Ultra-Violet/Electron Beam Detoxification of Nitroglycerin/Propylene Glycol Dinrate Waste Water, Phase 1
Abstract
The principal objective of this two year program is to develop an industrial radiation process for the destruction of the explosive nitrate ester compounds in several production waste water streams at the Navy's facilities in Indian Head, Maryland. Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), electrospray-mass spectroscopy (MS), and GC-MS, UV and EB treated waste water streams were evaluated for post treatment non-volatile content. (1) UV and EB processing of nitroglycerine contaminated waste water reduced the original organic nitrates to less than 1 ppm, and converted more than 98.5% of the original nitrate esters to glycerine. Concomitant with the cleavage of the nitrate groups from the nitrate esters was the production of nitric acid and a reduction of the solution's pH from >7 to 2. (2) Based on the dose requirement to reduce the NG level less than 1 ppm, installation costs for and EB treatment system for the Biazzi Plant are estimated to be less than $900,000.00. Operating costs are estimated to be less than $50/1000 USG. (3) No qualitative or quantitative difference between UV and EB treated samples were observed for comparably treated samples.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 16, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA351139