Abstract: The invention relates to the field of explosives, and more particularly relates to particles of an explosive, wherein they are in crystalline form, have a rounded shape and a majority of them contain no internal defect. Particles of an explosive in crystalline form include a volume fraction of closed pores of less than or equal to 0.05%. A method for preparing explosive particles includes preparing crystalline particles, a majority of which are without an internal defect; and rounding the crystalline particles.

Abstract: A process for the adsorption of nitroglycerine from aqueous streams using nitrocellulose as the adsorbent.

Abstract: A method for chemically neutralizing a nitroarene explosive uses a nitroarene hypergol having an ?,?-amine and an accelerant that is applied to the explosive composition to cause ignition of the explosive composition. The method may be used to neutralize active mines.

Abstract: Methods for the separation of targeted components from gun propellant formulations. In particular, the methods separate targeted components in a usable/useful form. Preferred methods are directed to the separation of nitrocellulose, nitroguanidine and/or nitroglycerine from a formulation containing one or more of these components.

Abstract: TNT and nitramines, such as RDX, are recovered from mixtures containing same. The present invention more particularly relates to the removal of such mixtures from munitions and the separation of components contained in the munitions.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms and with nutrient for the microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: Nitramines are one of the more expensive and often the more plentiful ingredients found in energetic materials, such as solid rocket motor propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. By treating aluminized energetic material with an aqueous nitric acid solution containing not more than 55% by weight aqueous nitric acid at a weight ratio of aqueous nitric acid to energetic material of about 4:1 to about 6:1, most constituents of conventional aluminized energetic materials are digested into solution, with the exception of nitramines, which remain substantially insoluble in the aqueous nitric acid and can be recovered without requiring recrystallization of the nitramines. A mineral acid other than nitric acid, preferably hydrochloric acid, may be added to increase the rate of aluminum digestion. Treatment of the energetic material can be performed without volatile organic solvents, thus obviating ecological, cost, and safety concerns raised by the use of volatile organic solvents.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive device. An explosive device contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms capable of metabolizing the explosive material that are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying. Examples include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A self-remediating explosive mixture includes an explosive material intermixed with microorganisms. Joined with an explosive device is a bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between microorganisms and explosive material in the explosive device using a barrier that is actuated to release the microorganisms by mechanical, electrical, or chemical mechanisms. If the explosive device fails to detonate, remediation by microorganisms includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of resulting chemical compositions.

Abstract: A solid rocket propellant includes a hydroxy-terminated caprolactone ether binder and an oxidizer. The propellant may be disposed of by contacting it with an aqueous solution of 12 N NaOH or 6 N HCl at a temperature of about 140° F. for about 24 hours to decompose the binder. Solids remaining in the solution after the binder decomposes are removed.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for the separation recovery of TNT and RDX from Composition B-containing munitions. The munitions also contain liner materials, such as asphalt and binders, and sealers, such as wax, each of which are also recovered by use of solvent technology.

Abstract: Methods to recover nitramines from energetic materials yielding useable by-products and producing zero waste. The methods are used on materials containing HMX and RDX.

Abstract: Nitramines are one of the more expensive and often the more plentiful ingredients found in energetic materials, such as solid rocket motor propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. By treating aluminized energetic material with an aqueous nitric acid solution containing not more than 55% by weight aqueous nitric acid at a weight ratio of aqueous nitric acid to energetic material of about 4:1 to about 6:1, most constituents of conventional aluminized energetic materials are digested into solution, with the exception of nitramines, which remain substantially insoluble in the aqueous nitric acid and can be recovered without requiring recrystallization of the nitramines. A mineral acid other than nitric acid, preferably hydrochloric acid, is added to increase the rate of aluminum digestion. Treatment of the energetic material can be performed without volatile organic solvents, thus obviating ecological, cost, and safety concerns raised by the use of volatile organic solvents.

Abstract: Nitramine oxidizers are recovered from propellant, explosive, and pyrotechnic materials with a concentrated mineral acid bath, preferably comprising 70 to 90 wt. % nitric acid, that serves to dissolve the nitramine oxidizers into solution and permit filtration of the binder therefrom. The recovery process is conducted in the absence of organic solvents.

