Desensitization of waste rocket propellants
AssigneeAerojet-General Corporation
InventorsBoris D. Nahlovsky, Brian T. Gilligan, Edward S. Michalik
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Waste solid energetic compositions such as waste solid rocket propellant are desensitized for purposes of disposal and burning by being combined with a diluent and a filler which lower the sensitivity, energy output and flame temperature of the compositions and improve their ability to burn in a controlled manner by increasing the burn time. The diluent is an oil with a viscosity of at least about 600 centipoise, and the filler is any of a variety of solid organic material, preferably agricultural waste or wood flour.
Claims14
A method for desensitizing a solid propellant composition, said method comprising combining said solid propellant composition with the following components:
- (a) an oil having a viscosity of at least about 600 centipoise, and
- (b) solid particulate matter selected from the group consisting of wood particles, nutshell particles, grain flour, starch and corncob particles,
- to form a desensitized composition, the proportions of components (a) and (b) in said desensitized composition being sufficient to provide said desensitized composition with an impact sensitivity which is less than about 25% of that of said solid propellant composition, and a flame temperature of at least about 1000.degree. F.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.