4.22 - Hot Gas Decontamination
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Transcript of 4.22 - Hot Gas Decontamination
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7/28/2019 4.22 - Hot Gas Decontamination
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4-22 TYPICAL PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM FOR HOT GAS DECONTAMINATION OFEXPLOSIVES-CONTAMINATED EQUIPMENT
4.22 HOT GAS DECONTAMINATION
Description: The process involves raising the temperature of the contaminated equipment ormaterial to 260 C (500 F) for a specified period of time. The gas effluent
from the material is treated in an afterburner system to destroy all volatilized
contaminants. The method eliminates a waste that currently is stockpiled and
requires disposal as a hazardous material. This method will permit reuse or
disposal of scrap as nonhazardous material. Consideration is being given toapplying the hot gases to explosives-contaminated underground piping in situ.
Hot gas decontamination can also be used for decontamination of explosives-
contaminated masonry or metallic structures. The method involves sealing and
insulating the structures, heating with hot gas stream to 260 C (500 F) for a
prescribed period of time, volatilizing the explosive contaminants, and
destroying them in an afterburner. Operating conditions are site-specific.
Contaminants are completely destroyed.
Applicability: The method is applicable for process equipment requiring decontamination for reuse.It is also applicable for explosive items, such as mines and shells, being demilitarized
(after removal of explosives) or scrap material contaminated with explosives.
The method can also be used for buildings or structures associated with
ammunition plants, arsenals, and depots involved in the manufacture,processing, loading, and storage of pyrotechnics, explosives, and propellants.
Limitations: The following factors may limit the applicability and effectiveness of theprocess:
The costs of this method are higher than open burning.
Flash chamber design must take into consideration possible explosions
from improperly demilitarized mines or shells.
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EX SITU SOIL TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
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The rate at which equipment or material can be decontaminated is slower
than that for open burning.
Data Needs: A detailed discussion of these data elements is provided in Subsection 2.2.1
(Data Requirements for Soil, Sediment, and Sludge). Specific data required toevaluate the potential use of hot gas decontamination include:
Types of explosives present.
Weight of the explosives present.
PerformanceData: Items decontaminated for 6 hours at a minimum temperature of 260 C (500 F)
were found to be safe for public release as scrap. TNT destruction rates of
99.99% can be achieved.
Cost: The cost of the decontamination will vary with the application, depending upon
the size and geometry of the equipment or material to be decontaminated andthe temperature and holding time required for the decontamination. No specific
cost analysis has been completed.
References: Maumee Research and Engineering, April 1986. Design Support for a Hot GasDecontamination System for Explosives-Contaminated Buildings.
McNeill, W., et al., October 1987. Pilot Plant Testing of Hot Gas Building
Decontamination Process - Final Report, USATHAMA Report AMXTH-TE-
CR-87130.
USATHAMA, July 1990. Pilot Test of Hot Gas Decontamination of Explosives-
Contaminated Equipment at Hawthorne Army Ammunition Plant (HWAAP),Hawthorne, NV, Final Technical Report, USATHAMA Report CETHA-TE-CR-
90036.
Woodland, L.R., et al., August 1987. Pilot Testing of Caustic Spray/Hot Gas
Building Decontamination Process, USATHAMA Report AMHTH-TE-CR-
87112.
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4.22 HOT GAS DECONTAMINATION
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Site Information:
Site Name Contact Summary Levels Attained Costs
Beginning Levels
HWAAP Erik B. Hangeland Successful pilot-scale 99.99%
Hawthorne, NV USAEC ETD demonstration NA removal of NA
APG, MD 21010 TNT(410) 671-2054
Note: NA = Not Available.
Points of Contact:
Contact Government Agency Phone Location
Technology USAEC (410) 671-2054 SFIM-AEC-ETD
Demonstration and Fax: (410) 612-6836 APG, MD 21010-5401
Transfer Branch