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Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions (2019)

Chapter: 7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types

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Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
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7

Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types

For the purpose of evaluating alternative technologies to open burning (OB) and open detonation (OD), the committee found it useful to review and analyze possible alternatives for demilitarizing B5A (stockpile) account munitions in the following four categories

  1. Munitions that are already being demilitarized with alternatives to OB/OD: These munitions are not directly addressed in this report as they are not included in the committee’s statement of task. This category comprises all of the B5A munitions that are not included in any of the following three categories.
  2. Munitions that are suitable for OB/OD: These munitions are discussed in the first section, below.
  3. Stable munitions that are being demilitarized using OB/OD but are suitable for demilitarization using alternative technologies: These munitions receive a more detailed analysis in the second section, below, and in Tables 7.1 through 7.7.
  4. Munitions that are not being demilitarized using either OB/OD or alternative technologies: This category of munitions constitutes “capability gaps” and are discussed in the third section, below. For the purposes of this report, the committee defines “capability gap” as “the inability to perform a demilitarization task on the ‘top 400’ munitions in the B5A account due to a lack of adequate equipment or processes.”

MUNITIONS SUITABLE FOR OB/OD

Some munitions in the B5A account have been determined by the Office of the Product Director for Demilitarization (PD Demil) to be unstable and possibly shock sensitive owing to depletion of stabilizers in the explosives or propellants caused by excessive age. This makes them unsuitable for demilitarization using alternative technologies because transportation and handling must be minimized to reduce exposure of personnel to the explosive hazards posed by these munitions that may detonate or deflagrate when disturbed.1 For these unstable munitions, the committee defers to the determination of PD Demil that movement and disturbance must be kept to the minimum amount necessary to achieve demilitarization and that OB/OD may be the most suitable demilitarization methods.

Only two munitions that are currently in the B5A account have been identified to the committee by PD Demil as not suitable for alternative contained demilitarization due to instability. According to PD Demil, the 105 mm rocket-assisted projectile (Department of Defense Identification Code [DODIC] C463 with a quantity of 240 tons) and 8 in. rocket-assisted projectile (DODIC D624 with a quantity of 744 tons) are potentially shock sensitive due to depletion of stabilizers in the rocket propellant. The committee accepts this determination and agrees that OD is the appropriate method for demilitarization of these munitions. The committee recognizes that other munitions may be added to this list in the future.

Finding 7-1. Alternatives to OB and OD are not being used for some munitions because the munitions have become unstable and are too hazardous for the handling and transportation required for demilitarization using alternative technologies. A determination by the PD Demil that a munition is unstable and potentially shock sensitive is a valid reason for performing demilitarization via OB/OD to minimize transportation and handling and, therefore, the exposure of technicians to the explosive hazard. The capability for OB/OD will always be needed.

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1 J.C. King, director for Munitions and Chemical Matters, HQDA, ODASA(ESOH), “DoD Open Burn and Open Detonation (OB/OD),” presentation to the committee, August 22, 2017.

Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
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MUNITIONS SUITABLE FOR ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT

PD Demil provided to the committee a list of the stable munitions in the stockpile that are being demilitarized by OB/OD, and the committee evaluated whether it is possible to demilitarize these munitions using the alternative technologies discussed in Chapter 4. This evaluation is presented in Tables 7.1 through 7.7, below. The committee offers these as examples of alternatives that may be applied. Note that munitions identified by PD Demil as “unstable” and possibly shock sensitive are not included in these tables.

Alternatives to OB/OD may require using multiple technologies in series (e.g., a treatment train), whereas OB/OD is more likely to provide for one-step demilitarization (e.g., by detonating large projectiles and bombs without disassembly or size reduction). Because of this, the examples of potential alternative technologies and processes in Tables 7.1 through 7.7 frequently involve several technologies in a treatment train.

An example of a treatment train is demilitarization of large, high explosive (HE)-filled bombs and projectiles. These munitions are too large to be contained by any of the existing contained detonation (CD) or contained burn (CB) treatment processes and, therefore, require “downsizing” through some type of munition size reduction procedure to prepare them for an alternative final demilitarization process.

