Optimization and Kinetics Evaluation of Bachmann Process for RDX Synthesis

Abstract

Abstract 1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) is one of the high explosives extensively used for various military and civil applications. RDX is predominantly used in warheads, the most advanced solid propellants for guns and rockets and in plastic bonded explosives for improving performance characteristics. Thus the increasing demand of RDX necessitates study on reaction engineering and reactor stability in view of enhancement of safety as well as productivity. In present study, Bachmann process has been studied in detail for understanding role of reagents, time and temperature on reaction yield. Reaction rates of RDX and side products have been evaluated at various temperatures using continuous flow technique. Second order reaction was found sensitive towards temperature and concentrations of nitric acid and acetic anhydride. Higher magnitude of activation energy was evaluated for side products (25.2 kcal/mol) than RDX (18.71 kcal/mol). Optimum temperature of reaction has been obtained on profiling its progression at various reaction rates and temperature. Further, reactor stability analysis has been carried out to identify the safe operation conditions for this highly exothermic reaction. Effect of coolant flow rate and temperature as well as feed temperature has been analyzed on heat removal rate to obtain the safe regime of reaction. The information related to maximization of RDX formation and safe design of continuous process has been presented in manuscript.