Patent ID: 6765121
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: C06B,F41H,F42B

Abstract:
A method for neutralizing a mine or unexploded ordnance comprising explosive in a casing, said method comprising:(a) reacting a 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 material to enhance disruption of the casing or burning or decomposition of the explosive material; and (e) burning or decomposing the explosive for a time sufficient to destroy the explosive; wherein the reactive compound is selected from the group consisting of (i) an essentially stoichiometric combination of sulfur and a metal that undergoes an SHS reaction with sulfur to form a chalcogenide and (ii) an essentially stoichiometric combination of carbon and a metal selected from the group consisting of hafnium, zirconium, titanium, silicon, and blends thereof; and wherein the reactive compound consists essentially of particles having particle size less than about 100 microns.