Application of Foam Separation to Aqueous Solutions of Trinitrotoluene (TNT). Part 2. Removal of Organic Explosives with Surfactants

Abstract

Process parameters have been developed which permit purification of wastewaters containing dissolved TNT, RDX, or nitroglycerin by treating the wastewater with a surfactant of the quaternary amine type at a pH of about 11.5. With TNT, the surfactant forms a precipitate that is removed by filtration. The other explosives, if present, are removed by hydrolysis. This reaction is accelerated by the surfactant. Nitroguanidine is unaffected by the surfactant treatment, but can be destroyed by contact with an ion exchange resin. The methods of analysis are described for RDX and TNT in pink water and for nitroglycerin and nitroguanidine in other wastewaters. The recommended process for pilot plant operation is also described.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA066118

Entities

People

  • Eng J. Chou
  • Michael Croce
  • Milton Roth
  • Yoshiyuki Okamoto

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alcohols
  • Amines
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Chlorides
  • Detectors
  • Explosives
  • Filter Paper
  • Filters
  • Filtration
  • Flow Rate
  • Ion Exchange
  • Liquids
  • Melting Point
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Waste Water

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Organic Chemistry