Environmentally Enhanced Disposal of Solid Propellants

The present practice of open burn/open detonation (OB/OD) for disposal of military ordnance is rapidly becoming obsolete as a result of both environmental and economical pressures. Where possible, ordnance can be recycled, or converted into higher-value-added products for industry or government use. However, when these options have been exhausted, the only remaining alternatives to OB/OD are destruction through oxidation - usually be incineration. Since military ordnance contains considerable potential chemical energy, an alternative is proposed to convert this energy into electrical grid power or useful steam, for use by the military, industry, or the civilian sector. This approach meets the DoD/DOE objectives for recycle, reuse and recovery, and can be done at no risk to either the public or the environment. Past work in this area, focussing on high explosives, suggests that ordnance must be considered on a compound-by-compound basis. This program intends to build on that earlier effort and develop a strategy for conversion of Air Force propellants into fuel for use in industrial and utility boilers.