DMSO/base hydrolysis method for the disposal of high explosives and related energetic materials
AssigneeMason & Hanger Corporation
InventorsGabriel W. Desmare, Dillard M. Cates
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Abstract
High explosives and related energetic materials are treated via a DMSO/base hydrolysis method which renders them non-explosive and/or non-energetic. For example, high explosives such as 1,3,5,7-tetraaza-1,3,5,7-tetranitrocyclooctane (HMX), 1,3,5-triaza-1,3,5-trinitrocyclohexane (RDX), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), or mixtures thereof, may be dissolved in a polar, aprotic solvent and subsequently hydrolyzed by adding the explosive-containing solution to concentrated aqueous base. Major hydrolysis products typically include nitrite, formate, and nitrous oxide.
Claims30
A method for hydrolyzing an explosive, comprising the steps of:
- completely dissolving said explosive in a polar, aprotic organic solvent to form an explosive-containing solution;
- and then
- adding said explosive-containing solution to a basic aqueous solution to form a mixture, such that said explosive is hydrolyzed.
A method for hydrolyzing an explosive to form hydrolysis products, comprising the steps of:
- completely dissolving said explosive in a polar, aprotic organic solvent to form an explosive-containing solution;
- then adding said explosive-containing solution to a basic aqueous solution to form a reaction mixture, such that said explosive is hydrolyzed;
- then adding an acidic aqueous solution to said reaction mixture to neutralize said basic aqueous solution;
- followed by
- separating said hydrolysis products from said reaction mixture;
- separating said polar, aprotic organic solvent and an aqueous phase from said reaction mixture;
- and then
- recycling said polar, aprotic organic solvent and said aqueous phase.
A method for hydrolyzing an energetic material to form hydrolysis products, comprising the steps of:
- completely dissolving said energetic material in a polar, aprotic organic solvent to form an energetic material-containing solution;
- then adding said energetic material-containing solution to a basic aqueous solution to form a reaction mixture, such that said energetic material is hydrolyzed;
- then adding an acidic aqueous solution to said reaction mixture to neutralize said basic aqueous solution;
- followed by
- separating said hydrolysis products from said reaction mixture;
- separating said polar, aprotic organic solvent and an aqueous phase from said reaction mixture;
- and then
- recycling said polar, aprotic organic solvent and said aqueous phase.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.