Engineered system using base hydrolysis for complete disposal of energetic materials

摘要

In dismantling weapons from stockpile reduction, environmentally acceptable methods to degrade the associated high explosive (BE) waste to non-energetic forms is a critical objective. Base hydrolysis appears to be a safe, simple, and inexpensive method for converting energetic materials (EN-MATs) into non-energetic materials. We have demonstrated that many EN-MATs can be hydrolyzed with aqueous sodium hydroxide or ammonia at temperatures ranging from 60 to 150(degrees)C. We have decomposed molding powder, pressed charges up to 3.5 kg in weight, and partially exposed, metal-encased pieces. The decomposition products consist mainly of organic and inorganic salts, e.g., sodium formate, acetate, nitrite and nitrate. The major gaseous product from the base hydrolysis of EN-MATs is nitrous oxide. The time required for complete EN-MAT destruction varies with the material being hydrolyzed, but typically takes four to five hours at atmospheric pressure. Products from base hydrolysis can be further degraded using biotreatment or supercritical water oxidation.