Oxidation/Biodegradation of Solid Propellants Used in Legacy Chemical Rounds
Abstract
Nitrocellulose based compounds are the primary ingredients historically used as solid rocket and mortar propellants. These compounds were mass produced for many years and stored in bulk or configured into chemical and high-energy munitions. With the planned destruction of the U.S. chemical agent inventory, the associated propellant charges and the now antiquated propellants in storage for use in high energy rounds are awaiting disposal. Many of these propellants were manufactured over 40 years ago and are of questionable reliability. Reuse of these propellants is unlikely due to advances in more modern formulations and the economics of converting them into more usable materials. Traditional open burn/open detonation of these compounds is under pressure from more stringent environmental regulations. Biotreatment is seen by environmental and citizen groups as a friendly alternative for destruction of hazardous wastes. This report describes laboratory study where peroxone and biotreatment were successfully used to degrade neutralized propellants to near surface water regulatory requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA473568
Entities
People
- Andrew S. Beck
- Mark A. Guelta
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center