Real-Time Monitoring System for Trace Chemical Vapors During Open Burning/Open Detonation (OB/OD)

Continuing efforts to develop useful and safe means of treating unserviceable, damaged or unused munitions and ordnance include the use of Open Burning/Open Detonation (OB?OD) technique. Although OB/OD techniques provide many advantages over other demil/disposal processes, increasing regulatory scrutiny is forcing OB/O facilities to limit or eliminate operations. In addition, data collection requirements have greatly increased, forcing OB/OD facilities to drastically re-think their technology solutions to these problems. RCRA permit requirements include provisions for air emissions monitoring at levels approaching parts-per-billion or even parts-per-trillion. Novel technologies for detecting air emissions at extremely low concentrations under varying conditions must be developed to improve current OB/OD processes, allow compliance with current and future permitting requirements, and to demonstrate the relatively benign nature of OB/OD emissions.