Abstract: A method for rendering nondetonble energetic materials, such as are contained in or removed from decommissioned ordnance. The energetic materials are either combined with epoxy hardener or are combined with other compounds, preferably amine compounds, to form a substance that functions as an epoxy hardener. According to the invention, energetic materials (including TNT, RDX and Composition B) that are treated according to the invention method yield a reaction product that is non-explosive, that serves to harden or cure conventional epoxy resin to form a stable, nonexplosive waste product. Epoxy hardener made using the method of the invention is also described.

Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation in the form of an explosive material is intermixed with microorganisms. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between the microorganisms and explosive material is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material.

Abstract: Energetic materials, such as nitrocellulose, TNT, RDX, and combinations thereof, optionally in combination with chemical warfare agents, such as mustard gas, Lewisite, Tabun, Sarin, Toman, VX, and combinations thereof, are destroyed when chemically reacted according to the method of the invention. The method comprises reacting the energetic materials and chemical warfare agents, of present, with solvated electrons which are preferably produced by dissolving an active metal such as sodium in a nitrogenous base such as anhydrous liquid ammonia.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of explosives from old explosive materials, especially from cyclonite or mixtures containing cyclonite, wherein the old explosive materials are wetted with an organic solvent and transformed into a crumbly mass, the crumbly mass is directly fed into a mixer in which it is mixed with at least an inorganic nitrate and in the process dried into the finished explosive through evaporation of the solvent.

Abstract: A process for converting hazard explosives that are contaminating soil into reduced derivatives and thereafter converting the reduced derivatives into humic compounds by admixing the explosives contaminated soil with a natural microorganism source and with an oxidizable carbon source and subjecting the mixture to anaerobic conditions to produce an anaerobic bioremediation product containing reduced concentrations of explosives contaminants and thereafter combining the anaerobic bioremediation product with a compostable material and subjecting the second mixture to aerobic conditions to give an aerobic bioremediation product that is essentially free of explosives contaminants and their reduced derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of working up and recovering returned explosives which are principally of the military type and which contain both fusible and non-fusible crystalline substances. In accordance with the invention, the returned explosive is treated in a multi-stage process which includes a first leaching stage for removing the non-crystalline, preferably fusible, component of the explosive in the form of trotyl, wax or plastic. The substance used in the leaching stage, principally toluene, does not affect the crystalline components of the explosive. The collected leaching liquid is separated off and the toluene, together with its dissolved content of trotyl or wax, is conveyed onwards for working up.

Abstract: Chemical warfare agents, including vesicants and nerve agents distributed throughout the world, are destroyed when chemically reacted according to the method and utilizing the apparatus of this invention. The method comprises reacting the chemical warfare agents with nitrogenous base, optionally containing solvated electrons which are conveniently produced by dissolving an active metal like sodium in a nitrogenous base such as anhydrous liquid ammonia.

Abstract: An efficient and low-cost method for conversion of TNT by alkaline degradon to a mixture of products and the subsequent mineralization of such products by microbes.

Abstract: A method for treating waste nitrocellulose, the method comprising the steps f treating nitrocellulose with acid in a hydrolysis process to break the nitrocellulose down to glucose, recovering a majority of the acid by electrodialysis, neutralizing a remainder of the acid, and fermenting the glucose to convert the glucose to a useful product. The invention further comprises a system for performing the above method.

Abstract: A method for the decomposition of explosive materials into water-soluble products is offered, which can be disposed of in a thermal or biochemical way, which requires only very short reaction times because of the addition of polar, aliphatic, non-saponifiable compounds to a strongly basic, preferably aqueous reaction medium and under temperature control by means of the metered addition of the explosive materials.

Abstract: A reactive waste deactivation facility capable of continuously processing a wide spectrum of hazardous waste includes a building having an outer perimeter defined by a plurality of deactivation bays each including means for deactivating hazardous wastes. One or more expansion chambers are surrounded by the plurality of bays and are commonly connected to an air pollution control system. The deactivation bays are connected with the expansion chamber by means of plurality of expansion ducts each having closable exhaust ports therein such that each inactive deactivation bay may be isolated from the expansion chamber when one active bay is in operation. A computer control system provides for sequencing of operation of said deactivation means in the plurality of bays, as well as among other things, controlling the exhaust ports, to effect continuous processing of hazardous wastes in order to provide a selected output of emission gases to said expansion chamber and air pollution control system.

