Safe disposal of pyrotechnic ordnance using a plasma treatment system

Many types of ordnance are obsolete and no longer serve a useful purpose. The amount of unused pyrotechnic ordnance both nationally and internationally has grown to a level where disposal is a necessity. Due to the various types of constituents found in pyrotechnic ordnance, open burning and open detonation have been eliminated as a means of disposal. In addition, the disassembly and material reuse/ recycle is impractical. Therefore, alternative technologies must be utilized to help reduce the overall stockpile of pyrotechnic ordnance. A proven scientific method of treating many types of hazardous materials is plasma technology. The US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, Armament Research Development and Engineering Center (TACOM-ARDEC) is currently evaluating the use of plasma technology for the disposal of pyrotechnic ordnance. The Plasma Ordnance Demilitarization System (PODS), a system specifically designed for treatment of ordnance, is in the final stages of integration testing. PODS will be installed and operated at the Western Area Demilitarization Facility at the Hawthorne Army Depot (HWAD), Hawthorne, NV. HWAD stores a significant amount of stockpiled ordnance classified for disposal. The PODS recently completed the Factory Integration Test (FIT) in preparation for shipment to HWAD. However, due to the lengthy permitting cycle actual trial burn and complete system shakedown are not scheduled until late 2001.