Factory (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Ardeer, Ici Works, Detonator Department
Classification Factory (Period Unassigned)
Alternative Name(s) Ardeer Explosives Factory; Imperial Chemical Industries
Canmore ID 89062
Site Number NS24SE 47.08
NGR NS 2918 4017
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/89062
Ordnance Survey licence number AC0000807262. All rights reserved.
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SC 2192152
DF1, Detonator Loading: PETN Charger, view of charging table
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2192154
DF1, Detonator Loading: PETN Charger, detail of typical "Bole" through which plates of detonators are passed behind blast wall to view charging table
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195398
Elevated view from SW of DZ2 (Sieving & De-lumping), showing construction details, including concrete walls and shape of compartments, including that containing the 4 "Nodding Donkeys". There is heating and de-humidifying plant in the foreground
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195401
DL3, Detonator Linear (automated) Loading: view of No2 Delay Element Machine
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195402
DL3, Detonator Linear (automated) Loading: view of No2 "Game" Machine, showing bobbins containing delay elements passing along the line
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195404
DL3, Detonator Linear (automated) Loading: view of No 2 Hydraulic Pump plant, elctrically powered and providing hydraulic power to the machines in the No 2 detonator filling line. Each of the three loading lines has its own hydraulic power supply
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195414
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of wire extrusion machine, in which detonator wire is first extruded and then coated with PVC or polypropylene, the fusewire being collected in large drums
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195415
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of Spooling Machine, which winds fusewire from drums onto small spools
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195424
DD1, Chemical Plant, producing primary charge for detonators: view of Sodium Azide Compartment on upper floor, with Joe Sweeney
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195427
DD1, Chemical Plant, producing primary charge for detonators: view of Lead Nitrate control area on ground floor, with two Mariotte bottles (each 32 litres) on upper platform
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195430
DD1, Chemical Plant, producing primary charge for detonators: view of Lead Azide (GAM) Washing & Sieving Compartment, with transport bogie
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195515
Elevated view from E of DF6 (disused), showing building surrounded by earth baffle mound
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195518
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of Ann Anderson at Position 3 in Compartment 6, operating a hand assembly machine
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532000
DF1, Detonator Loading: PETN Charger, detail of charging table
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532003
DF1, Detonator Loading: detail of detonator extracting machine, used to extract safely defective detonators stuck in plate
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532017
DF1, Detonator Loading: detail of indicator wheel and sand-timers outside compartment containing the "Rumbler", and flame-proof electric switch
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532031
View from N of DV1, former Boot End building within which employees exchanged their shoes for safe footwear, thereafter progressing to their place of work through the network of covered gangways
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532036
Elevated view from S of DZ2 (Sieving & De-lumping), showing construction details, including concrete walls, compartments, surrounding earth baffle (L) and chain roof cover to catch fragments of machinery in the event of an explosion
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532047
DG1, Delay Lead Elements (for use in DF1): detail of tamping machine, used to fill stubbies (lead tubes) with incendiary material
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532058
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of part of MCK (Magnadet Conversion Kit) machine
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532060
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of Ann Anderson at Position 3 in Compartment 6, operating a hand assembly machine
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532065
DD1, Chemical Plant, producing primary charge for detonators: view of Sodium Azide Compartment on upper floor, with Joe Sweeney
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532071
DD1, Chemical Plant, producing primary charge for detonators: view of Lead Azide (GAM) Washing & Sieving Compartment, with transport bogie
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532073
Dz2, Sieving and De-lumping Shed for primary charge powders: detail of one of four sieving and de-lumping leather cones (known as "Nodding Donkeys"), operated remotely from a separate room behind a concrete blast wall
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532074
DZ2, Sieving and De-lumping Shed for primary charge powders: oblique view of row of four chambers each containing a sieving and de-lumping leather cone (known as "Nodding Donkeys"), operated remotely from a separate room behind a concrete blast wall
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2192149
DF1, Detonator Loading: "Plating Up", view of shaker machine designed to help operator to fill up plates with empty tubes
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2192153
DF1, Detonator Loading: PETN Charger, detail of charging table
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2192155
DF1, Detonator Loading: PETN Charger, detail of periscope allowing operator using remote controls behind blast wall to view charging table
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195381
DF1, Detonator Loading: detail of plastic and wooden detonator boxes
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195385
View along Main Corridor no 3, one of a network of covered gangways linking different buildings within the Detonator Dep't. Features of the gangways include the wooden planking protecting the side walls from bashes by bogies; the non-conductive Veitchie floor; and a fire drenching system (sprinklers) operated by an overhead cable
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195389
View from NE of brick-lined through baffle wall to DF6 (disused)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195394
View from W of covered wooden gangways linking Wet Magazine DX2 (L) with Drying Stove DS3 (R), and Sieving & De-lumping DZ2 (far R)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195417
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of typical electrofuse assembly machine (assembling fusehead and plug). These machines were developed by "Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd, Nobel Division Explosives Group, Engineering Development Section" (see machine plaque)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195422
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of Plug-cutting machine, with examples of cut plugs
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195434
DZ2, Sieving and De-lumping Shed for primary charge powders: view along passage in front of four chambers containing "Nodding Donkeys" (R), with light wood-framed blast wall to L, the chambers themselves being separated by thick concrete blast walls
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195435
