Process and Economic Feasibility of Using Composting Technology to Treat Waste Nitrocellulose Fines
Abstract
An evaluation of the process and economic feasibility of using composting technology to dispose of waste nitrocellulose (NC) fines (slurried in water) from the Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RAAP), Radford, Virginia, was undertaken by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Two general categories of composting technology were evaluated: (1) static pile processing in which the NC fines are mixed with composting amendments and stacked in long aerated piles, and (2) in-vessel processing in which NC composting is carried out inside a process vessel and the compost mix is handled by mechanical processing equipment. For the static pile process evaluation, a detailed conceptual design was made to provide a basis for estimation of capital and operating costs. This design was then evaluated at two levels of waste Nc fines throughput. For the in-vessel process evaluation, commercial and demonstration scale composting facilities were visited by TVA personnel to gather process and economic information. This information was then modified conceptually to reflect operation of the particular process with NC fines at a throughput of 6000 pounds per day. Results determined that both types of composting technology, static pile and in-vessel, are technically feasible methods of disposing waste NC in slurry form.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA241033
Entities
People
- C. E. Breed
- C. W. Brown
- K. E. Mcgill
- M. C. Crim
Organizations
- Tennessee Valley Authority