Although there are some drawbacks to multistep demilitarization processes (e.g., potentially increased process complexity and increased munitions handling), such multistep processes should not be perceived as a barrier in that the technologies already exist and, in most cases, are currently being used at Army demilitarization depots and contractor facilities. For example, size reduction of large bombs and projectiles is currently being performed by PD Demil and contractors using band saws, waterjet cutters, and cryofracture before final demilitarization of the downsized components and HE in existing PD Demil and contractor facilities.2 The committee also notes that “treatment trains” are commonly used in conjunction with OB/OD. For example, demilitarization of a fixed projectile may be accomplished through the multiple steps of separating (pulling) the projectile from the cartridge, emptying the propellant from the cartridge, and demilitarizing the propellant using OB and the projectile using OD. Therefore, “treatment trains” should be understood to be commonly used today and are not a barrier to implementing alternative technologies.

Another example of treatment trains being used to demilitarize similar munitions using both OB/OD and alternative technologies is the demilitarization of DODICs D563 and D864.3 These two DODICs are variations of 155 mm projectiles loaded with scatterable submunitions (see Figure 7.1).

D563 is being demilitarized by PD Demil, using organic capabilities, by removing the submunitions from the projectile casing through disassembly and then disposing of them using OD. PD Demil then reuses the projectile casings by reloading them with new submunitions. Treatment of the similar DODIC D864 is being performed by a contractor. The contractor removes the submunitions from the projectile casings (as is done by PD Demil) and then disassembles the submunitions to prepare them for demilitarization by CB. In this example, final demilitarization of the similar submunitions from similar DODICs is being handled differently. PD Demil demilitarizes the submunitions using OD, while the contractor disposes of similar submunitions by disassembly followed by CB. It is possible to demilitarize both of these DODICs (two of the largest DODICs in the stockpile inventory) using existing alternative technologies that are fully developed and currently being implemented by the contractor.4

Another example of using existing alternative technologies in lieu of OB/OD is cutting shaped charges of high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) munitions to defeat the shaped-charge effect followed by demilitarization of the prepared munition sections in existing CB systems. The reason given by PD Demil5 for using OD for demilitarization of some HEAT munitions is that the munitions may cause damage to the incinerator from the shaped-charge effect in the event that the shaped charge functions inside the incinerator. However, presentations provided to the committee show that PD Demil contractors have solved this problem by using existing alternative technologies to cut the shaped charges to eliminate the shaped-charge effect, thereby allowing the “downsized” shaped charges to be demilitarized in existing CB facilities.6

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2 J. McFassel, product director for demilitarization, PEO AMMO, and O. Hrycak, chief engineer, Office of PD Demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Emerging Technologies Addressing Alternatives to Open Burn and Open Detonation,” presentation to the committee, August 22, 2017. H. Heaton, Dynasafe, “The Static Detonation Chamber and Conventional Demilitarization,” presentation to the committee, October 23, 2017. P.L. Miller, Gradient Technology, “Abrasive Waterjet Cutting of Large Munitions,” presentation to the committee, October 24, 2017. R. Hayes, president, El Dorado Engineering, “El Dorado Engineering’s Technologies for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions,” presentation to the committee, October 24, 2017.

3 J. McFassel, product director for demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Clarifications on Demilitarization Policies and Procedures for National Academy of Sciences,” presentation to the committee on October 23, 2017.

4 J. McFassel, product director for demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Clarifications on Demilitarization Policies and Procedures for National Academy of Sciences, presentation to the committee, October 23, 2017. P.L. Miller, Gradient Technology, “Abrasive Waterjet Cutting of Large Munitions,” presentation to the committee, October 24, 2017.

5 J. McFassel, product director for demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Demilitarization by Open Burning and Open Detonation for National Academy of Sciences,” presentation to the committee on December 11, 2017.

