Orion
Pyrotechnics
info@orionpyro.com
Definitions
| Aerial Shell | Typically a cylindrical or spherical cartridge containing pyrotechnic composition, a long fuse or electric match wires, and a black powder lift charge. |
| Artillery | A burst into a circle of salute shells that explode in a sequence. |
| Barrage | A rapidly fired sequence of aerial fireworks. |
| Battery | A collection of fireworks devices, such as a group of mortars (finale battery) or a bundle of roman candles (candle battery), fused together in such a manner that they are fired within a short period of time. |
| Black Match | A fuse made from string that is impregnated with black powder and used for igniting pyrotechnic devices. |
| Break | An individual burst from an aerial shell, generally producing either a visual effect (stars) or noise (salute). |
| Chain Fusing | A series of two or more aerial shells fused to fire in sequence from a single ignition. |
| Chrysanthemum | Bursts into a spherical pattern of stars that leave visible trails, with an effect somewhat suggestive of the flower. |
| Comet | A fireworks device consisting of a large pellet of pyrotechnic composition that is ignited and propelled from a mortar tube by a charge of black powder. |
| Electric Match | A device consisting of wires terminating at a relatively high-resistance element surrounded by a small quantity of heat-sensitive pyrotechnic composition. |
| Finale | A rapidly fired sequence (barrage) of aerial fireworks, typically fired at the end of a display. |
| Lift Charge | The composition in an aerial shell that propels (lifts) the shell into the air when ignited, usually consisting of a black powder charge ignited by a quick match fuse. |
| Mine | A device designed to project numerous stars and other effects (such as whistles and firecrackers) into the air from a mortar charged by black powder that ignites the contents of the mine, propelling its contents into the air to altitudes that usually are lower than those reached by aerial shells. |
| Mortar Rack | A strong frame containing mortars. Such racks are most often used for barrages and finales and in electrically ignited displays. |
| Mortar Trough | Aboveground structure filled with sand or similar material into which mortars are positioned ready for use in a fireworks display. |
| Mortar | A tube from which aerial shells are fired into the air. |
| Palm | Contains large comets, or charges the shape of a solid cylinder, that travel outward, explode and then curve down like the limbs of a palm tree. |
| Pistil | Similar to a chrysanthemum shell, but a core that is a different color from the outer stars. |
| Quick Match | A black match that is encased in a loose-fitting sheath. While exposed, black match burns slowly. Quick match propagates flame extremely rapidly, almost instantaneously. Quick match is used in fuses for aerial shells and for simultaneous ignition of a number of pyrotechnic devices, such as lances in a ground display piece. |
| Ready Box | A storage container for aerial fireworks such as mines, comets, and shells at the site of a fireworks display. |
| Ready Box Tender(s) | An assistant(s) who controls and utilizes the ready box(es) during a reloaded fireworks display. |
| Ring Shell | Explodes to produce a symmetrical ring of stars. |
| Round Shell | Explodes in a spherical shape, usually of colored stars. |
| Safety Cap | A paper tube (closed at one end) that is placed over the end of the fuse of a fireworks device to protect it from damage and accidental ignition. |
| Salute | Display fireworks item that is designed to produce a loud report. |
| Serpentine | Bursts to send small tubes skittering outward in random paths, which may culminate in exploding stars. |
| Willow | Contains stars (high charcoal composition makes them long burning) that fall in the shape of willow branches, and may even stay visible until they hit the ground. |
How a shell is made
© 2002 Orion Pyrotechnics
Last Updated:
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
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