What it is
PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) is a powerful explosive used in detonating cord, boosters and plastic explosives. It is a nitrate ester, like nitroglycerine.
How MuniRem® treats it
MuniRem lists PETN among explosives proven in lab tests, field trials or projects. No PETN-specific data was found.
- MuniRem arrives as a dry powder. Crews mix it into contaminated soil or sludge, or dissolve it in water to spray, pour or soak surfaces.
- Adding water starts the reaction. The reagent releases sulfoxyl free radicals, a short-lived reactive form of sulfur.
- The radicals strip oxygen-rich nitro groups off the explosive molecule. That removes the part that stores explosive energy.
- The remaining carbon skeleton breaks down further. MuniRem says contact with explosives takes seconds to minutes, at ambient temperature.
- An EPA-certified laboratory tests the treated material before any disposal decision.
This material is evaluated case by case with a treatability study before any full-scale work.
What it becomes
Nitrogen gas, Formate & acetate, Carbon dioxide & water, Sulfate (from the reagent).
Where it's found
Detonating-cord and booster plants and demilitarization.
Talk to us
Every site is different. The dose depends on the material, the amount and the site conditions.
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