homemade-explosives-recognition-guide-usa-2010
TRANSCRIPT
Homemade Explosives Recognition Guide
Homemade Explosives
Chemical Components
Manufacturing Equipment
All individuals handling this information are required to protect it from unauthorized disclosure. This information
should be disseminated on a need-to-know basis. This document is not for public use, but is intended for use by
military, federal, state, and local agencies as a reference for training and operations by emergency personnel in preparing for and responding to a terrorist incident.
DO NOT handle any unknown chemicals or explosive materials•
Consider all unknown substances and materials dangerous•
Apply this guide with previous training and experience•
Contact your EOD or Bomb Squad immediately if a possible •homemadeexplosivesproductionareahasbeenidentified
WARNING
Please enter your EOD/Bomb Squad contact information here:
The information in this guide is for recognition and awareness purposesonly.Theinformationisgeneralandmaynotreflect
the most recent threats.
Date of publication: 12 March 2010
iTable of Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVES 3Ammonium Nitrate Mixtures ............................................................................5Black Powder .....................................................................................................6Chlorate/Perchlorate Mixtures .......................................................................7EGDN/NG Mixtures .........................................................................................8HMTD ...................................................................................................................9Hydrogen Peroxide Mixtures ....................................................................... 11MEKP ................................................................................................................ 12TATP .................................................................................................................. 13Urea Nitrate .................................................................................................... 14CHEMICAL COMPONENTS 15Acetone ............................................................................................................ 18Aluminum Powder ........................................................................................... 19Ammonium Nitrate.......................................................................................... 20Citric Acid ........................................................................................................ 22Ethylene Glycol ............................................................................................... 24Glycerin ........................................................................................................... 26Hexamine ......................................................................................................... 27Hydrochloric Acid ........................................................................................... 28Hydrogen Peroxide ........................................................................................ 29Magnesium Powder ........................................................................................ 31Methyl Ethyl Ketone ....................................................................................... 32Nitric Acid ........................................................................................................ 34Nitromethane .................................................................................................. 35Potassium Chlorate ....................................................................................... 36Potassium Nitrate ........................................................................................... 37Potassium Permanganate .............................................................................. 39Sodium Chlorate ............................................................................................. 41Sulfur ................................................................................................................ 42Sulfuric Acid .................................................................................................... 43Urea .................................................................................................................. 45MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT 46Grinders ........................................................................................................... 48Mixers and Stirrers ........................................................................................ 49Ice Baths ........................................................................................................... 50Distillers ............................................................................................................ 51Filters ................................................................................................................ 52Safety Equipment ........................................................................................... 53
