Investigation of Exothermic Grinding Sludge Produced from Watervliet Arsenal Gun Steels, Andersol Water-Based Cutting Fluid and Cincinnati Milacron Aluminum Oxide Resin Bond Grinding Wheels

摘要

The Advanced Technology Branch of Benet Laboratories, at the request of the Watervliet Arsenal Fire House, was tasked with the investigation of a Watervliet Arsenal exothermic grinding sludge. An on-site review of this grinding process showed that the grinding sludge apparently smoldered up to twenty-four hours after its production. In addition, within an hour, the sludge quickly reached a surface temperature that would cause a burn upon physical contact. At least one fire directly resulted from the inadvertent mixture of this sludge with a combustible material. Thermogravimetric analysis and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy were used to chemically and physically characterize the grinding sludge. The data was compared with manufacturer information on the technical grade materials used in the grinding process. The thermogravimetric analysis data suggests the sludge was not smoldering but that it was evolving water in the form of steam as a result of the exothermic heating of the sludge from the oxidation of iron. This presents no immediate fire hazard unless the sludge is inadvertently exposed to combustible materials. It was recommended that an appropriate amount of inert sand or fire retardant powdered material should be well distributed throughout this exothermic grinding sludge as it is cooled and stored for disposal. It was further recommended that the grinding sludge should be stored safely away from combustible materials.