6 H. Heaton, Dynasafe, “The Static Detonation Chamber and Conventional Demilitarization,” presentation to the committee, October 23, 2017. R. Hayes, president, El Dorado Engineering, “El Dorado Engineering’s Technologies for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions,” presentation to the committee, October 24, 2017.

Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
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Image
FIGURE 7.1 Cutaway of DODIC D563 projectile containing submunitions (grenades). SOURCE: J. McFassel, product director for demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Demilitarization by Open Burning and Open Detonation for National Academy of Sciences,” presentation to the committee, December 11, 2017.

Finding 7-2. The configuration of some munitions will require handling and processing steps prior to munitions demilitarization using alternative technologies. This adds complexity to the process, may increase the cost of demilitarization, and may increase risks to workers. These factors will have to be considered when evaluating the use of alternative technologies.

It is beyond the committee’s capabilities to fully investigate whether or not existing alternative technologies are appropriate for every DODIC currently being disposed of by OB/OD, because that would require an in-depth technical and engineering analysis of the construction, fuzing, and functioning of each specific munition. However, based on the information presented to the committee by PD Demil and its contractors, it appears that, with few exceptions, it is technically possible to apply existing alternative technologies to demilitarize the majority of the DODICs in the stockpile inventory (with the previously described exception of those DODICs that have been determined by PD Demil to be potentially shock sensitive).

The committee believes that it may be possible to reduce demilitarization costs and the use of OB/OD by shipping stockpile munitions to other demilitarization facilities and notes that PD Demil is already shipping munitions for demilitarization. Examples of this are the rocket and missile motors being shipped to the Letterkenny Munitions Center (LEMC) Ammonium Perchlorate Rocket Motor Destruction (ARMD) facility7 and the two new large contracts awarded to demilitarization contractors (Keller, 2015).

Finding 7-3. The organic capabilities of the PD Demil and the contractor community have the technical capability—or could develop the capability—to demilitarize nearly all of the munitions in the stockpile using alternative technologies. There will, however, always be some munitions that need to be treated by OB or OD for safety reasons.

Recommendation 7-1. In keeping with stated strategic goal to increase the use of contained disposal, resource recovery, and recycling consistent with continuing to ensure minimal exposure of personnel to explosive safety risks, the Office of the Product Director for Demilitarization should perform a detailed technical and engineering evaluation of the munitions in the inventory currently demilitarized by open burning or open detonation and evaluate appropriate alternative

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7 J. Wright, chief engineer, AMCOM Missile Demil, “Missile Demil Brief Static Fire for Rocket Motors to National Academies of Sciences Committee on Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions,” presentation to the committee, October 24, 2017.

Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
×

demilitarization technologies for each munition along with an implementation schedule and budget requirements. This detailed evaluation should include the option of shipping munitions and munitions components to other organic or contractor facilities for demilitarization.

The committee analyzed the munitions in the demilitarization stockpile as of September 30, 2017, that (1) PD Demil identified as being disposed of by OB, OD, or static firing (a type of OB), and (2) have been determined by PD Demil to be stable (i.e., not shock sensitive due to deterioration of stabilizers). The committee then grouped these munitions into seven categories, based on common characteristics, and added an eighth group for miscellaneous munitions that do not share common characteristics with the other seven categories. Tables 7.1 through 7.7 identify the munition and DODIC, give example alternative demilitarization technologies, and provide some additional information, if applicable, including the reason given by PD Demil for not using alternative demilitarization technologies.

Please note that the purpose of these tables is to analyze whether or not potential alternative technologies exist that can be used for demilitarization of these munitions. The alternatives in these tables are presented as examples of possible alternative technologies that may be employed. They are not intended to be a definitive analysis or to discourage application of other alternative technologies that may be unknown to the committee or may be developed in the future

The committee evaluated the following munitions categories:

  • Dispensers containing submunitions with shaped charges (both projectiles and bombs);
  • HEAT projectiles;
  • Gun propellant and rocket and missile motors;
  • Mortars;
  • HE projectiles, bombs, and rocket and missile warheads;
  • Fuzes; and
  • Miscellaneous munitions (those not fitting into one of the categories above).