3
HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVESHomemade explosives can be liquid, powder, or granules
and can be made using commonly available chemicals and equipment.
EGDN or NG Pure HMTD
HP and Nitromethane
or Ethanol
MEKP TATP Urea Nitrate
Chlorate/Perchlorate Mixtures
Black Powder PyrotechnicsAmmonium Nitrate Mixtures
Homemade Explosives5Ammonium Nitrate Mixtures
Key IdentifiersAmmonium nitrate and •aluminum - Silvery, gray- Powder or granules- Odorless
Ammonium nitrate and •racing car fuel - White- Powder or granules,
moist- Mild, fruity, but
disagreeable odorAmmonium nitrate and •confectioner’s sugar - White- Powder- Slightly sweet odor- Attracts sugar ants
Ammonium nitrate and •fuel oil (ANFO)- Off-white to pinkish- Granules or spherical
pellets (prills)- Fuel oil or diesel odor
Ammonium Nitrate and Aluminum
Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO)
Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) Powder
HazardsSensitive to impact, friction, static spark, and heat•Ammoniumnitratebyitselfcanbeexplosiveinhot,confined•areas
Homemade Explosives7Chlorate/Perchlorate Mixtures
Key IdentifiersAll mixtures are odorless•Flash Powders:•- Powder or granules- Silvery, gray- Other names:
Pyrotechnic Powders
Poor Man’s C4:•- Putty-like, solid
or clumps- White
Armstrong’s Mix:•- Powder- Red
HazardsExtremely sensitive to •impact, friction, static spark, and heat
Flash Powder
Poor Man’s C4
Armstrong’s Mix
Homemade Explosives 8EGDN/NG Mixtures C2H4N2O6/C3H5N3O9
Key IdentifiersOily, viscous liquid•Colorless to dark yellow •Odorless•Other names for EGDN: •Nitroglycol, Dinitroglycol, Glycol Dinitrate, Ethylene DinitrateOther names for NG: •Trinitroglycerine, Glyceral Trinitrate
HazardsExtremely sensitive to impact, •friction, static spark, and heatInhalation may cause •headaches, dizziness, chest pain, and low blood pressure
EGDN or NG
Ethylene Glycol Dinitrate/Nitroglycerin
Homemade Explosives9HMTD C6H12N2O6
Key IdentifiersCrystals or powder•Colorless to white •Dullnesslikeflour•Solidssettledatbottomandfloatingontopofaliquid-filled•containerConsistency of confectioner’s sugar in dry state or pure form•Cansmelllikedeadfish•Fresh product may have little or no odor•Additives can alter the physical appearance•Precursor colors will affect HMTD color•May be stored in refrigerator or freezer•
HazardsContact with •metals may produce dangerous chemical reactionsExtremely •sensitive to impact, friction, static spark, and heat
Solids Settled at Bottom of Container
Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine
Homemade Explosives 10HMTD - Continued
Pure HMTD
Crystal HMTD
Homemade Explosives11Hydrogen Peroxide Mixtures
Key IdentifiersLiquid or semiliquid gel•Color varies with additives•Slightly pungent, caustic odor (generally)•Odor similar to chemical component•
HazardsLarge quantities can self-heat and ignite if in •sunlight or elevated room temperaturesExtremely sensitive to impact, friction, static •spark, and heat
HP and Nitromethane or Ethanol
HP Mixtures
HP and Black Pepper
HP and Flour
HP and Coffee
HP and Cumin
Homemade Explosives 12MEKP C4H10O4
Key IdentifiersLiquid•Clear, colorless•Agreeable odor•Other names: •
Homemade Explosives13TATP C9H18O6
Key IdentifiersCrystals or powder•Sugar-like •appearanceColorless or white•Solid TATP settles •to the bottom of aliquid-filledcontainerAdditives can •alter the physical appearance and colorFruity smell, like acetone but gentler•Old TATP smells very acrid, like vinegar•Evaporates in an open container•If stored in a closed jar, glass •may look frostedMay be stored in a refrigerator •or freezerOther names: • Acetone Peroxide, Mother of Satan
HazardsExtremely sensitive to impact, •friction, static spark, and heat
Triacetone Triperoxide
Crude TATP Pure TATP
TATP
Homemade Explosives 14Urea Nitrate CH5N3O4
Key IdentifiersCrystals•Colorless to off-white •
••
15
CHEMICAL COMPONENTSChemicals may be found in cool dry areas in tightly sealed containers. None of these chemicals require
refrigeration, but all may be stored there. All chemicals listed can be purchased over the Internet.
Examples, Not All-Inclusive
Acetone
Citric Acid
Hair Products Disinfectant Pool Chemicals
Sour Salt
Nail Polish Remover
Antifreeze
First Aid Cold Packs
Camp Stove Fuel
Chemical Components 18Acetone CH3COCH3 or C3H6O
Key IdentifiersLiquid•
Chemical Components19Aluminum Powder
Key IdentifiersPowder•Silver, gray, black•May also look whitish•Odorless•Small quantities, up to a gallon: •plastic and steel containersLarge quantities, 5 gallons or more: •steel containersOther names: • Aluminum
HazardsExtremelyflammable•Contact with water may generate •flammablegasesContact with acids or chemicals rich •in oxygen may produce dangerous chemical reactions
Commercial UsesPaints•Pyrotechnics•Manufacture •of engines, cars, structural members, etc.