DD3, Incendiary Powders: detail of grinding machine used to grind incendiary powders for delay elements, the powder being inserted into lead stubbies in DG1. The powder is made up of ingredients including antimony and potassium permanganate. In neighbouring DD4, alternative shot delay composition powders comprising red lead and silicon are processed in a similar way
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195438
DD4 Shot Delay Compositions building (involving incorporation of red lead and silicon): exterior view from SSW
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195442
Exterior view from NW of DK1, Detonator Dep't Offices, with Tube Shop in background
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195455
Interior. Detonator Department: view of automatic fusehead comb-soldering machines, copied from 'Ardeer Factory', a softback book published by ICI Nobel Division published in about 1960
c. 1960
© RCAHMS
SC 2195516
View from W of covered wooden gangways linking Wet Magazine DX2 (L) with Drying Stove DS3 (R), and Sieving & De-lumping DZ2 (far R)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195520
Exterior view from SW of end of main covered gangway No 1, which continues as an open wooden gangway (also showing Delay Element building DG1 to left)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2531992
Tube Shop: view of one of three power presses (Machine No3), extruding detonator tube from coils of solid wire, in this case copper. Two other presses were producing aluminium tubes. A fourth machine produces detonator elements from Zinc wire (in background)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2531994
Tube Shop: view of printing plant, which prints details onto detonator tubes, the caged parts of the machines in the background being driers. The detonator tubes in the front hopper are copper
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532001
DF1, Detonator Loading: PETN Charger, detail of typical "Bole" through which plates of detonators are passed behind blast wall to view charging table
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532008
DF1, Detonator Loading: Detonator Insertion Press, detail of plate carrier, hatch and control panel
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532026
Elevated view from E of DF6 (disused), showing building surrounded by earth baffle mound
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532027
Elevated view from E of DF6 (disused), showing building surrounded by earth baffle mound
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532041
DL3, Detonator Linear (automated) Loading: view of No2 "Game" Machine, showing bobbins containing delay elements passing along the line
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532054
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of Spooling Machine, which winds fusewire from drums onto small spools
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532069
DD1, Chemical Plant, producing primary charge for detonators: view of Lead Azide (GAM) Precipitation Room "A" (one of two), on ground floor (behind blast wall)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532075
DZ2, Sieving and De-lumping Shed for primary charge powders: view along passage in front of four chambers containing "Nodding Donkeys" (R), with light wood-framed blast wall to L, the chambers themselves being separated by thick concrete blast walls
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532076
DD3, Incendiary Powders: detail of grinding machine used to grind incendiary powders for delay elements, the powder being inserted into lead stubbies in DG1. The powder is made up of ingredients including antimony and potassium permanganate. In neighbouring DD4, alternative shot delay composition powders comprising red lead and silicon are processed in a similar way
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 1684581
Ardeer, Nobel's Explosives Factory, oblique aerial view, centred on the Misk Gelatines works.
RCAHMS Aerial Photography
4/9/1995
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1829522
Site plan of Detonator Dep't, extracted from 1:2500 photgrammetric aerial survey by Fairey Surveys, completed in 1976 from aerial photographs taken in 1975
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195386
View from N of wooden gangways and N side of DL3 (Detonator Filling Building)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195393
View from N of DV1, former Boot End building within which employees exchanged their shoes for safe footwear, thereafter progressing to their place of work through the network of covered gangways
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195409
DG1, Delay Lead Elements (for use in DF1): detail of tamping machine, used to fill stubbies (lead tubes) with incendiary material
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195421
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of Ann Anderson at Position 3 in Compartment 6, operating a hand assembly machine
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195429
DD1, Chemical Plant, producing primary charge for detonators: view of Lead Styphnate Precipitation Room (also used for LMNR), on ground floor (behind blast wall)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195441
General exterior view of DD1 (Chemical Plant), with warning signs in foreground
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195517
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of Ann Anderson at Position 3 in Compartment 6, operating a hand assembly machine
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195522
Exterior view from NW of DK1, Detonator Dep't Offices, with Tube Shop in background
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2531993
Tube Shop: view of degreasing plant, which cleans the detonator tubes prior to printing
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2531995
Tube Shop: view of printing plant, which prints details onto detonator tubes, the caged parts of the machines in the background being driers. The detonator tubes in the front hopper are copper
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2531998
DF1, Detonator Loading: PETN Charger, detail of operator controls, operating charger through protective concrete blast wall in separate compartment
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532004
DF1, Detonator Loading: PETN Press, detail of operator controls
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532009
DF1, Detonator Loading: Detonator Insertion Press, detail of full plate in position
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532014
DF1, Detonator Loading: detail of plastic and wooden detonator boxes
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532034
Elevated view from NNW showing network of wooden connecting gangways, and Drying Stoves (DN7, 8, 9 & 10)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532037
Elevated view from SW of DZ2 (Sieving & De-lumping), showing construction details, including concrete walls and shape of compartments, including that containing the 4 "Nodding Donkeys". There is heating and de-humidifying plant in the foreground
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532040
DL3, Detonator Linear (automated) Loading: view of No2 Delay Element Machine
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532049
DG1, Delay Lead Elements (for use in DF1): view of drawbench, on which stubbies are drawn out to desired gauge
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532083
Exterior view from SW of end of main covered gangway No 1, which continues as an open wooden gangway (also showing Delay Element building DG1 to left)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2532087
Exterior view from NW of DK1, Detonator Dep't Offices, with Tube Shop in background
1995
© RCAHMS
DP 040253
Oblique aerial view centred on the S section of the Ardeer Works, taken from the NE.
RCAHMS Aerial Photography Digital
18/3/2008
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1268567
Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) Works, Ardeer. Oblique aerial photograph taken facing north-west.
Records of Aerofilms Ltd, aerial photographers, Bristol, England
29/6/1947
© HES (Aerofilms Collection)
SC 1684586
Ardeer, Nobel's Explosives Factory, oblique aerial view, centred on the sulphur house and the fusehead production factory.
RCAHMS Aerial Photography
4/9/1995
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 2192156
DF1, Detonator Loading: detail of detonator extracting machine, used to extract safely defective detonators stuck in plate
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195382
DF1, Detonator Loading: detail of waste detonator box and tray
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195384
DF1, Detonator Loading: view along main passage, showing sequence of compartments housing detonator loading and pressing processes, each separated by concrete blast walls
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195396
Elevated view of Tube Shop from SE, with Chemical Plant (DD1) to R
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195397
Elevated view from S of DZ2 (Sieving & De-lumping), showing construction details, including concrete walls, compartments, surrounding earth baffle (L) and chain roof cover to catch fragments of machinery in the event of an explosion
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195399
Elevated view from SW of DF1, Detonator Filling building, showing constructional details, including wooden blast baffles designed to deflect any explosion upwards
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195400
Elevated view from NNW showing fusehead production buildings, including DI2, and in background DD3 (delay compositions) and DD4, with covered wooden gangways in foreground
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195407
DL3, Detonator Linear (automated) Loading: view of pair of GAM chargers (loading lead azide)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195411
DG1, Delay Lead Elements (for use in DF1): detail of drawbench, on which stubbies are drawn out through die to produce duse of desired gauge
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195419
DL5, Electrofuse Assembly: detail of part of MCK (Magnadet Conversion Kit) machine
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195426
DD1, Chemical Plant, producing primary charge for detonators: view of Magnesium Syphnate Compartment on upper floor
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195428
DD1, Chemical Plant, producing primary charge for detonators: view of Lead Azide (GAM) Precipitation Room "A" (one of two), on ground floor (behind blast wall)
1995
© RCAHMS
SC 2195432
Dz2, Sieving and De-lumping Shed for primary charge powders: detail of one of four sieving and de-lumping leather cones (known as "Nodding Donkeys"), operated remotely from a separate room behind a concrete blast wall
1995
© RCAHMS
First 100 images shown. See the Collections panel (below) for a link to all digital images.
- Council North Ayrshire
- Parish Stevenston
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Cunninghame
- Former County Ayrshire
Publication Account (28 January 2021)
This factory manufactured detonators. The detonator was the most important of Alfred Nobel’s inventions (early 1860s) and is the trigger essential for a safe and controlled initiation of the explosive. A detonator is a small device consisting of a metal tube containing a small quantity of primary explosive, which is initiated by a ‘spit’ of flame. This flame can be provided by means of a Blackpowder Safety Fuse or an electronically fired, match-like fuse-head. Conventional Delay Detonators were, as of the 1990s, being augmented by a new generation of highly accurate electronically operated Delay Detonators for some applications.
Detonators were originally manufactured at Westquarter near Falkirk from 1876. Westquarter was eventually closed in the 1930s and the manufacturing of detonators transferred to Ardeer. Alfred Nobel also opened another detonator factory at Redding Muir near Falkirk. Both Westquarter and Redding Muir closed before the the Second World War.
J E Dolan and MK Oglethorpe 1996; 'Nobel’s Factory Transference,’ Linlithgowshire Gazette, Friday 22 December 1933 [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001907/19331222/011/0003: accessed 28/01/2021].