Peter J. Starley

Warwickshire RFD 156

Gun Powders, Black Powders,
Nitro Propellants And All Reloading Materials

Gunpowder Granulating Machine, No. 234

In this machine the hard gunpowder cake, about 1/2 in. thick, resulting from treatment in the hydraulic press, is tipped into the lower hopper. Here it is broken into small pieces in the first pair of rollers, having coarse diamond-shaped teeth. From here it is raised in elevator shown to finer rolls at top, thence through other pairs of rolls of finer teeth.

The resultant grain is sifted in screen, which extends right under rollers, and which is constantly agitated by the action of the machine.

There are two grades of sieve in this screen, so that dust is separated from grain, and the chunks, which latter are passed through the machine again.

All frame is of gun metal, also gearing, and no metal part above floor is exposed except gun-metal or copper.

The mill is driven by bevel wheels on far side of machine, and rollers run at 25 revolutions per minute. 10 h.p. required to drive. Capacity, 1,000lbs. per day.