Organic compounds -- part of the class 532-570 series – Organic compounds – Unsubstituted hydrocarbyl chain between the ring and the -c-...
Patent
1997-09-29
2000-01-11
O'Sullivan, Peter
Organic compounds -- part of the class 532-570 series
Organic compounds
Unsubstituted hydrocarbyl chain between the ring and the -c-...
149 92, 1491096, 149124, 540475, 544215, C07D25702, C07D25100
Patent
active
060137940
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a complete process for working up returned and residual explosives which contain both fusible binders and crystalline high-energy explosives.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Previously, no useful processes have been available for working up mixed explosives which are relevant in this present case. As a result, residual and returned quantities of these explosives have regularly been sent for destruction. By contrast, residual and returned quantities of pure trotyl explosives have been reused to a substantial degree.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide a process for working up mixed explosives of the above-mentioned types with the intention of enabling at least the most valuable of the components contained therein, namely the crystalline high-energy explosives octagen and hexagen, to be reused. An additional advantage of the novel process is, furthermore, that it is also the octagen and hexagen, whose manufacture results in the greatest degree of environmental pollution.
In addition, the novel process enjoys the advantage that solvents which are used in it are, processed in accordance with constituent processes which are included in the invention. As a result the solvents can be circulated continuously in the main process.
Both fusible explosive binders such as trotyl and other non-explosive binders of the wax or plastic type can be included in the mixed explosives which are relevant in connection with the present invention.
The crystalline high-energy explosives which are relevant in this context consist, as has already been mentioned, of the related nitramines octagen and hexagen. As a rule, octagen and hexagen are used separately. However hexagen, since it and octagen are prepared by what is, in principle the same synthesis, can be present as an impurity, particularly in somewhat older octagen batches. This is, per se, a complication when reusing octagen since there are currently strict standards for the lowest content of hexagen in newly manufactured octagen-containing products. While the novel process does not reduce the quantities of residual product which have to be destroyed to zero, it does represent a clear improvement as compared with the previous technology, when everything was sent for destruction.
The mixed explosives which will probably in the main be relevant in connection with the novel process are octol and hexotol, i.e. octagen together with trotyl as binder and hexagen together with trotyl as binder, respectively, and also compressed octagen and hexagen products containing wax or plastic as binder.
The novel process is defined in the subsequent patent claims and also illustrated in the form of flow diagrams in the attached figures. In addition, the process has, in all its stages, been illustrated by a number of constituent examples.
That which follows provides a general description of the process in all its different stages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The flow diagrams elucidate the following different parts and steps of the invention.
FIG. 1 represents a flow diagram for the recovery of explosive.
FIG. 2 represents a flow diagram for leaching stage 1.
FIG. 3 represents a flow diagram illustrating the working up of HMX and BLO/NMP.
FIG. 4 represents a flow diagram for recrystallization stage 3.
FIG. 5 represents a flow diagram for working up BLO/NMP stage 5:2.
FIG. 6 represents a flow diagram for working up BLO/NMP stage 5:2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the first treatment stage (stage 1) involves a leaching of the starting substance, which can be residues from ongoing production or returned products from different types of fallen ammunition. The leaching is carried out using a solvent which is suited to the relevant binder.
While the leaching normally takes place at room temperature, an elevated temperature can be required, principally in connection with compressed products of the abovementioned type. Toluene and xylene, in particular, are suit
REFERENCES:
patent: 4389265 (1983-06-01), Tompa et al.
patent: 4638065 (1987-01-01), Svensson et al.
patent: 4909868 (1990-03-01), Melvin
patent: 5284995 (1994-02-01), Melvin
Bofors Explosives AB
O'Sullivan Peter
LandOfFree
Method of working up mixed explosives does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of working up mixed explosives, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of working up mixed explosives will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1463485