PICATINNY ARSENAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION
ADVISORY BOARD
32 CFR part 202, section 2705 of title 10 US Code
August 20, 2009
Background Briefing Paper : Picatinny Arsenal Public Hearing : August 6, 2009 - Open Burning,
Incineration and Alternative means of Destroying Hazardous Waste ( Static
Decontamination Chamber test evaluation )
During the recent public hearing Lt. Col. John Stack, Mr. Rowland and other attending Picatinny Arsenal
officials repeatedly declared the US Army's willingness to consider utilizing other technological means of
destroying that hazardous waste which can't safely be incinerated in the existing incinerator. It was explained
during the public hearing by Army personnel that one reason why some hazardous waste can not safely be
destroyed in the existing incinerator is due to the relative ineffectiveness of the current incinerator's "grinding"
technology that can't effectively reduce such hazardous waste as plastic explosives. In addition, certain types
of high explosive rounds such as 105mm and 155mm must first be cracked open prior to incineration.
Additional contributing factors which prevent the incineration of some hazardous waste have been cited by
various sources, including those of the local news media. Cited factors include the presence of certain
especially minute particulates commonly designated as nano-materials and of water-reactive substances which
are not safely mixed with water to form the slurry that is fed into the existing incinerator. There was also brief
discussion of an ongoing effort by the Army to investigate alternative technologies that can be used to destroy
hazardous waste which the existing incinerator cannot safely accommodate. Subsequently it has been
announced that the Army has initiated a test evaluation of UXB International Inc.’s Static Detonation Chamber
product line as part of its effort to investigate alternative means of destroying hazardous waste at the Arsenal.
According to documentation provided by UXB their Static Detonation Chamber (SDC) product line currently
consists of 4 different systems. This technology is apparently intended to either destroy hazardous waste,
including various types of munitions and propellants, and/or to environmentally remediate contaminated
substances by essentially "cooking" those substances until their contaminants have been “cooked
off”. Presumably the contaminants are decomposed into their less harmful molecular constituents and/or they
are converted into gaseous variants of those contaminants which tend to migrate off as vapors. For your
information several PDF files describing the SDC product line, including a press release from UXB announcing
the Picatinny Arsenal test project, are available for you to download from our website : www.paerab.us . ( Links
- HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL, REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGY )
UXB appears to have its headquarters in Blacksburg, Virginia and a program management office in
Flemington, NJ with a presence at Picatinny Arsenal.
UXB International Inc.
169 R. Main Street
Flemington, NJ 08822
www.uxb.com
Mr. Michael F. Warminsky, PE. has been cited as the UXB Program Manager assigned responsibility for the
SDC test evaluation.
1 of 7
The following excerpt from UXB’s August 6, 2009 Press Release briefly describes its SDC product line and the
currently anticipated test evaluation of its SDC at the Arsenal:
‘First Static Detonation Chamber in U.S. to be
Tested at Picatinny Arsenal
Flemington, N.J. (Aug. 6, 2009) UXB International, Inc. has been selected to evaluate
and plan the installation and testing of a static detonation chamber (SDC) at Picatinny
Arsenal in New Jersey. The SDC will provide Picatinny with a clean, flexible alternative
to incineration and will significantly reduce the amount of explosive materials that require
open burning.
We have successfully processed more than 12,000 tons of munitions worldwide with
our advanced SDC technology, but this will be the first time an SDC will be installed
anywhere in the United States,” said Michael Warminsky, PE, UXB’s program manager.
Under a $3.6 million award with the Ordnance Technology Initiative Agreement with
National Warheads and Energetics Consortium (NWEC), UXB will oversee the custom
design and installation of a Dynasafe SDC in which munitions would be fed through an
automated loading system and heated until detonation occurs within an enclosed vessel,
containing all munitions fragments for subsequent recycling. A request for funding
support of this program has been made through the FY 2010 appropriations process.
SDC technology can handle the widest assortment of munitions, everything from small
arms to large projectiles that may contain high-explosive, incendiary, smoke or
illumination munition fills. Metal scrap resulting from detonation would be thermally
treated inside the SDC and available for recycling. Exhaust gas from the SDC would
pass through a pollution control system that would comply with U.S. emission
requirements.
Once it is proven to meet U.S. environmental regulations and requirements, the
technology will be available for widespread use for demilitarization of munitions in the
U.S. as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Harley Heaton, UXB’s Vice President of
Research and Development. …Certification for standardized US military use will be
coordinated through the US Army’s Ammunition Peculiar Equipment (APE) office at
the Tooele Army Depot in Utah’.