Abstract: A method and composition for blasting wherein boreholes are loaded with pre-determined quantities of a high velocity explosive and a low velocity explosive. The high velocity explosive extends in a substantially continuous matter for a pre-determined length along the borehole column and a low velocity propellant is placed at pre-determined locations within the high velocity explosive column such that the high velocity explosive detonates substantially along its length in the column thus initiating a low velocity explosion at various predetermined points at the location of the low velocity explosive. The resulting explosion produces minimum ground vibration and air shock waves while substantially breaking and casting the rock material with minimal flyrock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an installation for destroying munitions containing toxic agent. The process comprises equipping the munitions with a pyrotechnic fragmentation device and submerging in a pool which is filled with a liquid for neutralizing the toxic agent, closing the pool with a lid so that the pool is sealed with respect to toxic emanation, and igniting the pyrotechnic device so that the munitions is fragmented and releases the toxic agent into the pool. After the fragmentation of the munitions is neutralized with the neutralizing liquid, the pool is reopened for another cycle of destruction. The advantage is of completely destroying the munitions in a single operation cycle without the risk of contamination. The invention is applicable to the destruction of munitions containing chemical or bacteriological toxic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation, in particular filtration of liquids and solids from solid-liquid mixtures, such as from a mineral, ore, coal or sludge suspensions of contaminated earth. The processing space of the filtration apparatus is submitted to overpressure and includes a collector container for solid-liquid mixture, a pressure filter, a discharge system and container for condensate and solid matter. The separation or filtration takes place at an overpressure and at an elevated temperature, preferably 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., conveniently 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably about 150.degree. C. The pressure filter device communicates with a source for a heated medium.

Abstract: A one step process is provided which denitrifies explosives and propellants and reclaims the evolved nitrogen therefrom while concurrently modifying the remaining carbonaceous materials into humic acid suitable for plant fertilizer applications. Explosives and propellants are hydrolyzed with a solution of ACTOSOL.RTM. humic acid extract. The humic acid extract fixes the free nitrogen evolved, preventing its loss as ammonia or NO.sub.x gases. The ACTOSOL.RTM. fixed nitrogen is then available directly to plants as slow-release nitrogen, and can directly replace nitrogen derived from urea or other sources in plant fertilizers., The carbonaceous material remaining from the denitrification process is non-explosive and is taken up in the humic acid matrix. This material is immediately available to plants as a carbon source.

Abstract: A method for converting Explosive D, i.e., ammonium picrate to oxygenated products, particularly hydroquinone or cyclohexanediol and ammonia by hydrogenation over a supported Group VIII metal catalyst. Preferably, the ammonium picrate is dissolved in a suitable solvent and then hydrogenated at a temperature of about 25.degree. to 250.degree. C., and a pressure of about 10 to 1000 psig (69 to 6900 kPa gauge) followed by separation of the commercially valuable products and ammonia.

Abstract: A process of degrading nitramines by mixing the nitramine with an aqueous dispersion of metal powders and by heating the mixture is disclosed. HMX and RDX are typical nitramines which are degraded according to the present invention. Metal powders which have been successfully used include aluminum and zinc. The weight ratio of nitramine to metal powder is less than about 17:1. The aqueous mixture of nitramine and metal powder is preferably heated to a temperature greater than about 50.degree. C. and up to the boiling point of the mixture. Best results have been obtained when an aqueous base is used in connection with the metal powder. Aqueous ammonia and dilute hydroxide salt solutions are currently preferred aqueous base solutions.

Abstract: A method for processing electric storage batteries, particularly lithium/thionyl chloride batteries, which includes the steps of discharging the batteries, lowering the temperature of the battery components to -180.degree. C., and cutting the battery into pieces while in its cold state before further processing. The process can also include the further steps of incineration, collecting the solid, liquid and gaseous discharges from the incinerator, washing the solid and liquid discharges with water and the gaseous discharge with an alkaline solution, mixing the resultant wash streams, separating precipitates formed from the mixed stream and neutralizing the remaining solution.

