Decomposition of nitrogen-based energetic material
OwnerAlfred Kornelinventor
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Abstract
The present invention provides solutions and methods to decompose nitrogen-based energetic materials. The solution is an aqueous solution comprising a water soluble carbohydrate and having a pH greater than 7.0. The solution may optionally include a base. Pure or contaminated nitrogen-based energetic material is exposed to the solution at mild conditions and may be heated to enhance decomposition. The products and by products of the decomposition are water soluble and non-explosive. The solution provides a useful, convenient, and inexpensive method to decompose large quantities of otherwise dangerous energetic material.
Claims32
A method of decomposing nitrogen-based energetic materials comprising:
- combining an alkaline base, a water soluble carbohydrate and water to form an aqueous solution having a pH greater than 7.0;
- and
- exposing an amount of said nitrogen-based energetic material to the aqueous solution.
A method of decomposing nitrogen-based energetic material comprising:
- exposing an amount of a nitrogen-based energetic material to an aqueous solution having a pH greater than 7.0 and a water soluble carbohydrate included therein.
A solution for decomposing nitrogen-based energetic materials comprising:
- an aqueous solution having a pH greater than 7.0;
- and
- a water soluble carbohydrate in the aqueous solution.
A solution for decomposing nitrogen-based energetic materials comprising:
- an aqueous solution having an alkaline base in a range of from about 0.1% to about 40% by weight per volume of the aqueous solution;
- and
- a water soluble carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, lactose, mannose, invert sugar, corn sugar, and combinations thereof and present in the aqueous solution in a range of from about 0.1% to about 40% by weight per volume of the aqueous solution,
- wherein the solution has a pH of greater than 7.0 and used to decompose a nitrogen-based energetic material.
A method of generating ammonia gas comprising:
- exposing an amount of nitrogen-based energetic material to an aqueous solution having a pH greater than 7.0 and a water soluble carbohydrate in the aqueous solution for a time sufficient to produce ammonia gas as a by-product thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.