The committee evaluated the suitability of demilitarizing the above munitions categories using the following alternative technologies, both separately and as part of a treatment train:

  • Disassembly and separation of components;
  • Size reduction to comply with net explosive weight (NEW) restrictions and to defeat shaped charges using manual or mechanical cutting, waterjet cutting, and cryofracture;
  • Removal of explosives and energetics via washout and steamout;
  • CB of explosive and energetic components;
  • Contained detonation of explosive and energetic components; and
  • Neutralization of explosive and energetic components.

TABLE 7.1 Stablea Dispensers with Shaped Charges (Projectiles and Bombs) Currently Demilitarized Using OB and OD and Example Applicable Alternative Technologies

Munition, DODIC, and Quantityb Steps for Applicable Alternative Demilitarization Notesc
1. Cartridge, 105 mm HE APERS ICM, M444, DODIC C462, 5,100 tons
  • Separate projectile from the propellant cartridge.
  • Demilitarize propellant in CB.
  • Disassemble the projectile or bomb to remove the submunitions.
  • Disassemble or cut the submunition shaped charges to disrupt the shaped charge effect.
  • Demilitarize the prepared submunitions in CB.
  • Recycle demilitarized components.
1. No notes
2. Dispenser and bomb, ACFT CBUI87B/B, DODIC E890, 1,855 tons 2. DODIC E890 is the only bomb in this group. As such, steps 1 and 2 are not required.
3. Projectile, 155 mm HEDP ICM APERS, M483A1, DODIC D563, 28,902 tons 3. DODIC D563 is similar to D864, which is already being demilitarized using this process. This DODIC includes internally loaded M42/M46 submunitions.
4. Cartridge, 105 mm HEAT-T-MP, M456/E1/A1/A2, DODIC C508, 686 tons 4. PD Demil says there is “no on-site capability” for alternative disposal of C508.
5. Cartridge and launcher, 84 mm M136 and AT4 Projectile, DODIC C995, 984 tons 5. DODIC C995 is a single-use recoilless rifle and projectile. PD Demil says disassembly of components exposes workers to excessive risk, so automation of this process may be required.
6. Projectile, 155 mm HEAT, M741 Copperhead, DODIC D510, 1,389 tons 6. For DODIC D510 PD Demil cites “unsafe to cut Comp B with saw,” as the reason for not using alternatives. Using a different cutting technology (waterjet for example) may resolve this issue.

a Note that munitions identified by PD Demil as unstable and possibly shock sensitive are appropriate for OB/OD and are not included in this table.

b Quantities are provided in gross tons, not NEW, c Numbered notes correspond to the numbered items in the first column.

Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
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TABLE 7.2 Stablea Gun Propellant Currently Demilitarized Using OB and OD and Example Applicable Alternative Technologies

Munition, DODIC, and Quantityb Steps for Applicable Alternative Demilitarization Notesc
1. Charge, propelling, 155 mm WB M4 Series, DODIC D541, 2,041 tons
  • Remove propellant from the bag or container if necessary.
  • Demilitarize loose propellant using CB.
1. PD Demil cites problem burning White Bag propellant in APE 1236 due to premature ignition of propellant.
2. Charge, propelling 155 mm WB, M119 series without primer, DODIC D533 2. No notes.
3. Charge, propelling, 8 in. WBM2, DODIC D676, 172 tons 3. No notes.
4. Reducer, flash M3F/8 in. propelling charge, DODIC D681, 439 tons 4. PD Demil cites safety issues dismantling this munition. However, it is 1 lb. of black powder and should be able to be demilitarized whole in an appropriate CB system.
5. Charge, 8 in. GB M1, DODIC D675, 94 tons 5. No notes.

a Note that munitions identified by PD Demil as unstable and possibly shock sensitive are appropriate for OB/OD and are not included in this table.

b Quantities are provided in gross tons, not NEW, c Numbered notes correspond to the numbered items in the first column.

