MuniRem® › What it treats
Nitrocellulose
What Nitrocellulose is, and how MuniRem® treats it, in plain language.
What it is
Nitrocellulose (NC) is cellulose, the fiber in wood and cotton, treated with nitric acid. It is used in lacquers, inks and energetic products. Dry NC is highly flammable, and aged NC can become unstable.
How MuniRem® treats it
In a MuniRem demonstration, solid nitrocellulose was dissolved and then neutralized at ambient temperature. The cellulose broke down mainly into simple sugars (glucose and mannose, with some arabinose and xylose), with sulfate and small amounts of nitrate and nitrite.
- The solid NC is first dissolved, using a strong base and a water-miscible solvent.
- The dissolved NC breaks down, and the sulfur-based reductant is added to degrade the remaining nitro compounds.
- If pH is above 8.5, acid is added to bring it near neutral.
- Lab analysis checks for nitrate, nitrite, sulfate and sugars.
What it becomes
Sugars (glucose, mannose), Nitrate & nitrite (small), Sulfate.
Where it's found
Former NC plants, process buildings and sweepings.
Talk to us
Every site is different. The dose depends on the material, the amount and the site conditions.
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