More than 1000 small, difficult to demilitarize munitions were also successfully cryofractured. The Cryofracture process completely destroys the munition, thus satisfying Chemical Weapons Convention requirements. SAFE Safety is a primary criterion in the Cryofracture process. In addition to highly conservative safety features for normal facility operations, safety features are also provided for unexpected or off-normal events. The portion of the system where munitions are fractured is surrounded by an explosive containment chamber that is designed to protect equipment and personnel in the event of an unexpected explosion.
Alarms warn of unsafe conditions and protect the plant and personnel.
Containment of an accidental release of agent is assured, while numerous remote component replacement features minimize personnel exposure and risk. Safety of the general public is further enhanced by pollution abatement systems, filter systems, and proper disposal of plant wastes. Other demilitarization processes depend on either the ability to disassemble the munition or on slow accessing processes to expose the munition contents for destruction or recycle. Old and abandoned munitions are usually degraded and the details of internal construction may not be well known. Chemical agents inside the munition may also be degraded or pressurized.