Preparation of the HAN-Based Liquid Propellants for Field Use
Abstract
The propellant used in the 155-mm liquid propellant howitzer, LGPI846, is a colorless, odorless, homogeneous mixture of the salts hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) and triedianolammonium nitrate (TEAN) in aqueous solution. The lack of both color and odor could cause confusion and possible misuse, and an investigation of additives that will provide color and odor to the mixture was undertaken. The presence of HAN and TEAN in LGP1846 causes the mixture to be acidic. The dye to be used as a colorant must be water soluble, intensely colored in acidic media, and chemically stable in the presence of both oxidizing and reducing ionic species. The thiazine dyes, examples of which are Thionine Blue, Methylene Green, and the well known Methylene Blue, are probably the best. candidates. The color range of these dyes is violet to green. The purpose of an odorant in the colored LGPI846 is to alert operational personnel that a spill has occurred. Replacement of about 1% of the TEAN in the mixture with trimethylammonium nitrate (TMAN) would generate a distinctive, amine-like odor if the mixture came in contact with nonacidic substances such as skin, clothing, the ground, or the surface of a vehicle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA252753
Entities
People
- Charles S. Leveritt
- Nathan Klein
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory