Demilitarization Research and Development Technology for Conventional Munitions

Abstract

A conventional ammunition demilitarization technology research and development program was initiated at ARDEC in 1992 for the development of new and/or improved methods and technologies to treat “difficult” items and to maximize recycle and reuse of energetic materials. Three of the tasks currently being executed are application of the Plasma Arc Furnace, Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) Technology, and Recycle/Reuse of Red Phosphorus (RP).

A state-of-the-art plasma arc furnace at a Department of Energy (DOE) facility in Butte, Montana is being evaluated to completely destroy and vitrify small munitions containing toxic/carcinogenic colored smokes, dyes, and pyrotechnic compositions in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Testing has been completed for a variety of pyrotechnic ordnance. Initial test results indicate that completely assembled small caliber and hand-held pyrotechnic items can be safely demilitarized in a plasma arc furnace.

SCWO is a relatively new technology being developed by numerous laboratories and private industry for flameless destruction of hazardous materials. This task is being conducted at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Livermore, California. Initial testing on several colored smoke/dye compositions using SCWO technology has resulted in high destruction removal efficiencies (DRE). A contract has been awarded to Foster Wheeler Corporation to design, construct, debug/proveout, and operate a 100 gallon per hour production prototype unit.

Finally, an effort is being conducted at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Pine Bluff, Arkansas to evaluate the recycle/reuse of the red phosphorus/butyl rubber composition from the United Kingdom L8A1 smoke grenade to the newer version L8A3 grenade. A process for downloading smoke grenades and recycling of RP has been established. Qualification testing (smoke generation, accelerated storage) has been successfully completed. An Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) has been approved for implementation of the process.