Abstract: A process for photolytic degradation of the organic and nitrogenous components of high explosives in organic solvent is described. The process can be applied with a module photolytic apparatus so that munitions can be destroyed without endangering the environment or toxifying large quantities of water. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved non-pyrolytic disposal process for nitrocellulose-based explosives and rocket propellants is disclosed. Explosive and propellant particles are digested by contact of the particles with an aqueous solution containing from about 5 to 20% by weight caustic (NaOH) maintained at a temperature of about 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. and under conditions of agitation until digestion is essentially complete. The resulting by product contains a mixture of depleted caustic and a water soluble sludge which can be disposed of or further processed. The process minimizes environmental concerns brought about by the open burning of high energy materials.

Abstract: Solid energetic compositions such as rocket motor grains are desensitized and converted to a form suitable for incineration by size reducing the solids, combining them with water to form a slurry, and adding shredded paper or similar cellulosic material in an amount sufficient to absorb most if not all of the water. The result is a composition which is non-detonable, and yet capable of incineration in a clean manner to produce useful by-products.

Abstract: Energetic material can be rapidly cut or machined at high speed in the substantial absence of liquid coolant with a cutting tool having a rotating cutting surface by maintaining a portion of the cutting surface out of contact with the energetic material and continuously removing the resulting reduced energetic material from the area of the cutting tool.

Abstract: In order to work up pyrotechnial material, I. pyrotechnical material A, where predominantly alkaline reaction products are formed, and pyrotechnical material B, where predominantly acidic reaction products are formed, are subjected to controlled combustion, II. the combined crude gases are cooled to a temperature below 400.degree. C, III. the combined crude gases are purified under dry conditions by first feeding them into a preliminary separator, coarse particles being separated off, and then feeding the crude gas via fine dust filters in order to separate off finely divided solids, and/or IV. the crude gas is optionally purified under wet conditions by first passing it through a rotary scrubber and then passing it via one or more absorption unit(s), and V. the pure gas is released as waste air.

Abstract: A molten salt destruction process is used to treat and destroy energetic waste materials such as high explosives, propellants, and rocket fuels. The energetic material is pre-blended with a solid or fluid diluent in safe proportions to form a fluid fuel mixture. The fuel mixture is rapidly introduced into a high temperature molten salt bath. A stream of molten salt is removed from the vessel and may be recycled as diluent. Additionally, the molten salt stream may be pumped from the reactor, circulated outside the reactor for further processing, and delivered back into the reactor or cooled and circulated to the feed delivery system to further dilute the fuel mixture entering the reactor.

Abstract: In a process for recovering an alkali metal azide from a waste gas generating material containing the alkali metal azide and a metal oxide reactable with the azide, the gas generating material is mixed with a solvent for the alkali metal azide. This produces a slurry comprising (i) a solution comprising the solvent and the alkali metal azide, and (ii) the metal oxide. The slurry is separated into a liquid stream comprising primarily the solution and a sludge stream comprising primarily the metal oxide. The liquid stream is filtered in a filter to produce a filtrate which is substantially free of metal oxide and is then concentrated by evaporation of the solvent to produce crystals of the alkali metal azide. The separation may be carried out by a filter or centrifuge to produce a filter or centrifuge cake. The sludge obtained from the slurry is reslurried to recover additional azide, and the resulting slurry is again separated into a sludge and a liquid stream by a filter or centrifuge.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing energetics, including explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics and obsolete munitions below detonation temperature by reaction with liquid sulfur. Also disclosed is a process for introducing sulfur into explosive packages without dismantling. The package is soaked in carbon disulfide solution and the solution is then evaporated, leaving behind elemental sulfur. After stabilization below the autodetonation temperature, the reaction products are completely destroyed by reaction with sulfur vapor at temperatures above 500.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of degrading nitrate esters by exposing a spension of a nitrate ester to a combined culture of Sclerotium rolfsii ATCC 24459 and Fusarium Solani IFO 31093. This allows an alleviation of environmental difficulties associated with the demilitarization of nitrocellulose base gun propellants and for the bioremediation of soils contaminated with such nitrocellulose based materials.

