Explosive chemicals disposal methods

Explosive chemicals. See also Explosion Explosives characteristic chemical groupings, 236, 237, 238 disposal methods, 246 effects, 241... 

Base Hydrolysis Base hydrolysis is being studied as a chemical conversion method for the destruction of energetic materials. Base hydrolysis of energetic materials has been studied previously by LANL. In prior research, they have shown that 1.5 M sodium hydroxide solutions at 85° to 90°C readily break down many explosives and their PBX formulations to nonexplosive hydrolysis products. In order to understand the process and properly dispose of or treat the resulting products, a mass balance is required for the process. This requires identification and quantification of the products. 

The following presentation will highlight some methods of sensor and recovery techniques applied in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). On the basis of a project application to the European Union we will explain some possibilities for the investigation into chemical munitions on the seabed and finally we will present an innovative and environmentally safe process for the destruction of chemical warfare agents. 

Ottinger, R.S., Blumenthal, J.L., Dal Porto, D.F., et al., 1973. Recommended Methods of Reduction, Neutralization, Recovery, or Disposal of Hazardous Wastes. Volume VII. Propellants, Explosives, Chemical Warfare. LFS Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. 

Small quantities of explosive laboratory chemicals can be destroyed following known methods. By adopting standard methods, it is possible to destroy or reduce the dangerous nature of laboratory chemicals and check their reaction. Hydrocarbons (e.g., alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, arenas) bum well and can be disposed of by incineration or as fuel supplants. Also, many hydrocarbons commonly used in chemical laboratories may be easily ignited. Some cyclic compounds such as alkanes and cyclohexane may form explosive peroxides. Personnel trained in handling explosives should destroy these compounds using detonation. Many poly(nitro) aromatic compounds are explosive, and their disposal requires the services of an expert. 

An MSDS lists the hazardous chemical contents of a product, describes its health and safety hazards, and gives methods for its safe use, storage, and disposal. The MSDS also includes information on fire and explosion hazards, reactivity, first aid, and procedures for handling leaks and spills. 

DISPOSAL AND STORAGE METHODS add contaminated amine to layer of sodium bisulfate, spray with water, neutralize, and route to sewage plant dissolve in flammable solvent (such as alcohol) and bum in an incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber absorb in dry earth, sand or vermiculite, and place in a secured sanitary landfill flush remaining dimeth-ylamine with large amounts of water but not into confined spaces such as sewers because of danger of explosion store in a cool, dry location with adequate ventilation avoid oxidizing materials, sources of halogens, acids, and chemically active metals. 

Once the problem of disassembly has been solved, the next step is to dispose of the chemical agent and, where necessary, of the explosive component. Over the years considerable experience has been gained with the disposal of mustard gas and some other non arsenic-based chemical agents by high temperature incineration, and this method has been successfully used by both Germany and the United Kingdom. The major advantage of incineration is that it can readily deal with mustard gas which has been thickened or become polymerised over time. It can also handle decontamination of the associated metal... 

Once a munition has been identified as a chemical munition, and where it is explosively configured, the status of the explosive components determined the most appropriate method for its safe disposal can be determined. 

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