Autoclave Meltout of Cast Explosives

摘要

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.