Extraction of Recovery of Plasticizers from Solid Propellants and Munitions.
Abstract
A method to extract and recover plasticizers and their stabilizers from solid propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics (PEP source compositions) employs near critical liquid (NCL) or supercritical fluid (SCF) CO2 as the solvent. The extraction and ingredient recovery method provides an environmentally acceptable alternative to traditional open burning and destruction of PEP source compositions. CO2 solvent is nontoxic, nonflammable, noncorrosive, inexpensive, and does not generate any additional toxic or hazardous wastes. The solvent is totally inert when it is confined, pressurized, and possibly heated in direct contact with an energetic propellant heated in direct contract motor or similar pressure vessel. CO(2) readily undergoes a gas-to-liquid phase change to NCL readily undergoes a gas-to-liquid phase change to NCL conditions when confined and compressed to a pressure of 831 psig or greater at ambient temperature. By further increasing the pressure and temperature of NCL CO2 to 1058 psig and 31.3 C or greater, respectively, SCF conditions of CO2 are obtained. Patent applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 16, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADD014433
Entities
People
- William S. Melvin
Organizations
- United States Department of the Air Force