Accession Number:

ADA048256

Title:

Oxidation Control in TNT Production.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

SRI INTERNATIONAL MENLO PARK CALIF

Personal Author(s):

• Simon,Robert L.
• Flores,Ruben A.
• Ross,David S.

Report Date:

1977-08-31

Pagination or Media Count:

25.0

Abstract:

Large scale production of TNT is complicated by oxidative side reactions that result in undesirable yield losses and by-products. White compound WC, an azoxy-linked derivative of the oxidation products of TNT, is a solid contaminant in large scale, continuous TNT production. Production must be routinely shut down to remove the WC deposited on surfaces in TNT lines, a process that is costly and time consuming. In addition, a serious explosion in the TNT lines at the Radford Arsenal was found to be indirectly related to WC deposits in the line. The current program was then begun. The direct aim of this work was to determine if oxidation could be reduced or eliminated by removing the NO2 that forms during the nitration reaction. We also surveyed the effects of initial SO3 levels, stainless steel surfaces, and reaction temperature, and the effect of adding oxidation inhibitors and promoters on the oxidation of dinitrotoluene in mixed acid systems. Author

Descriptors:

• *PRODUCTION CONTROL
• *TNT
• *OXIDATION REDUCTION REACTIONS
• EXPLOSIONS
• STAINLESS STEEL
• SURFACE PROPERTIES
• YIELD
• MUNITIONS INDUSTRY
• CONTAMINANTS
• OXIDIZERS
• NITROGEN OXIDES
• NITRIC ACID
• THERMAL DEGRADATION
• NITRATION
• CHEMICAL DERIVATIVES
• SIDE REACTIONS
• SULFITES

Subject Categories:

• Fabrication Metallurgy
• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE