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Why HDPE

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipe is the only safe material to use for homemade mortar tubes to launch aerial fireworks. Other types of plastic pipe like ABS and PVC are much more brittle and can shatter into dangerous shards if a firework misfires inside the tube. While HDPE tubes can be difficult to find locally, calling ahead may reveal if a store stocks size DR-11 HDPE pipe, which has an internal diameter of 1 7/8 inches, making it suitable for consumer fireworks. The flexibility and strength of HDPE allows it to withstand explosions without breaking apart, making it the only ethical choice for firework mortar tubes.

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Carl Jerome Austria
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45 views

Why HDPE

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipe is the only safe material to use for homemade mortar tubes to launch aerial fireworks. Other types of plastic pipe like ABS and PVC are much more brittle and can shatter into dangerous shards if a firework misfires inside the tube. While HDPE tubes can be difficult to find locally, calling ahead may reveal if a store stocks size DR-11 HDPE pipe, which has an internal diameter of 1 7/8 inches, making it suitable for consumer fireworks. The flexibility and strength of HDPE allows it to withstand explosions without breaking apart, making it the only ethical choice for firework mortar tubes.

Uploaded by

Carl Jerome Austria
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is Best Plastic Tube to Launch Aerial Fireworks?

Aerial fireworks are one of the most popular items in the consumer industry. Not only are they
dazzling and exciting to watch, many are loaded to the max with pyrotechnic compounds that
give even novice users a professional vibe. Those getting hooked into the pyro hobby may find
that after a few seasons, the pre-packaged fireworks that include a single-use shell and mortar
may become boring – been there, done that! And, those allegedly “reusable” cardboard tubes are
only good for a couple shots. At this stage of the game, many firework enthusiasts start trying
their hand at some of the more pro skills, like making mortar tubes. The main benefits of a
custom-made mortar tube are that it can be reused numerous times and can be custom sized to
meet the pyrotechnician’s needs.

The first step in making mortar tubes at home is to track down High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE) pipe. For safety reasons, this is the only kind of plastic pipe that should ever be used to
fire off aerial fireworks. While the look and feel can be similar, it can’t be stated strongly enough
that other types of plastic pipe such as ABS and PVC must never be used to create mortar tubes.
Even if an ABS or PVC pipe looks thick and durable, the inherent integrity of the plastic is much
more brittle and can not hold up to the power of large explosions. This means a misfired firework
stuck down in the tube might explode (also called “flowerpot”), breaking the tube into flying
pieces of razor-sharp, shrapnel-like debris that could harm or kill onlookers. Steel tubes used for
mortars also have the same dangers.

However, tubes made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are not nearly as breakable as
other polyethylene tubes because they are made from flexible polymer that is specifically
designed to withstand pressure, shock and higher temperatures. While the pipe looks very solid
and firm, the stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength of HDPE makes it actually bend
or distort under pressure and not blow up into a million pieces. For the safety of the audience,
pyrotechnician and innocent bystanders, HDPE tubes are the only conscionable choice in
firework tubes.

One of the biggest downfalls in creating DIY tubes is that HDPE tube can be somewhat hard to
find down, it’s not usually in the local home improvement store or pluming shop. But, sometimes
it is stocked; this can be found out by calling ahead and speaking with a store clerk
knowledgeable in the different varieties of plastic tube. The specific type of HDPE tube
appropriate for consumer-grade mortar tubes is size DR-11. DR-11 has an inside diameter
(excluding the width of the walls) of precisely 1 7/8”. Smaller tube will keep the shell from being
inserted and larger tube will create a dud or low-firing shot by allowing lift gases to escape.

To conclude, HDPE is the safest option when making tubes for launched fireworks. Although
ABS and PVC tube are much easier to find and lower-cost, do not risk bodily injury by
incorporating into a firework event. HDPE is the only way to go.

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