FILLING MUSTARD GAS SHELL AT EDGEWOOD ARSENAL.
Inspected empty shell, as shown inverted on the left in the foreground, are placed on small filling trucks, shown in the right middle ground, and run under filling machine. Filled shell with boosters screwed down leave the tunnel, as shown in center of picture, where any possible mustard gas liquid on them is vaporized by gasoline torch. A draft from this operation into the tunnel prevents the distribution of mustard gas vapor throughout the plant. The loaded shell are then placed on trucks, as shown in foreground of photo.
FILLING LIVENS DRUMS AT EDGEWOOD ARSENAL.
This photo shows the Livens drums being filled with phosgene. The range of this special type of projectile, known as the Livens drum, is about 1,500 yards. Its empty weight is about 30 pounds, and it contains a charge of about 30 pounds of gas.
PAINTING AND STRIPING FILLED SHELL AT EDGEWOOD ARSENAL.
After leaving the filling plants, shell are classified by weight into four groups and each group maintained separately. The shell then are stored in an inverted position to detect leaks. After testing for 24 hours, the shell are buffed, painted, and striped by spray painting, as shown on the endless conveyor, and then are ready for packing. In the left background will be noted Livens drums being similarly painted.
SHELL DUMP AT EDGEWOOD ARSENAL.