Patent ID: 7501551

Claim:
An apparatus for neutralization of a mine or unexploded ordnance (UXO), said apparatus comprising: (a) a first container containing a reactive compound that undergoes a self propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction to produce high temperature reaction products, wherein the reactive compound is selected from the group consisting of (i) a combination of carbon and a metal that undergoes an SHS reaction with carbon to form a carbide, (ii) a combination of boron and a metal that undergoes an SHS reaction with boron to form a boride, (iii) a combination of silicon and a metal that undergoes an SHS reaction with silicon to form a silicide, (iv) a combination of at least two metals selected from the group consisting of aluminum, nickel, and titanium that in combination undergo an SHS reaction to form an intermetallic alloy; and (v) a combination of sulfur and a metal that undergoes an SHS reaction with sulfur to form a chalcogenide, and wherein said first container has an opening through which the high temperature reaction products flow toward the mine or UXO; and (b) an igniter for igniting the reactive compound to start the SHS reaction.