Topical Lime Application for the Management of Munitions Constituents Following Blow-in-Place Operations
Abstract
Blow-in-place operations provide a proven method of handling unexploded ordnance, but they also deliver significant amounts of munitions constituents residues to the environment. These residues may persist and affect environmental sustainability on training ranges. Alkaline hydrolysis is a well-established method for the destruction of explosives compounds. The objective of this study was to measure the efficacy of on-site treatment of munitions constituents with hydrated lime following blow-in-place operations. Samples taken immediately following topical application of hydrated lime demonstrate that lime does have an immediate effect on RDX concentration. However, munitions constituents residues unaffected by lime treatment remained at the end of the study, probably because of poor contact between munitions constituents residues and hydrated lime. This study highlighted three challenges to consider as technology development moves forward on alkaline treatment of munitions constituents. First, inconsistent RDX concentrations obscured the results of the field study. Second, the application method will make an important impact on the success of the treatment. Finally, application rates will need to be tailored to individual applications so that enough alkaline material is delivered to effect complete destruction of the munitions constituent residues of concern.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA536677
Entities
People
- Catherine C. Nestler
- Jared L. Johnson
- Jeffrey L. Davis
Organizations
- Applied Research Associates (United States)