2 of 7
UXB’s Static Detonation Chambers currently appear to consist of four variations: SDC2000, SDC1200,
SDC800 and SDC400. The SDC2000 is the largest. According to UXB’s documentation some of the relevant
capacities for three of its types of SDC are provided below :
Size
SDC2000
SDC1200 *
SDC800 *
Largest single item (NEW)
Explosive capacity/hr (NEW)
2300gr
1200gr
800gr
40kg
20kg
10kg
* Available in Mobile Configuration
All are re-locatable
All are available in conventional or conventional/chemical configuration
UXB claims in some of its SDC product descriptions that its SDC gas treatment system meets both domestic
and foreign emissions standards and that “dry scrubber” systems are available.
Nine different SDCs have been deployed since 1997 throughout Europe and Asia. Munitions are destroyed in
them. At some of the European sites NATO materials are being destroyed. The following SDC installations
have been cited as examples:
1.
An SDC800 was apparently delivered in January 1999 to the Swedish Defence Material Administration
for the destruction of the following types of items: 20 mm anti-aircraft ammunition, fuzes, detonators,
pyrotechnic articles, explosives, propellants etc.
2.
An SDC1200 was installed in Asia 2003 for the purpose of destroying the following: antipersonnel
mines, projectiles, mortars, fuzes, detonators, grenades, bulk explosives and propellants, rockets,
high explosives (HE), smoke, illumination, white phosphorous (WP).
3.
An SDC2000 was also installed in Asia in 2004. it is used to destroy AP ( presumably anti-personnel )
and anti-tank mines, projectiles, mortars, fuzes, detonators, grenades, bulk explosives and
propellants, rockets, HE, smoke, illumination, WP.
4.
An additional SDC2000 was delivered to Germany in 2005 to accommodate the following items:
recovered chemical weapons, Airbags, conventional ammunition, bulk explosives and
propellants. In this regard UXB’s documentation cites the following: ”Achieved non-detect in treated
materials.”
According to UXB’s documentation its SDC units are capable of destroying a variety of munitions and related
devices. However, thermites are problematic and certain items must apparently first be reduced additionally
prior to being inserted into an SDC for destruction – such as 105mm., 106mm., and 155mm. rounds.
“There are some munitions that do require prior processing, these are munitions containing
shaped charges, and munitions which contain more than 1200 grams (2.6 pounds) of explosive
(Net Explosive weight (NEW) TNT equivalent). For these munitions, some processing or cutting is
required to either defeat the shaped charge or reduce the amount of explosives per item to less than 2.6 lb.
This can be accomplished by a water jet or other cutting system”.
Numerous methods of cutting and reducing dangerous and physically hardened objects exist. In addition to
industries primarily concerned with munitions use there are other industries which have also developed
practical means of cutting, grinding, dissecting and/or reducing objects which are similarly hardened and/or
dangerous to manipulate: chemical industry, nuclear power industry.
3 of 7
The following table is provided in UXB documentation:
‘SI.
No.
DESCRIPTION
OF REJECTED
AMMUNITION/
EXPLOSIVE
ACTUAL
QUANTITY
DESTROYED
DEMIL
PROCESS
ACTUAL
SHIFTS
REQUIRED
CALCULATED
PLANT CAPACITY
UNITS /SHIFT
(10-HOUR SHIFT)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Cap Percussion
Booster Cup
Detonator
Cartg. 20mm HE
Cartg. 30mm HE
30mm HE
Cord Detonating, Meters
Cartg. 40mm
Electric Fuze
Mine M-3 (A/P)
Hand Grenade MK-2
Mine M-14
Flare Trip Wire
Mortar, 60 HE
Cartg. 57mm Recoilless
Cartg. 75mm Recoilless
Cartg. 105mm HE
Mortar, 81 HE
Cartg. 106mm Recoilless HEAT
FUZED MINE AT 1B ND
Mine M-2 (A/T)
Rifle Grenade 73 mm HEAT
68mm Rocket Warhead
Mortar, 4.2'' HE
Cartg. 100mm HE
Cartg. 76mm HE
Proj. 75mm WP
Mortar 60 WP
Proj. 155 HE
Mortar 81 WP
Mortar 81 Illum.
Proj. 105 WP
Proj. 155 Illum.
