Small-scale treatment of rocket propellant laboratory derived waste

Small scale laboratory technologies to treat experimental laboratory derived rocket propellant waste are required to enable sustained operations of the research facility, while avoiding open burn/open detonation (OBOD) process currently used to dispose of these materials. Successful development of this technology will reduce costs and eliminate burden associated with OBOD operations. In this SBIR program, Infoscitex will develop remediation technology for residues of energetic materials to provide small scale laboratories and field operations sites, facilities typically without access to large volumes of water and waste water treatment, the capability to safely and economically treat laboratory generated energetics wastes. The disposal technology envisioned by Infoscitex will eliminate the energetic properties of all hazardous laboratory wastes while minimizing equipment, and operating and maintenance costs.  The Phase I program will focus on demonstrating the approach to be rapid, lab to lab scalable, and economical. Infoscitex identified and teamed with a large industrial explosives and pyrotechnics manufacturer to ensure wide commercialization impact of this technology. Upon successful completion of Phase I, Phase II/III activities will focus on the continued development and transfer of the novel technology of rapid remediation of energetics.   BENEFITS: Successful development of the proposed method for rapid remediation of residues of energetic materials will provide the DoD and civilian sector with a valuable tool for: 1) environmentally contentious and economically attractive disposal of laboratory quantities of explosives and pyrotechnics 2) significant reduction of footprint and substantial improving efficacy of waste water treatment processes