Issues with the use of DMSO for warhead dismantlement via dissolution

Technical Report · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10180544· OSTI ID:10180544

LeMay, J D

The solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) will be used in two warhead dismantlement programs at Pantex to remove plastic bonded HMX explosives from bonded nuclear assemblies. This paper addresses the chemical compatibility of various warhead and workstation materials with DMSO solutions of HMX. The effects of possible exposure of HMX/DMSO solutions to plutonium are addressed in another paper in this conference. Although not reported herein, a number of other issues involved with the DMSO dissolution process may be discussed during the presentation, including: the peculiar behavior sometimes exhibited by DMSO swollen Halthane 73-18 adhesive, and several results from hazards assessments of electrical energy hazards, residues, and detonators.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 10180544
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC--117621; CONF-9409181--3; ON: DE94018325
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450200
ADHESIVES
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS AND EXPLOSIVES
NUCLEAR WEAPONS DISMANTLEMENT
REMOVAL
WASTE PROCESSING