Development of Design Parameters for an Explosive Contaminated Wastewater Treatment System
Abstract
Design parameters for the construction of an ultraviolet light- hydrogen peroxide system for the treatment of explosive contaminated wastewater have been developed. Studies were performed both with commercial ultraviolet light systems designed for water sterilization and with a continuous flow laboratory system. It has been determined that TNT, RDX and HMX can be completely destroyed, singly or in combination, by the system. The critical factors are optimum (0.05 to 0.15%) hydrogen peroxide concentration and a minimum of 10 meqawatt-minutes of ultraviolet light at 254 nm per mole of explosive. Under these conditions all traces of explosives and their organic reaction products are destroyed. Inorganic products of the reaction include ammonia, nitrates and carbon dioxide. The effluent water may develop an acidity as low as pH 3. Because of interactions between the reactants (explosives and peroxide) and certain structural materials it is recommended that quartz, glass or stainless steel be utilized in all components of the system which will come into contact with the wastewater. The incoming wastewater will contain particulate matter which must be removed prior to its injection into the light system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA159416