The PERC{trademark} process for demilitarization

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:175915

Sandahl, M; Garrison, M; Persoon, J ^[1]; Blutke, A S; Serino, J F; Vavruska, J S ^[2]

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1. Global Environmental Solutions, Hopkins, MN (United States)
2. Plasma Technology Inc., Santa Fe, NM (United States)

The Plasma Energy Recycle and Conversion (PERC{trademark}) process for demilitarization is a product of the collaboration between Global Environmental Solutions (GES, wholly owned by Alliant Techsystems (ATK), Hopkins, MN, the largest munitions manufacturer for the US Department of Defense), and Plasma Technology, Inc. (PTI) a Santa Fe, NM corporation with expertise in the use of induction coupled plasma systems for material conversion and recycling, waste treatment, and new materials production. The PERC{trademark} process uses an Induction Coupled Plasma (ICP) torch as the heat source for a reaction chamber system to convert wastes into by-products in a safe and environmentally clean manner. Tests at Drexel University showed successful destruction and conversion of energetics and chemical agent surrogates into fuel gas, with minimal production of NO{sub x}. The destruction efficiency demonstrated in all cases was greater than 99.999%, and for certain materials greater than 99.99999%. In all cases a destruction rate of 10 to 100 times higher than required by regulation was achieved. Both the results from the prototype system at Drexel University and modeling results have been used to aid in the design of the first full-scale production PERC system. Plasma Technology, Inc., designed the PERC system for a processing rate of up to 115 kg/hr (250 lb/hr) of liquid organic materials. Within 10 months, the first PERC system was designed, constructed, and installed at the alliant Techsystems Proving Ground (ATPG) in Elk River, MN. Additional ICP torch tests in January 1995 were performed to verify integration of the torch to the power supply/oscillator, and to gain more experience on the torch operation. A successful start-up of the entire PERC system was performed on March 20th, 1995.

• OSTI ID: 175915
• Report Number(s): CONF-9510125--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS
HYDRAZINE
LIQUID FUELS
LOW BTU GAS
NITROGEN OXIDES
OFF-GAS SYSTEMS
PERFORMANCE
PLASMA FURNACES
PLASMA HEATING
PRODUCTION
PROPELLANTS
RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITIES
RF SYSTEMS
ROCKET ENGINES
STEAM REFORMER PROCESSES