Pilot Test of Hot Gas Decontamination of Explosives-Contaminated Equipment at Hawthorne Army Ammunition Plant (HWAAP), Hawthorne, Nevada
Abstract
This report outlines the operational aspects of a pilot study which evaluated the feasibility of Hot Gas Decontamination of Explosives-Contaminated Equipment. Nine test runs were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Hot Gas Treatment on test items contaminated with TNT; one test run was conducted to evaluate ammonium picrate. The results of the pilot study indicate that a minimum temperature of 500 F and a residence time of 6 hours are required to effectively decontaminate test items contaminated with TNT. Operating conditions of 600 F for 48 hours are sufficient to treat items contaminated with ammonium picrate. Conditions apply to the system at HWAAP. Should modifications be made to the system to increase the overall efficiency these conditions will change. Stack test results indicate that the DRE for TNT exceeds 99.99 percent when sufficient levels are emitted from the flash chamber. Based on results of the pilot study, test items that are treated for 6 hours at a minimum temperature of 500 F are safe for public release as scrap. Items treated in the prescribed manner are not considered characteristically hazardous and are appropriate for disposal or potentially for resale as scrap. Treated test items constructed of steel and aluminum that have no intricate or mechanical components should be appropriate for reuse in manufacturing or handling operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA244962
Entities
People
- Mike Cosmos
- Mike Mazelon
- Nancy Johnson
- Pete Marks
Organizations
- Weston Solutions (United States)