Abstract: A method of demilitarizing an energetic is disclosed. The method comprises indirectly heating the energetic in a chamber to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the energetic to at least partially decompose the energetic and substantially preclude combustion of the energetic such that the indirect heating produces a decomposition gas, and separating at least a portion of the decomposition gas from the chamber. The method may further comprise monitoring the decomposition gas and/or passing the separated decomposition gas through an air abatement system. The method may further comprise adjusting at least one of the following: the indirect heating of the energetic, the separating of the decomposition gas, the air abatement system, and a residence time of the energetic in the chamber. The energetic may be a bulk energetic.

Abstract: A method of demilitarizing an energetic is disclosed. The method comprises indirectly heating the energetic in a chamber to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the energetic to at least partially decompose the energetic and substantially preclude combustion of the energetic such that the indirect heating produces a decomposition gas, and separating at least a portion of the decomposition gas from the chamber. The method may further comprise monitoring the decomposition gas and/or passing the separated decomposition gas through an air abatement system. The method may further comprise adjusting at least one of the following: the indirect heating of the energetic, the separating of the decomposition gas, the air abatement system, and a residence time of the energetic in the chamber. The energetic may be a bulk energetic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the demilitarization of ammunition. The apparatus is comprised of an elongated tubular ammunition conveying chamber having a wall, an inlet opening, and a discharge opening; a heater in thermal communication with the elongated tubular chamber; and a first discharge barrier obstructing at least a first portion of the discharge opening of the elongated tubular chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating articles such as batteries in a manner permitting safe disposal thereof, each of the articles comprising a casing having reactive material therein, wherein the article casing is opened to allow access to the interior thereof, fluid is introduced to the interior of the opened casing, and any evolved gas is removed. The steps of opening the casing, introducing fluid and removing gas are performed simultaneously in a reaction vessel which is supplied with the fluid and which is in communication with gas collecting and scrubbing means. The reaction vessel preferably comprises a deluged hammermill and a tank. The hammermill is supplied with articles by a remotely fed conveyor and which discharges into a tank, fluid is supplied to the hammermill and to the tank, and the gas collecting and scrubbing means is in communication with both the hammermill and tank. The fluid preferably is water or an alkaline neutralizing solution.