Mortar 4.2'' WP
Proj. 155 WP
74,175
26,900
16,415
54,496
30,005
7,154
200
19,809
180
2,316
3,952
2,731
1,200
1,995
4,795
32,149
5,647
293
18,948
14,106
924
9,147
741
1,654
871
90
5,145
825
874
276
475
1,291
1,305
841
990
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
CUT / FEED
DIRECT FEED
CUT / FEED
CUT / FEED
DIRECT FEED
CUT / FEED
DIRECT FEED
CUT / FEED
CUT / FEED
CUT / FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
CUT / FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
DIRECT FEED
0.1
2.7
2.1
7
5.5
1.8
0.1
10
0.1
1.5
3
3.5
2.5
4.5
11.8
95
18.5
1
65
50
3.5
35
2.9
7.5
4
0.5
35
7
9.2
4
7
22
26
19
65
741750
9963
7817
7785
5455
3974
2000
1981
1800
1544
1317
780
480
443
406
338
305
293
292
282
264
261
256
221
218
180
147
118
95
69
68
59
50
44
15’
Late 20th. Century main battle tanks (MBTs) and howitzers typically used 105mm and 155mm rounds. In
addition, 155mm shells are / were used by the following late 20th. Century self-propelled artillery types: M109
and M110A2 variants, GCT, Mk F3, Bandkanon, AS-90, G-6, Panzerhaubitze 2000. No reference has been
provided concerning the possible destruction of 120mm. rounds which are now more commonly used by such
modern MBTs as the M1Abrams variants, the Leopard, the Challenger, the Chieftain, the Leclerc, the Ariete
and also by modern howitzers worldwide – especially by NATO ground military formations. It is unclear
whether or not this technology can also destroy ordinance larger than 120 mm.
UXB’s documentation also cites a limited capacity for mobile field use of its SDC1200.
SDC1200 is transportable in 40 ft Sea/Land containers
SDC1200 is “Over the road” capable without special permits
SDC1200 can operate in unimproved areas
SDC1200 can be supplied with mobile utilities
SDC1200 possesses an integrated off-gas treatment unit
4 of 7
In addition to use as a means of destroying hazardous waste this particular technology could perhaps also be
eventually adapted and improved to provide second and third echelon military forces with a capacity to quickly
“cleanse” dangerous to transit areas of such obstacles and hindrances as mines, improvised explosive devices
and also of those modern sub-munitions packets which are typically dispersed in large numbers over an area
by mortar round, howitzer salvo, air drop, etc.
As regarding the issue of mobility, UXB describes its Dynasafe Mobile SDC 1200M Munitions Detonation
Chamber as a mobile enclosed and gas tight system for destroying munitions. Since it does not use explosive
counter charges to destroy munitions and since it is also gas tight its operational cost, its logistic burden and
the possibility of an accidental explosion and/or an unexpected gas release to the environment occurring are
correspondingly less. Similar to other SDC variants this system can process many sizes of munitions and it can
also be used to decontaminate equipment, scrap or soil.
UXB’s documentation for the Dynasafe Mobile SDC1200 provides the following illustrative description of the
functioning of its Mobile SDC 1200M :
“The unit is able to handle bulk high explosives, propellants, projectiles (up to 81mm mortars fed
without any preparation, larger sizes can be fed if cut first), mines (AP and AT), small arms,
CAD/PADs and rockets. If a round contains smokes, illumination mixtures, WP or a fuze, these are
destroyed at the same time that the explosive is destroyed, again without the need for countercharges,
and with an absolute minimum of munitions handling. Scrap exiting the process is treated to true 5X
conditions for explosives, having been exposed to over 1000 degrees F for at least 30 minutes.
The unit is designed and built in such a way as to eliminate worker or public exposure to explosive or
environmental hazards at any time during operations, and to produce products that are not only
environmentally acceptable but are able to be recycled without further processing…
... has been designed with safety and high rate demil production in mind. The system is designed
with interlocks and redundant systems where required, for safety and to prevent release of untreated
products. A gas treatment system meeting EPA requirements is included. Most munitions are processed
without cutting, disassembly or any other additional processing, and mixed munitions can be processed
at the same time to maximize production rates. There are some munitions that do require prior
processing, these are munitions containing shaped charges, and munitions which contain more
than 1200 grams (2.6 pounds) of explosive (Net Explosive weight (NEW) TNT equivalent). For
these munitions, some processing or cutting is required to either defeat the shaped charge or
reduce the amount of explosives per item to less than 2.6 lb. This can be accomplished by a
water jet or other cutting system. Items to be destroyed can be fuzed or unfuzed, and unstable propellant,
unknown items, bulk propellant, bulk explosives, plastics, aluminum, contaminated trash and other
materials can be accommodated. UXO, DUDS, and MD present no problems, and it is not necessary
to determine the explosive fill before processing if the fill is unknown.
Unlike an incinerator, there is no open flame or external fuel source used in the process. The SDC is
powered with clean electrical heating elements, and is insulated to retain heat. Power and other utility
requirements are minimized, as the only time electricity is used to heat the unit is at initial startup and
at standby. During operations, heat from the explosives or propellants being destroyed supplies the
necessary heat to keep the unit at temperature. There are no wastewater disposal requirements from
the gas treatment system as the system produces none. Labor requirements are also low, typically
three persons per shift, two loaders and one in the control room.
… The SDC1200 is essentially a heated, armored, double shell retort, which is kept at a temperature
of 550 to 600 degrees Centigrade (1022 to 1112 degrees F).