TABLE 7.3 Stablea Rocket Motors Currently Demilitarized Using OB and OD and Example Applicable Alternative Technologies

Munition, DODIC, and Quantityb Steps for Applicable Alternative Demilitarization Notes
1. Rocket motor, 2.75 in. MK66-2, DODIC J147, 1,052 tons
2. Rocket motor, 2.75 in. MK40 Mod 5, DODIC J106, 214 tons
3. Rocket motor 5 -in. MK22-2/3/4F, Liner demo charge, DODIC J143, 191 tons
4. Rocket motor, Chaparral, DODIC V511, 229 tons
  • Demilitarize rocket motors using static firing in CB containment. The Honest John, DODIC V511 may require downsizing to achieve NEW requirements for the Blue Grass Army Depot Controlled Detonation Chamber D-100.
  • Recycle inert components.
All of these rocket motors contain double-based propellant not suitable for demilitarization in the LEMC ARMD. PD Demil is considering the option of static firing in the Blue Grass Army Depot Controlled Detonation Chamber D-100.

a Note that munitions identified by PD Demil as unstable and possibly shock sensitive are appropriate for OB/OD and are not included in this table.

b Quantities are provided in gross tons, not NEW.

TABLE 7.4 Stablea Mortars Currently Demilitarized Using OB and OD and Example Applicable Alternative Technologies

Munition, DODIC, and Quantityb Steps for Applicable Alternative Demilitarization Notes
1. Cartridge, 60 mm HE M49A2/A4, DODIC B632, 2,074 tons
2. Cartridge, 81 mm HE M374 E1/A2/A3, DODIC C256, 641 tons
3. Cartridge, 81 mm HE M821, DODIC C868, 436 tons
  • Remove propellant if necessary to meet NEW limitations.
  • Demilitarize propellant in CB.
  • Downsize (cut or cryofracture) mortar if necessary to meet NEW limitations.
  • Demilitarize mortar in CB.
  • Recycle inert components.
Mortars are being treated as a separate category because they come with their propellant rings wrapped around the tail boom and these may be removed (either by hand or by cutting the tail boom off) if desired and demilitarized by CB separately.

a Note that munitions identified by PD Demil as unstable and possibly shock sensitive are appropriate for OB/OD and are not included in this table.

b Quantities are provided in gross tons, not NEW.

Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
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TABLE 7.5 Stablea High-Explosive Projectiles, Bombs, and Warheads Currently Demilitarized Using OB and OD and Example Applicable Alternative Technologies

Munition, DODIC, and Quantityb Steps for Applicable Alternative Demilitarization Notesc
1. Cartridge, AF 30 mm HEI, PCU 13 BA/B Linked, DODIC B104, 288 tons
2. Warhead, 2.75 in. HE, XM/M151, DODIC H842, 2,153 tons
3. Bomb, GP 500 lb. MK82-1, DODIC E485, 2,240 tons
4. Projectile, 155 mm HE, M107 (TNT), DODIC D544, 164 tons
5. Cartridge, 105 mm TP-T, M490/E1/A1, DODIC C511, 127 tons
6. Cartridge, 90 mm canister, APERS, DODIC C601, 421 tons
7. Cartridge, 90 mm canister, APERS, M590, DODIC C410, 132 tons
8. Cartridge, 105 mm TPDS-T M724A1, DODIC C520, 278 tons
  • Separate the propellant case from the projectile.
  • Remove and demilitarize the propellant in CB.
  • Reduce size of the projectile (sawing, waterjet, cryofracture).
  • Demilitarize projectile pieces in CB.
  • Recycle inert components.
1, 2, 3, and 4. Demilitarization of projectiles using alternative technology is being performed on a large scale on both small and large projectiles at Crane Army Ammunition Activity.
5, 6, 7, and 8. Have low NEW. PD Demil currently removes the projectile from the propellant casing and disposes of the propellant using OB.

a Note that munitions identified by PD Demil as unstable and possibly shock sensitive are appropriate for OB/OD and are not included in this table.

b Quantities are provided in gross tons, not NEW, c Numbered notes correspond to the numbered items in the first column.