Abstract: An explosive composition for mining operations has been produced using waste oil, lignite and ammonium nitrate in selected ranges of concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recrystallizing materials that are ordinarily difficult-to-comminute. The process utilizes supercritical fluids and gasses at conditions near their respective vapor pressures which have the ability to dissolve in and expand liquid solutions. The process has been shown to be particularly effective at separating HMX and RDX thereby resulting in a precipitate of RDX which is essentially free of HMX.

Abstract: A process for removing perchlorate ion from waste water using KCl is disclosed. In the process, waste perchlorate is concentrated by water evaporation in a stripping tower. Ammonia and volatile organics are removed during the concentrating step. Potassium chloride (KCl) is added to the concentrated perchlorate solution to form potassium perchlorate (KClO.sub.4), and the reaction mixture is cooled to effect crystallization of the potassium perchlorate. The crystallization liquor is removed by centrifuge or filter press and may be further treated as part of an overall waste water treatment system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and installation for the destruction and of containers containing dangerous and noxious laboratory wastes, by explosion in a submerged medium. The automatic treatment installation comprises: at least one basin filled with water for submersion of the containers; means for the automatic conveyance and subsequent submersion of the baskets carrying waste containers; explosion means (explosive fuses and detonators); these means being integrated into a whole complex comprising: an area for the loading of the baskets; a room for the storage of explosives and a room for the storage of the detonators, with safety areas; and a system for the recovery of the broken containers. This method and installation can be applied to the destruction of wastes and products from all laboratories chemicals facilities.

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.

Abstract: Waste energetic compositions such as solid rocket propellant are treated to reclaim valuable aluminum particles and oxidizer in a form in which they can be reused, and to incinerate the remaining solids in a totally environmentally sound manner. An initial percentage (40-50% by weight) of the oxidizer is extracted during hydromining when the propellant is removed from the casing of a rocket motor. Additional oxidizer (35-45% by weight) is extracted from the propellant during subsequent underwater high speed maceration operations. The residual material containing mostly aluminum and binder matrix is thermally destroyed in a closed incinerator and the aluminum recovered as very high purity aluminum oxide.

Abstract: Waste energetic compositions such as solid rocket propellant are treated to reclaim aluminum particles in a form in which they can be reused for the same purpose and to convert the hydrocarbon values of the binder to a useful oil product, by leaching out oxidizer, and heating the aluminum-filled binder in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The resulting pyrolysis causes the evolution of the oil components as a vapor which is removed, condensed and collected for use as an oil having properties similar to those of diesel oil, leaving as a residue the aluminum particles in the same form in which they were used in the original preparation of the composition now being treated as waste.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of using 1.1 solid rocket propellant in the detonation process for explosives. The use of the 1.1 solid rocket propellant is described as a booster for use in a blasting cap.

Abstract: A method to extract and recover nitramine oxidizers from solid propellant ing liquid ammonia employs four basic steps which are: (1) propellant removal by cutting or eroding into small pieces, followed by, (2) solution of the oxidizers by liquefied gas solvent ammonia, (3) separation of the insoluble binder, metal fuel, and additive components by filtration and recovery of the solid oxidizer by evaporation of the liquefied gas solvent ammonia, and (4) recompression to liquefy the gas solvent for reuse. The process is a closed system with no release of solvent to the environment. Cycle 1 reduces propellant size to 1/4 inch or less to achieve efficient extraction in cycle 2 where insoluble ingredients (binder, metal fuel, additives) are separated from soluble ingredients. Insolubles are recovered and the solubles are recovered in cycle 3 by evaporation of the liquefied gas solvent ammonia. Cycle 4 is a solvent liquefaction and recycling of the liquid ammonia to the closed system.

Abstract: Liquid ammonia is maintained at the required operating conditions to efficiently and rapidly achieve propellant demilitarization including recovery of ammonia perchlorate (AP) for reuse, by an environmentally safe method to comminute and remove propellant from existing rocket motor hardware. The method is also applicable to both solid and ground composite propellant which includes scrap or waste propellant. A disclosed demilitarization unit employed in the ammonium perchlorate recovery method is comprised of a supply and high pressure spray system for liquid ammonia, an extraction system, oxidizer recovery system, and an ammonia recovery, drying,* and recycling system. The method is workable at ambient temperature since ammonia is liquified under its own vapor pressure at 114 psig; however, increased temperature further enhances the extraction efficiency of the system.