Q&A · 2:14:40-2:14:58

Why flooded propellant cannot simply be dried and reused

Once a ship's powder magazine is flooded, the propellant is written off because drying cannot restore trustworthy or predictable performance.

Damage Control Magazines Naval Gunnery Naval Safety Propellants

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Question

Can powder from a flooded magazine be dried in the sun and used again?

Short answer

No. Flooded powder is a write-off because drying does not make its behavior reliable or safe in the gun.

Notes

Recovered powder might appear usable after drying, but it would no longer be reliable. Unpredictable propellant behavior could damage the ship's own gun or cause a more serious accident. Flooding a magazine therefore saves the ship at the cost of permanently sacrificing its contents.