TABLE 7.6 Stablea Fuzes Currently Demilitarized Using OB and OD and Example Applicable Alternative Technologies

Munition, DODIC, and Quantityb Steps for Applicable Alternative Demilitarization Notes
1. Fuze, PD M749/A1, DODIC N340, 1,559 tons
2. Fuze, PD, M557, DODIC N335, 1,551 tons
3. Fuze, MTSQ, M557/A1, DODIC N285, 1,227 tons
4. Fuze, M524 F/Mine AT M15, DODIC K068, 188 tons
  • Direct demilitarization in an appropriate CB system.
All of these fuzes have small quantities of explosives and are suitable for direct demilitarization in an appropriate CB system. Many (thousands) of these fuzes have been demilitarized in the Anniston Army Depot Static Detonation Chamber.

a Note that munitions identified by PD Demil as unstable and possibly shock sensitive are appropriate for OB/OD and are not included in this table.

b Quantities are provided in gross tons, not NEW.

TABLE 7.7 Stablea Miscellaneous Munitions Currently Demilitarized Using OB and OD and Example Applicable Alternative Technologies

Munition, DODIC, and Quantityb Steps for Applicable Alternative Demilitarization Notesc
1. Cartridge, Engine Starter MXU-4A/A, DODIC M158, 1,202 tons
  • Disassemble or resize (saws, waterjet, or cryofracture) if necessary to meet NEW restrictions.
  • Demilitarize in an appropriate CB system.
1. Low NEW aircraft engine starter cartridge.
2. Charge assembly. Demo Kit M183, DODIC M757, 372 tons 2. 16 individual 1.25 lb blocks of plasticized explosive that is easily cut using nonsparking hand tools or an automated cutting system.
3. Dynamite, Military M1 TNT, DODIC M591, 421 tons 3. Use OD or OB if the TNT is determined to be unstable due to age.
4. Canister, Mine HE F/XM 87 Volcano, DODIC K045, 216 tons 4, 5, and 6. PD Demil currently disassembles these munitions for OB/OD demilitarization.
5. Sonobuoy AN/SSQ-110, DODIC 8W77, amount not provided
6. Signal Underwater Sound, DODIC SW37, 133 tons
7. Mine, APERS, M18A1 w/firing device, DODIC K143, 169 tons 7. Commonly called “Claymore mine,” consisting of explosive in a plastic housing.

a Note that munitions identified by PD Demil as unstable and possibly shock sensitive are appropriate for OB/OD and are not included in this table.

b Quantities are provided in gross tons, not NEW, c Numbered notes correspond to the numbered items in the first column.

Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
×

MUNITIONS NOT SUITABLE FOR DEMILITARIZATION USING EITHER OB/OD OR ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

PD Demil informed the committee that they are not able to demilitarize approximately 6 percent of the B5A account munitions using either OB/OD or alternative technologies.8 This 6 percent is quantified as 22,867 tons in a separate presentation to the committee.9 If correct, these munitions would constitute an important “capability gap,” as there would not be a current demilitarization method for these munitions and they would need to be stored indefinitely. Please note that this 6 percent is part of the total B5A account and not the “top 400 munitions” that are the focus of this report.

The committee’s analysis shows that this category is possibly smaller than the 6 percent cited by PD Demil. The reason for this difference lies in varying definitions of the term “capability gap.” In one presentation to the committee, “capability gap” is defined as: “Diminishing returns for item specific methods,” which the committee interprets to mean that an available alternative technology exists but has been determined to be inadequate or inefficient.10 Examples of munitions in this category provided to the committee are: improved conventional munitions, munitions with depleted uranium (DU), smoke-producing munitions, and obsolete rocket and missile motors.

