K) which is a fairly typical
situation for diving cylinders. This would release 1536KJ (1536 kilojoules) when it bursts. (Do the
calculation yourself if you don't believe me). The free energy released by TNT is 5681 Jg-1 (Joules
per gram), so the mass of TNT equivalent to the bursting cylinder is given by:-

1536/5681 = 0.27 kg = 0.6 lb of TNT

Food for thought isn't it...