Incendiary Devices for the in-situ Combustion of Crude Oil Slicks
Abstract
This report summarizes the development of incendiary devices for the in-situ combustion of confined crude oil slicks in a remote environment. Several design parameters characterizing a suitable incendiary device for this purpose are discussed, both in qualitative and quantitative terms. Three prototype incendiary devices are described in detail, with particular attention being given to the processing and testing of the pour-castable incendiary composition employed in these devices. These compositions are based on an ammonium perchlorate oxidizer, a metal powder fuel, and a polymeric binder. A comprehensive testing program of the prototype designs is reported, leading to the selection of the peripheral-burning design as the most promising candidate. This incendiary device, incorporating its own pyrotechnic delay igniter and containing some 1.6 kg of incendiary composition (56% NH4 Cl04, 25% Al, 18% binder, 1% thixotropic agent), provides a 1700 degree C burn for over two minutes, dissipating a sufficient quantity of heat to bring about a self- sustaining combustion of thin weathered crude oil slicks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA125782
Entities
People
- G. Couture
- P. Twardawa