Reuse of Ammonium Nitrate - Wet Air Oxidation

Abstract

Abstract : Ammonium nitrate (AN) is a possible replacement for ammonium perchlorate as an oxidizer in solid rocket motors potentially generating large amounts of AN to be recycled or reused. AN requires phase stabilization before it can be used, so small amounts of potassium dinitrimide (KDN) are added to create phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN). Reuse alternatives would either require separating the KDN or destroying it. AN is commonly used as a fertilizer (80 percent of AN produced) and an oxidizer. Owing to the high demand and wide availability of AN for its most common use, the commercial cost is very low. This precludes reuse alternatives, which would require separation of the KDN. So, this report focused on destructive reuse as an oxidizer in wet air oxidation (WAO). The PSAN was tested to see if KDN was destroyed during WAO, and AN was tested as an oxidizer in WAO treatment of an Army hazardous waste sludge. WAO will degrade KDN, and PSAN can be effectively used as an oxidizing agent. The hazardous waste sludge could be treated effectively. Sludge volume index was significantly reduced, meaning that the amount of sludge requiring disposal would be greatly reduced, offsetting the cost of WAO.