The Institute of Building Technology (AIDICO) has opened up its activities to include the pyrotechnic sector in order to support innovation and technology development for a sector deeply rooted in the Region of Valencia.

Research work to help the sector started with the opening up a line of research specializing in pyrotechnics. The R&D laboratory was created as part of this line of services in order to respond to the needs of one of the leading activities in Valencia. It has been set up with funding from IMPIVA through the R&D Programme for Technology Institutes (File Nº IMIDIC/2009/19), with the help of European Union by means of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The main objective is to open new areas of study in pyrotechnics in order to generate knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of pyrotechnic devices. New research, Technology Development and Innovation activities are being opened up in relation to safety, quality and sustainability. The following areas of study are being considered:

• Lifespan or durability of pyrotechnic devices: Forecasting behaviour to ageing of pyrotechnic articles or mixtures and establishing durability. Learning to understand these concepts could lead to a reduction in production costs associated with managing out-of-specification products and safer handling and use.
• Research, development and optimisation of digital firing systems for pyrotechnic displays: improving quality and safety conditions in the firing of pyrotechnic displays.
• Research into stability and safety of pyrotechnic products: The latest knowledge about raw materials and production processes in pyrotechnics can enable companies to develop new pyrotechnic formulations/processes that could substitute those used at present (safer manufacturing, less sensitivity…)

It is expected that the results will generate a mass of new knowledge that companies will then be able adapt to suit their products. It is hoped that in turn this will lead to greater company competitiveness, both on a national and international level.

Through this type of action, AIDICO aims to go further into depth and to clarify certain pyrotechnic issues that have not been determined yet. The objective is to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and parameters concerning these issues by means of research work.

AIDICO’s research activity does not include design, consultation work, technical assistance, project management, manufacture, supply and installation or maintenance of products assessed by AIDICO when AIDICO acts as a Control Body (within the scope of Royal Decree 230/1998 as well as in Directive 2007/23/CE). Nor does it include similar products that may be evaluated by the competition.

This area will not carry out any activity that could lead to a conflict of interests with the Institute’s work as a Control Body, with regard to the products assessed, in accordance with ENAC requirements laid out in PE-ENAC-OC/01.