Typical Chemical Supply Packaging
Aluminum Powder
Example Commercial Product Packaging
Chemical Components 20Ammonium Nitrate NH4NO3
Key IdentifiersSpherical pellets (prills), granular, •crystalline, or powderColorless or white •Odorless•Small quantities, up to 5 gallons: •plastic or glass containersLarge quantities, more than 5 gallons: •plastic or paper bagsOther names: • Nitrate of Ammonium
HazardsEye, skin, respiratory irritant•Ammonium nitrate by itself can be explosive •Addition of powdered metals or fuels can be •explosive
Typical Chemical Supply Packaging
Fertilizer-Grade Pellets (prills) Explosive-Grade Pellets (prills)
Chemical Components21Ammonium Nitrate - Continued
Contactwithacids,combustiblematerials,orflammable
Chemical Components 22Citric Acid C6H8O7
Key IdentifiersCrystalline•White or colorless•
Chemical Components23Citric Acid - Continued
Example Commercial Product Packaging
Chemical Components 24Ethylene Glycol C2H6O2
Key IdentifiersLiquid, syrupy, •viscousClear, colorless (pure •chemical form)Odorless•Small quantities, up •to 5 gallons: glass or plastic containersLarge quantities, •more than 5 gallons: plastic or steel containerOther names: • Glycol, Ethanediol, Monoethylene Glycol
HazardsIngestion can cause •blindness and deathMild eye, skin, respiratory •irritantContact with acids or •chemicals rich in oxygen may produce dangerous chemical reactionsExcessive heat and/or •sunlight may degrade product
Ethylene Glycol
Antifreeze
Chemical Components25
Commercial UsesPlastic manufacture •Antifreeze•Commercial explosives•
Ethylene Glycol - Continued
Example Commercial Product Packaging
Chemical Components 26Glycerin C3H8O3
Key IdentifiersOily, viscous, sticky liquid•Colorless
Chemical Components27Hexamine C6H12N4
Key IdentifiersCrystalline or solid•White •
Chemical Components 28Hydrochloric Acid HCI
Key IdentifiersLiquid•Colorless to light yellow to •greenish-yellowPungent, acrid, sour odor•Corrosive, leaves burn marks•Will burn nose•Makes eyes water•Can emit chlorine gas•Various concentrations available •Small quantities, up to a gallon: glass or •plastic containers (varies by concentration)Large quantities, up to 55 gallons: •lined steel drums, plastic containersOther names: • Muriatic Acid
HazardsSevere eye, skin, respiratory •irritant (severity depends on concentration) Ingestion may cause death•Corrosive•Storage with substances other than acids, •may produce adverse reactions
Commercial UsesManufacture of plastics and some chemicals•Cleaning products such as toilet bowl •cleaners
Typical Chemical Supply Packaging
Example Commercial Product Packaging
Chemical Components29Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2
Key IdentifiersLiquid•Clear, colorless •Slightly pungent, caustic odor•Corrosive, leaves burn marks•Whitens skin on contact•Skin blisters•Peels paint, bleaches items•Various concentrations available•Easily concentrates to higher levels•Beautician grade may require state license •to purchaseSmall quantities, up to a half gallon: glass or •plastic containers (varies by concentration)Large quantities, 30 to 55 gallons: •plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel drums (varies by concentration)Other names: • Dihydrogen Dioxide, Hydroperoxide
35% Concentration from Chemical Supply
50% Concentrations from Chemical Supply in Various Quantities
Chemical Components31Magnesium Powder Mg
Key IdentifiersPowder or solid•Gray, black•Odorless•Small quantities, up to •5 gallons: plastic and steel containersLarge quantities, more •than 5 gallons: steel containers
HazardsEye, skin, respiratory •irritant Extremelyflammable•Contactwithwaterreleasesflammablegases•
Commercial UsesManufacture of •engines, cars, structural membersPyrotechnics•
Magnesium Powder
Typical Chemical Supply Packaging
Chemical Components 32Methyl Ethyl Ketone C4H8O
Key IdentifiersLiquid•Colorless •Sweet, minty, acetone-like, agreeable odor•Small quantities, up to 5 gallons: glass and •metal containersLarge quantities, 5 to 55 gallons: metal •containersDry or cracked skin•Evaporates quickly•Other names: • 2-Butanone, MEK
HazardsExtremelyflammable•Vapors can be explosive •Vapors may be present in adjacent areas•Eye, skin, respiratory irritant•Vapors may cause drowsiness and •dizzinessContact with chemicals rich in •oxygen or caustic chemicals may produce dangerous chemical reactions
Commercial UsesPaint removers•Laboratory and industrial solvents•Plastics manufacture•
Typical Chemical Supply Packaging
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Chemical Components33Methyl Ethyl Ketone - Continued
Typical MEK Product Packaging
Chemical Components 34Nitric Acid HNO3
Key IdentifiersLiquid•
Chemical Components35Nitromethane CH3NO2
Key IdentifiersLiquid, oily•Colorless•Fruity, disagreeable odor•Small quantities, up to 5 gallons: glass, •metal, and plastic containersLarge quantities, more than •5 gallons: stainless steel drumsOther names: • Nitrocarbol
