Characterization of Rocket Propellant Combustion Products. (Description of Sampling and Analysis Methods for Rocket Exhaust Characterization Studies)
Abstract
This effort arose from a need of the US Army's Biomedical Research and Development Laboratory to understand potential adverse health impacts of the use of hand-held anti-tank weapon systems. An approach was developed and validated for sampled and chemical characterization of the rocket motor exhaust generated from the firing of scaled down test motors. Major exhaust constituents were sampled and analyzed and, in near real time while performing off-site analyses, samples were collected for determination of trace constituents of the particulate and vapor phases. Interfaces studies were performed using atmospheric pressure burns of 1g quantities of propellants. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were determined using non-dispersive infrared instrumentation. Airborne particulate mass concentration was determined using infrared forward scattering measurements, a tapered element oscillating microbalance, and conventional gravimetry. Particulate phase metals were determined using Teflon membrane filters, followed by inductively coupled plasma and atomic absorption analysis. Particulate phase polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitro- PAH were collected on a two stage filter. Target species wre extracted, and quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Vapor phase species were collected on multi-sorbent resin traps, and subjected to thermal desorption GC/MS. Keywords: Rocket propellants; Vapor phases; Rocket exhaust; Toxic hazards; Chemical analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 07, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA228491
Entities
People
- Bruce A. Tomkins
- C. Y. Ma
- Cyril V. Thompson
- Roger A. Jenkins
- Tom M. Gayle
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory