Reclamation/Reuse of Pyrotechnic Ingredients

Pyrotechnic devices contain mixtures of metals, metal salts, oxidizers, and binders. SASCO's proposed process is based upon extensive experience in metal recovery, production, mining, chemical, and reclamation fields. SASCO's system consists of opening the pyrotechnic device, removing the binder, the pyrophoric metals, the oxidizers, and recovering the metal salts. The outer casing of the device will be breached, and the binder will be dissolved. Most binders are Viton material, which according to Naval Ordinance Systems Command Specifications #7682, is soluble in acetone. Other solvents can also be used to dissolve the binder and reclaim it as an elastomer. Oxidizers such as sodium nitrate and potassium Perchlorate are soluble in organic liquids such as methanol. Physical separation techniques will separate and recover individual magnesium and aluminum metals without alteration. Copper, strontium, and other metal salts will be dissolved and recrystallized. SASCO has experience in solvent extraction and ion exchange if such techniques are required. SASCO will create a safe, environmentally acceptable, economically viable, and technically successful project by employing as few steps as possible to separate-components into pure forms. Operations will be conducted at low temperatures under an inert gas or liquid blanket.