Method to dimilitarize extract, and recover ammonium perchlorate

Details Method to dimilitarize extract, and recover ammonium perchlorate Method to dimilitarize extract, and recover ammonium perchlorate

1989-01-31

1989-08-08

Lechert, Jr., Stephen J.

Explosive and thermic compositions or charges

Processes of making

149 76, 149124, 423476, D03D 2300

Patent

active

048549827

ABSTRACT:
Liquid ammonia is maintained at the required operating conditions to efficiently and rapidly achieve propellant demilitarization including recovery of ammonia perchlorate (AP) for reuse, by an environmentally safe method to comminute and remove propellant from existing rocket motor hardware. The method is also applicable to both solid and ground composite propellant which includes scrap or waste propellant. A disclosed demilitarization unit employed in the ammonium perchlorate recovery method is comprised of a supply and high pressure spray system for liquid ammonia, an extraction system, oxidizer recovery system, and an ammonia recovery, drying, and recycling system. The method is workable at ambient temperature since ammonia is liquified under its own vapor pressure at 114 psig; however, increased temperature further enhances the extraction efficiency of the system. Solubilized ammonium perchlorate is separated after a phase change takes place through a liquid-gas expansion nozzle which provides a direct method to "automatically precipitate and chemically grind" so to speak, the solid oxidizer AP particles to a predetermined, uniform size and configuration in accordance with established, solute purification techniques based on various temperature, pressure, and liquid nozzle spray conditions for particle size control when precipitated from a solvent. This method results in the rapid fall out of AP from liquid ammonia during the phase change or gasification stage since AP is insoluble in gaseous ammonia.

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SIR H305, Porter H. Mitchell and William S. Melvin, "Demilitarization of h Burn Rate Propellants Containing Ferrocene or its Derivatives", Jul. 7, 1987.
Brown, E. D., "Propellant Removal by Water Washout (Hydromining)", CPIA Pub. No. 436, 1985, JANNAF Safety and Environmental Protection Subcommittee Meeting, pp. 99-103, Nov. 1985.
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