However, the committee notes that:

  • Improved conventional munitions are already being demilitarized by a contractor using alternative disposal methods;
  • DU projectiles are being removed from the DU munitions and the DU and other components are being demilitarized using alternative technologies;
  • There are alternative technology capabilities to dispose of smoke-producing munitions, including white phosphorus, and a commercial contract for alternative technology demilitarization of hexachloroethane (HC) riot control agent; and
  • The new ARMD facility at LEMC, which appears to be able to demilitarize all ammonium perchlorate rocket and missile motors using an alternative technology.

For these reasons, the committee believes it is possible that the 6 percent estimate of munitions in this category may be high.

A revised definition of “capability gap” was subsequently provided to the committee: “[PD Demil] has not yet demonstrated an approved method for demilitarizing that item at either a government or a contractor site.”11 This presentation also provided more information on some of the specific munitions that comprise this category. However, as noted in Table 7.8, it is possible that existing alternative technologies can be used to demilitarize at least some of these munitions.

The committee’s analysis indicates that the actual capability gap for munitions demilitarization is possibly less than the cited 6 percent of the B5A account munitions. However, the committee believes that these true “capability gaps,” defined earlier in this chapter to be “the inability to perform a demilitarization task on the ‘top 400’ munitions in the B5A account due to a lack of adequate equipment or processes,” are appropriately the focus of the PD Demil research, development, test, and evaluation program.

TABLE 7.8 Sample of Munitions Identified as “Capability Gaps” and Possible Existing Alternative Treatments

Munition Identified As Capability Gap Possible Existing Alternate Treatment Approaches
1,000 lb general-purpose bomb, DODIC E506 Size reduction followed by demilitarization in CB
CS riot control agent (5 DODICs) Commercial treatment process such as that contracted for HC smokea
AP rocket motors (7 DODICs) LEMC ARMD facility currently undergoing permit testing

a The source for this item is J. McFassel, product director for Demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Demilitarization Overview for National Academy of Sciences,” presentation to the committee, August 22, 2017.

REFERENCE

Keller, J. 2015. Army launches biggest project in past 20 years to dispose of surplus and obsolete munitions. https://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2015/06/munitions-demilitarization-contract.html.

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8 J. McFassel, product director for demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Demilitarization Overview for National Academy of Sciences,” presentation to the committee, August 22, 2017.

9 J. McFassel, product director for demilitarization, PEO AMMO, and O. Hrycak, chief engineer, Office of PD Demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Emerging Technologies Addressing Alternatives to Open Burn and Open Detonation,” presentation to the committee, August 22, 2017.

10 J. McFassel, product director for demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Demilitarization Overview for National Academy of Sciences,” presentation to the committee, August 22, 2017.

11 J. McFassel, product director for demilitarization, PEO AMMO, “Clarifications on Demilitarization Policies and Procedures for National Academy of Sciences,” presentation to the committee, October 23, 2017.

Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
×
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Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
×
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Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
×
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Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
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Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
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Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
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Page 83
Suggested Citation:"7 Applicability of Treatment Types to Munitions and Energetic Types." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25140.
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Page 84
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The U.S. military has a stockpile of approximately 400,000 tons of excess, obsolete, or unserviceable munitions. About 60,000 tons are added to the stockpile each year. Munitions include projectiles, bombs, rockets, landmines, and missiles. Open burning/open detonation (OB/OD) of these munitions has been a common disposal practice for decades, although it has decreased significantly since 2011.

OB/OD is relatively quick, procedurally straightforward, and inexpensive. However, the downside of OB and OD is that they release contaminants from the operation directly into the environment. Over time, a number of technology alternatives to OB/OD have become available and more are in research and development. Alternative technologies generally involve some type of contained destruction of the energetic materials, including contained burning or contained detonation as well as contained methods that forego combustion or detonation.

Alternatives for the Demilitarization of Conventional Munitions reviews the current conventional munitions demilitarization stockpile and analyzes existing and emerging disposal, treatment, and reuse technologies. This report identifies and evaluates any barriers to full-scale deployment of alternatives to OB/OD or non-closed loop incineration/combustion, and provides recommendations to overcome such barriers.

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