FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I Need Permission To Buy Fireworks Or Have A Display In Thailand
Yes.
What is the "loudest" (or most "powerful") firework I can get and where can I buy it?
All 1.4G consumer fireworks adhere to strict powder limitations. Ground devices such as firecrackers can only contain 50 mg of flash powder (the chemical that causes the "boom") per cracker, and aerial devices can only contain 130 mg. This means that all "loud" fireworks make about the same amount of noise, slight differences are due only to the device's construction.
Any firework that is manufactured with a greater amount of flash powder is considered to be a 1.3G (display) device, which is illegal for an unlicensed individual to buy, possess, and use. Known as "overloads", these devices are almost always discovered and pulled from the market within a year or two of their appearance.
How and where can I get some 3" shells (or larger)?
In Thailand shells are considered to be 1.3G (display) devices, which you cannot legally purchase without proper licensing. Contact us for more info.
What kind of material can I use for mortars?
There are two major types of materials that can safely be used for launching shells: HDPE and fiberglass.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a very dense pipe made from a flexible polymer. Though a small piece of it may seem rock-hard, it is actually very bendable in larger lengths, making it ideal for use as underground piping because it can withstand the shifting of the earth. This also makes it very safe to use with fireworks, because if a shell were to explode in the tube, the HDPE would absorb much of the shock. Though the tube would likely become severely distorted (and useless thereafter), it would not create shrapnel. In addition to being safe, these tubes are also very durable - if cared for, they can last for decades. More and more shell kits are now being sold with HDPE mortars rather than cardboard ones (which are only good for a few shots).
Fiberglass tubes are made from a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin. Like HDPE, it appears to be stiff, but is actually somewhat flexible. In the event of a burst charge explosion, fiberglass tubes absorb much of the shock while directing the blast upwards and out of the tube like a mine. Fiberglass tubes are used extensively in the display fireworks industry, and can be found in some shell kits.
Cardboard tubes can also be used. Most small shell kits come with a cardboard tube, but it should not be used to fire more shells than the kit contained. Thicker cardboard tubes are also available from some dealers.
What diameter and length should mortars be?
Diameter
The inside diameter of the tube needs to be somewhat larger than the outside diameter of your reloadable shells, but not too much. Too small, and the mortar might get stuck in the tube: too large, and the mortar may not lift to a safe height before the burst charge fires. Most reloadable shells are ~1.75" outside diameter. There are also reloadable shells that are ~1.5" and smaller.
For HDPE tubes
- 2"IPS-SDR11 has an ID of ~1.9", and is fine for all ~1.75" shells. This is the size most commonly used, if you only have the budget for a few mortars, get them in this size. Generally, you do not want to use this size for ~1.5" and smaller shells.
- 2"IPS-SDR9 has an ID of ~1.8", and will work for most 1.75" shells. However, there are some which are know to usually not fit, such as some canister shells. For those shells that do fit, using SDR9 mortars will provide louder lift and higher breaks than if fired from SDR11. SDR9 can be used for ~1.5" shells, but is not recommended for smaller shells.
- It is important to note that the outside diameter of shells is not tightly controlled. Neither is the inside diameter of most HDPE tubing. Expect some performance variation as a result.
- 2"IPS and 2"DIPS are not the same size, do not interchange them. (Most HDPE is sold in IPS sizes, so this should not be a common problem.)
- SDR and DR ratings are effectively the same thing, it is OK to use pipe that does not have the "S".
- For a table of "Typical Sizes and Dimensions" of HDPE Pipe, click here: http://www
Fiberglass mortars for consumer shells are typically ~1.88", and suitable for all ~1.75" shells. Some vendors have smaller sizes available, but they aren't common to find. (Please note that, unlike HDPE, a 2" fiberglass mortar is really 2" inside diameter and too large for consumer shells.
Cardboard/Paper
When buying any cardboard or paper tubes for use as mortars, make sure they are designed for that purpose. Reputable on line vendors, such as Skylighter and others, specialize in pyro-specific products, and will make sure you get the right tubes.
Given the longevity, availability, and affordability of HDPE and Fiberglass tubes, they are probably a better choice than cardboard/paper tubes for ~1.75" shells. However, for all ~1.5" shells, cardboard/paper tubes are more readily available and probably a better choice.
Length
The following information applies to all mortars, regardless of material:
Aerial Shells
An overall length of 12" is sufficient for most shells. Some users report higher breaks with 15" mortars, but there are no guarantees. The fuses on many shells are not long enough to reach the top of a 15" tube, so you would need to add a short piece of visco to the fuse in order to be able to light it safely. Longer mortars, ~15" or so, are generally recommended for multi-break shells.
Mines
Mortars for mines should be 6-10" long. Shorter mortars result in lower and "fatter" spreads of the stars and material, longer mortars result in taller and skinnier spreads of stars. Shorter than 6", and the mine may be too wide and low for safety. Many mines have shorter fuses than aerials, so they won't be able to reach the top of a mortar tube longer than 10".
Can I use metal pipe for launching shells?
Yes. Metal pipes are mainly used to launch very large shells, i.e., around 12" and up. They're not used very often anymore for smaller shells simply because of their weight. If you use metal pipe for your shells, make sure it's thick enough (at least 1/8 of an inch).