HazardsShock,staticspark,flame,andotherignition•sources may cause explosionEye, skin, respiratory irritant•May cause headache, shallow respiration, dizziness, vomiting, •weakness, and fall in blood pressureContact with strong acids, combustible materials, or chemicals •rich in oxygen may produce dangerous chemical reactions Contact with copper •may cause corrosion
Commerical UsesRacing car fuel•Remote control vehicle •fuelIndustrial solvent•Propellants and •explosives
Nitromethane
Example Commercial Product Packaging
Chemical Components 36Potassium Chlorate KCIO3
Key IdentifiersCrystalline or powder•White •Odorless •Small quantities, up 5 gallons: glass or plastic •containers, plastic baggiesLarge quantities, more than 5 gallons: sealed •plastic bag inside a metal drumOther names: • Chlorate of Potash, Potassium Oxymuriate
HazardsEye, skin, respiratory irritant•Contact with metals, combustible •materials,orflammablechemicals may produce dangerous chemical reactions
Commercial UsesPyrotechnics•Matches•Herbicides•Oxygen •candles
Typical Chemical Supply Packaging
Potassium Chlorate Powder Close-up
Close-up of Potassium Chlorate
Matches
Chemical Components37Potassium Nitrate KNO3
Key IdentifiersCrystalline, granular, or powder•White•Odorless•Small quantities, up to 5 gallons: •glass or plastic containersLarge quantities, more than 5 gallons: •sealed plastic bag inside a metal drumOther names: • Nitrate of Potash, Saltpeter
HazardsEye, skin, respiratory irritant•Contact with metals, combustible •materials,orflammablechemicalsmayproduce dangerous chemical reactions
Commercial UsesPropellants•Pyrotechnics•Food preservatives (commercial)•Fertilizers•Stump remover (some)•
Typical Chemical Supply Packaging
Potassium Nitrate Close-up
Chemical Components39Potassium Permanganate KMnO4
Key IdentifiersSolid or crystalline•Dark purple, violet•Odorlessviolet•
Chemical Components 40Potassium Permanganate - Continued
Iron Filter
Iron Filter Close-up
Example Commercial Product Packaging
Chemical Components41Sodium Chlorate NaCIO3
Key IdentifiersPowder•White, colorless, or light yellow •
Chemical Components 42Sulfur S
Key IdentifiersPowder, chalky•Yellow•Odorless•
Chemical Components43Sulfuric Acid H2SO4
Key IdentifiersLiquid, may be viscous•Colorless •Pungent, acrid odor•Various concentrations available•Small quantities, up to a gallon: •glass or plastic containersLarge quantities, more than a gallon: •carbon steel, stainless steel, polyethylene containersOther names: • Vitriol, Oleum, Hydrogen Sulfate
HazardsSevere eye, skin respiratory irritant •(severity depends on concentration)Severe skin burns•Corrosive•Contact with water, •combustible materials, caustic, flammable,oroxygen-richchemicals may produce dangerous chemical reactions
Drain Pipe Cleaners
Typical Chemical Supply Packaging
Chemical Components 44
Commercial UsesDrain pipe cleaners•Automotive batteries•Polymer manufacture•Fertilizer manufacture•Chemical manufacture•Oilrefining•
Sulfuric Acid - Continued
Car Battery Acid
Chemical Components45Urea C1H4N2O
Key IdentifiersCrystalline, granular, or powder•White •Ammonia-like odor•Small quantities, up to 3 gallons: •glass or plastic containersLarge quantities, up to 50 pounds: •sealed plastic containers or bagsOther names: • Carbamide, Carbonyl Diamide
HazardsEye, skin, respiratory irritant•Contact with chemicals rich in oxygen may •produce dangerous chemical reactions
Commercial UsesFertilizers•Road de-icers•Food •supplementManufacture •of plastics
Typical Chemical Supply Packaging
Urea Close-up
Example Commercial Product Packaging
Manufacturing Equipment 48Grinders
Grinders reduce the granule size of solid components and can be used in the production of homemade explosives.
orftar/Petule
Handheld Electric s
Manufacturing Equipment49Mixers and Stirrers
Mixers physically blend components while stirrers combine liquid compo-nents. Either or both can be used in the production of homemade explosives.
Blenders/Mixers
Magnetic Stirrers Suspicious Buckets/Plasticware
Manufacturing Equipment 50Ice Baths
Ice baths cool mixtures that generate heat and can be used in the productnand can 1 w 375.60l o49969 0. Tdw 3j1-9969 01.07 TDd[(uh)5(o)5(m)5(e)5(m)5(a)5(d)5(e)5( )5(e)1 wxplosives. Bathuwater can be ice with salted
Manufacturing Equipment51Distillers
Rotovap
Distillers concentrate chemical components with low-level heat. Distillers may include complexscientificequipmentorhouseholditems used in improvised methods.
Stovetop with Pot
Slow Cooker
Improvised Distillation Column
Coffee Pot
Manufacturing Equipment 52Filters
Filters separate the solids from the liquids and could be used in the production of homemade explosives.
Coffee Filters
Coffee Filter Used with Funnel and Jar
Manufacturing Equipment 54Safety Equipment - Continued
Face Shield
Flexible Dryer Vent Pipe
Safety Goggles