Biodegradation of Liquid Gun Propellant Formulation 1846
Abstract
Liquid Gun Propellant Formulation 1846 (LGP) is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid. It is a molten salt composed of hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN, 60.79%, 9.09 molar), triethanolammonium nitrate TEAN, 19.19%, 13 molar), and water (20.02%, 15.93 molar). It is completely miscible with water and the two salts dissociate to yield nitrate and hydroxylammonium and triethanolammonium ions. Although it does not burn unless pressurized, the decomposition progresses to a very energetic reaction when it is ignited at elevated pressure in a confined space (as in the breech of a gun). The properties of IA3P, including safety, cost, and performance, have led to its selection by the Army as the propellant for a new 155-howitzer. In support of the ongoing development program for this new weapon system, the U.S. Army Environmental Center (USAEC) conducted an evaluation of the biodegradability of LGP. This research and development effort was conducted in support of the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) which is completing a life cycle assessment for the LGP Program. The laboratory studies reported in this document were completed by IT Corporation for the U.S. Army Environmental Center (USAEC) under Contract No. DACA31-91-0O47, Task Order No. 2.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA427078
Entities
People
- David B. Graves
- J. Rightmyer
- R. Hoye