…All munition items or explosives are fed in disposable cardboard boxes which prevent the
items from rolling and/or misfeeding. All movements from the feed conveyer to the first loading
chamber are automatic; however the control room operator has full control of all movements …
5 of 7
The feed conveyer is also equipped with guides, interlocks and sensors that prevent items
falling off the conveyer or other problems, and will halt movements automatically if problems arise.
…, the first feed chamber door is opened to admit the box containing the munition item(s).
The first loading chamber door is equipped with an inflatable gasket seal which prevents leakage
from the first loading chamber out into the environment, and an additional inflatable seal on a
second door which isolates the first loading chamber from the second loading chamber when the
first one is open to receive feed items. … the first loading chamber … is equipped with
sensors to detect misfeeds and other problems. After the box is in the first feed chamber, the
first loading door is closed and sealed.
At this time the first loading chamber is pressurized … so that the first loading chamber is at a
positive pressure with respect to the second loading chamber. Next the second loading door, is
unsealed and opened. The munition item(s) are placed into the second loading chamber. ... During
the loading operation pressurized air sweeps through the first chamber and into the second so
that the first chamber remains clear of any contamination... Next the fragment shield is opened.
The function of the fragment shield is not only to reduce contamination of the second loading chamber,
but also to block heat from the destruction chamber (inner destruction chamber) from entering. The
fragment shield is a round circular plug shaped device that is lowered into the upper tubular part of
the inner chamber during operations to prevent fragments from impacting the second loading chamber.
When opened, the plug is hydraulically lifted to open a path to the second feed chamber. One feature
of the feeding chambers and doors is that they are configured and designed to contain detonations or
fragments within them equal to the design limit of the rest of the chamber. After the fragment shield is
opened, the floor of the second loading chamber tilts up and the box containing the round falls into
the main (heated) detonation chamber.
After the munitions items are fed into the inner detonation chamber the items heat up and the
explosives cook off, usually resulting in a detonation or deflagration. All gasses, fragments and
noise are contained within the unit. As there is insufficient air contained within the detonation
chamber to support combustion of the detonation products and agents, the result is a pyrolysis
reaction, which breaks down the detonation gasses to simple, non-toxic compounds. The
detonation chamber is equipped with valves in the air inlet and exhaust lines which can be shut to
isolate the chamber to hold the gasses evolved for additional treatment or in the event of a
malfunction in the Pollution Abatement System (PAS) as an integrated safety interlock.
If the item is not explosively configured, the fill will pressurize the container (shell) until the
container fails. The container failure will occur at a weak point in the container, usually at the
burster well crimp to the body of the projectile, or the fuze well on grenades.
Gas Treatment System - The gasses resulting from the pyrolysis treatment are directed
through a gas treatment system or PAS. The gasses are conveyed first to an equalization tank
which serves to reduce the pulsation effects of the detonations and allows for more efficient gas
processing in the PAS. From the equalization tank the gasses pass through a cyclone to remove
particulates if any (particulates removed are periodically recycled to the system) and then to an
oxidizer to react the reduced pyrolysis gasses to carbon dioxide and water. This is followed by a
fast quench system to minimize the formation of dioxins and furans. The gasses next are
conveyed to a dry scrubber to remove pollutants. Next the gasses pass through a DENOX system
to reduce NOx. The amount of gas requiring treatment is actually quite low, as there are no
combustion gasses from any burners in this system.
Scrap handing - Scrap materials remaining in the detonation chamber are held at the chamber
temperature, (1100 F for at least 30 minutes) which ensures complete decontamination. When
the chamber becomes 50% filled up with metal scrap from the demilitarization process (2 to 5
tons of scrap, or once a week at a minimum) the feed is stopped and a 1/2 hour waiting period
commences…
6 of 7
After the waiting period, …, the chamber is inverted and the scrap is dumped out into scrap bins
located under the chamber. A small amount of scrap is retained within the unit to serve as a bed
for the next feeding cycle. … unloading operation is automatic, but under operator control and is
performed remotely. All removed scrap and dust is retained within the third (outer) dust enclosure
…, which is kept under a negative pressure with respect to the outside environment.
The scrap bin enclosure serves as a location for the scrap to cool … After the scrap has cooled,
the scrap bin doors are opened and the scrap bin is removed, and then replaced with an empty bin.
The scrap is then inspected … If there is any doubt, the item is weighed. If there is still any doubt,
the item is reprocessed…
Power and other utility requirements are low, as the only time electricity is used to heat the unit
is at initial startup and at standby. During operations, heat from the explosives or propellants
being destroyed supplies the necessary heat to keep the unit at temperature. There are no
wastewater disposal requirements from the gas treatment system.”
This background brief is neither an endorsement nor a rejection of the SDC product line.
Respectfully,
Michael Glaab
PAERAB Community Co-chmn.
www.paerab.us
7 of 7