Posted by: Carl "Cockroach" Gelhaus on July 29, 2003 at 16:02:45

: : I was wondering if it would be acceptable to use gases generated from chemical reactions in tank main guns. Rather than using SCUBA tanks with CO2 or whatever, could you simply mix two chemicals in the gun which would release a gas, pressurize the chamber and fire the nerf or paintballs. Would this be acceptable for a paintball field and has anyone attempted it? : sounds like an uncontroled "explosive" reaction to me. combustion potato cannons to my knowledge have never been allowed at any paintball fields. i think you're best to just stick with compressed air or co2. what chemicals did you have in mind? I have two model reactions in mind. The first is a common grade school science fair experiment. Mixing of Calcium Carbonate (baking soda) with acetic acid (vinegar) releases CO2. Of course, the kitchen variety is too slow. This is due to impurities. Chemical grade versions could lead to a sufficient reaction. The second is an idea from a child's toy from the 1950s. It is the Bangsite cannon. Using a small amount of Calcium Carbide (Bangsite) mixed with water releases acetylene which is then ignited. This is very cool, just for the effects of light and sound. It is very safe, in fact this reaction is used in head lamps for spelunking.

Follow Ups: Safe? So is hairspray. Bill "Capt Bill" Tison 18:13:09 07/29/03 (7) What about a reaction releasing CO2 Carl "Cockroach" Gelhaus 21:15:07 07/29/03 (6) Re: What about a reaction releasing CO2 Bill "Capt Bill" Tison 02:58:30 07/30/03 (5) Re: What about a reaction releasing CO2 Michael "LCT_Paintball" Lyon 09:45:41 07/30/03 (4) Re: What about a reaction releasing CO2 Carl "Cockroach" Gelhaus 12:09:53 07/30/03 (3) Re: What about a reaction releasing CO2 Michael "LCT_Paintball" Lyon 17:50:24 07/30/03 (2) Chemisty Carl "Cockroach" Gelhaus 18:32:13 07/30/03 (1) Re: Chemisty Michael "LCT_Paintball" Lyon 22:57:38 07/30/03 (0) Post a Followup Show your name as: DefaultRealnameBothNickname E-Mail address (eg: joeschmoe@aol.com): Show your e-mail address? DefaultYesNo Your Password: Don't have a password? CLICK HERE - Forgot your password? CLICK HERE Subject: Subject:Message: : : : I was wondering if it would be acceptable to use gases generated from chemical reactions in tank main guns. Rather than using SCUBA tanks with CO2 or whatever, could you simply mix two chemicals in the gun which would release a gas, pressurize the chamber and fire the nerf or paintballs. Would this be acceptable for a paintball field and has anyone attempted it? : : sounds like an uncontroled "explosive" reaction to me. combustion potato cannons to my knowledge have never been allowed at any paintball fields. i think you're best to just stick with compressed air or co2. what chemicals did you have in mind? : I have two model reactions in mind. The first is a common grade school science fair experiment. Mixing of Calcium Carbonate (baking soda) with acetic acid (vinegar) releases CO2. Of course, the kitchen variety is too slow. This is due to impurities. Chemical grade versions could lead to a sufficient reaction. The second is an idea from a child's toy from the 1950s. It is the Bangsite cannon. Using a small amount of Calcium Carbide (Bangsite) mixed with water releases acetylene which is then ignited. This is very cool, just for the effects of light and sound. It is very safe, in fact this reaction is used in head lamps for spelunking. [ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ WARPIG Tank Talk ]