Autoclave Meltout of Cast Explosives

Abstract

Current methods for the disposal of munitions containing cast explosives (TNT, Comp B, and Tritonal) includes Open Burn/Open Detonation (OB/OD), steam out, wash out and contour drilling. Environmental concerns associated with above methods include air and ground contamination and waste stream treatment. Volume, concentration and toxicity variables have a direct correlation to the economics of disposal. Autoclave meltout is a demilitarization method that reduces the volume of the waste stream, employs basic industrial technology, and produces a product suitable for reuse. This method is currently in use at Hawthorne Army Ammunition Plant (HWAAP), Nevada and Crane Army Ammo Activity (CAAA), Indiana. The Ammunition Equipment Directorate (AED), Tooele Army Depot, Utah is in the process of developing a standard autoclave system. Candidate munitions and explosives are summarized on Vugraph 2.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA507379

Entities

People

  • Barry C. Mccall

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Ammunition
  • Ammunition Fragments
  • Autoclaves
  • Bombs
  • Demilitarization
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detonations
  • Energetic Materials
  • Explosives
  • Fire Control Systems
  • General Purpose Bombs
  • Materials
  • Munitions
  • Projectiles
  • Standards
  • Water

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Environmental Engineering.