Ultrasonic Fragmentation of Cast Energetic Materials

There is a need for environmentally acceptable methods to demilitarize obsolete and aging munitions. Open burning and open detonation is no longer an option, and the use of steam heat or high pressure washout to remove explosives is energy intensive and creates a waste water hazard. To alleviate this problem, TPL proposes the ultrasonic fracturing and removal of cast explosives from shells in a single remote operation. This will be accomplished with an ultrasonic probe and the use of a recycled sonication fluid. The focus of the program will be to find the most effective system, which will also minimize hazardous waste and operations hazards. Pilot plant scale operations will be developed to remotely remove explosive directly from shells. Circulation and separation techniques will be developed for integration of the entire process. TPL is active in numerous areas of energetic material research and is known for formulation and full-scale chemical process development primarily for demilitarization activities for the Army, Navy, Air Force and MDA.