Method and apparatus for mine and unexploded ordnance neutralization

• US 6,232,519 B1
• Filed: 03/18/1999
• Issued: 05/15/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Leidos, Inc. (Leidos Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
• Inventors: Eidelman, Shmuel, Goroshin, Samuel
• Primary Examiner(s): Griffin, Steven P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NAVE, EILEEN ENAD
• Application Number:
  US09/270,829
• Time in Patent Office: 789 Days
• Field of Search: 588/202, 588/203, 149/37
• US Class Current: 588/320
• CPC Class Codes: C06B 21/0091 Elimination of undesirable or temporary components of an intermediate or finished product, e.g. making porous or low density products, purifying, stabilising, drying; Deactivating; Reclaiming; porous inert particles or chemicals compounded for these purposes C06B23/00
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 11/12 Means for clearing land minefields; Systems specially adapted for detection of landmines
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 33/067 by combustion incineration apparatuses or processes for used articles F23G7/003

Abstract

A method for neutralization of the explosive content of mines and UXO by essentially completely consuming the explosive by combustion or decomposition before any explosion occurs. A charge of a compound that reacts with an extremely high heat-release rate is ignited on or near the casing of the device to be neutralized. The intense exothermic reaction generates high temperature combustion products that will disrupt the casing, thus leading to combustion or decomposition of the explosive. The holes melted in the mine casing enable ignition of a large area of the explosive charge and provide easy access for atmospheric air to support active burnout of the explosive. The apparatus comprises the compound that reacts with a high heat release rate, an ignition source, and a container for the assembly.

Claims

1. A method for neutralizing a mine or unexploded ordnance having a casing comprising explosive material, said method comprising the steps of

(a) reacting a reactive compound that undergoes a self propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction to form high temperature reaction products in quantity and at a rate sufficient to decompose the content of the casing, wherein the reaction products are mostly liquid;

(b) limiting the spread of the liquid high temperature reaction products;

(c) supplying an oxygen-rich gas stream to the casing or explosive to enhance decomposition of the casing or burning or decomposition of the explosive; and

(d) decomposing the content of the casing by heating the casing with the high temperature reaction products for a time and at a rate sufficient to increase the pressure in the casing to cause the casing to fracture and, before the explosive detonates, (i) scatter the explosive or (ii) bum or decompose the explosive for a time sufficient to destroy the explosive;

wherein the reactive compound is an essentially stoichiometric combination of sulfur and a metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, chromium, indium, titanium, manganese, iron, and blends thereof; and

wherein the reactive compound consists essentially of particles having particle size less than about 100 microns.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the reactive compound consists essentially of particles having particle size less than about 1 micron.

3. A method for neutralizing a mine or unexploded ordnance comprising explosive in a casing, said method comprising the steps of

(a) reacting a reactive compound that undergoes a self propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction to form high temperature reaction products in quantity and at a rate sufficient to disrupt and perforate the casing, wherein the reaction products are mostly liquid;

(b) causing the high temperature reaction products to disrupt and perforate the casing at a plurality of locations sufficient to create a reaction front that converges on the casing and thereafter ignites the explosive;

(c) limiting the spread of the liquid high temperature reaction products;

(d) supplying an oxygen-rich gas stream to the casing or explosive to enhance disruption of the casing or burning or decomposition of the explosive; and

(e) burning or decomposing the explosive for a time sufficient to destroy the explosive;

wherein the reactive compound is an essentially stoichiometric combination of sulfur and a metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, chromium, indium, titanium, manganese, iron, and blends thereof, and wherein the reactive compound consists essentially of particles having particle size less than about 100 microns.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the mine or unexploded ordnance is at least partially immersed in water.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein the mine or unexploded ordnance is at least partially overburdened by ground or debris, and further comprising removing at least part of the overburden therefrom by a release of gas.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the reactive compound consists essentially of particles having particle size less than about 1 micron.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the mine or unexploded ordnance further comprises propellant, and the propellant also is burned or decomposed.