Abstract: A fire suppression system for producing an inert gas mixture having a minimal amount of carbon monoxide, particulates, or smoke. The inert gas mixture may be generated by combusting a gas generant. The gas generant may be a composition that includes hexa(ammine)-cobalt(III)-nitrate. The fire suppression system also includes a heat management system to reduce a temperature of the inert gas mixture. A method of extinguishing fires is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism for isolating energetic material feed streams from a material processing apparatus includes a deflector conduit having side panels defining a passageway from an entrance to an exit. Openings are formed in the side panels, and deflector baffles are positioned within the passageway adjacent each of the openings. The deflector baffles are arranged obliquely to the side panels so as to permit material to pass through the passageway toward the exit without falling out of the openings, but to deflect flames, propagating through the passageway toward the entrance, out of the openings to substantially prevent the flames from reaching the entrance. A conveyor may be used in conjunction with the deflector conduit to separate the conduit from a material feed hopper. A combustible conduit may be used to direct material into the deflector conduit from the end of a conveyor or from a feed hopper.

Abstract: A novel process for producing bexaammine cobalt(III) nitrate from a cobalt(II) salt is disclosed. The product is useful in formulating gas generant compositions.

Abstract: A process for treating reclaimed ammonium perchlorate with carbon to produce rounded particles upon recrystallization is disclosed. In the process, a recovered ammonium perchlorate solution is contacted with activated carbon, preferably by passage through a packed column. Contamination that modifies the ammonium perchlorate crystal habit and causes rhombic-shaped ammonium perchlorate particles is removed by activated carbon. The carbon-treated ammonium perchlorate solution produces rounded AP particles upon recrystallization with mechanical agitation.