Environmentally Acceptable Disposal of Munition and Explosives
Abstract
Conventional methods of disposing of munition and explosives such as dumping at sea and open-pit burning can no longer be tolerated in view of new environmental protection laws. Therefore TNO has investigated some alternative methods of disposal such as chemical treatment, bio-degradation and controlled burning. Our investigations showed that controlled burning is the most applicable and promising technique. A closed furnace system is used for controlled burning. We can discriminate between rotary retort furnace, fixed grid furnace and fluidized bed furnace. The advantages and disadvantages of the different systems are given. The fluidized bed furnace seems the most suitable for the situation in the Netherlands. Connected to controlled burning is the disassembly of medium and large calibre munitions. Many techniques are available, for example punching, shearing, sawing, and cutting. We obtained very good results using a water jet. Because all possible munition articles can be opened in a short time, it is a very safe method and the explosive can be subsequently washed out and made into a slurry. This slurry can be pumped into the fluidized bed furnace. Additional scrubbing systems (dry chemical/wet) are needed to remove the remaining hazardous products such as HCl, S02, NOx. Calculations for a complete disposal unit have been made.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA506937
Entities
People
- Henk Bartelds
- Nico Van Ham
Organizations
- Prins Maurits Laboratorium TNO