Sensitivity Testing of Contaminated Surfaces to Establish Nonreactivity Levels at Energetic Processing Facilities

摘要

The downsizing and closing of military facilities have generated the need to eliminate potential explosive hazards from facilities previously used to process energetic materials. Testing for contamination levels of such hazards is an established practice; however, there are no established criteria for determining safe levels of the contamination. Small-scale sensitivity testing was performed to establish levels of contamination that would not exhibit reactions to normally executed construction practices, such as equipment installation and facility remodeling. Standard friction, impact, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity tests were selected as appropriate to duplicate stimuli created by construction or remodeling operations. Wood, concrete, a transite simulant, and metal anvils and plates were prepared for use in standardized small-scale sensitivity testing equipment. The materials were coated with a quantifiable amount of contaminant on the testing surface. The materials were then subjected to impact, friction, and ESD sensitivity testing and observed for reactions.