HMX / RDX / TNT
What HMX / RDX / TNT is, and how MuniRem® treats it, in plain language.
What it is
TNT, RDX and HMX are the main military high explosives, used in shells, bombs and mixes such as Composition B and H-6. They contaminate soil, water, buildings and equipment at former ammunition plants and ranges. TNT and RDX are toxic and RDX moves easily into groundwater.
How MuniRem® treats it
At a former Army ammunition plant, MuniRem was tilled into soil with average hot-spot levels of TNT 3,347, RDX 5,977 and HMX 640 mg/kg. The cleanup goal was met within 24 hours and reconfirmed two weeks later. At a former munitions plant, about 12 kg of aged TNT in a buried pipe was destroyed in under 48 hours. On a melter/flaker machine, more than 900 lb of bulk H-6 (TNT, RDX, aluminum) was recovered and neutralized, and waste was characterized as non-hazardous.
- For soil, MuniRem activators and the main reagent are tilled in. Water is then added to start the reaction.
- For pipes, equipment and walls, MuniRem is dissolved in water and flushed, sprayed or soaked.
- Sulfoxyl free radicals from the reagent strip the nitro groups from TNT, RDX and HMX.
- The molecules pass through amine intermediates and break down to formate, carbon dioxide and water. Nitro groups leave as nitrogen gas or nitrite.
- Samples are tested with EPA Method 8330 at 24 hours and two weeks.
What it becomes
Nitrogen gas (minor nitrite), Formate & acetate, Carbon dioxide & water, Sulfate (from the reagent).
Where it's found
Former ammunition plants, loading pads, melt-pour equipment, pipes and range soils.
Talk to us
Every site is different. The dose depends on the material, the amount and the site conditions.
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