Potential options and manufacturing changes for ethyl ether in support of pollution prevention

This project addresses the elimination or reduction of a hazardous substance/toxic chemical, ethyl ether, as listed by the US Environmental Protection Agency in the Toxic Release Inventory. The study focuses on replacing or eliminating the need for the substance in Department of Defense systems (e.g., weapon systems, ammunition manufacturing, propellant manufacturing and processing). An analysis of the processes using ethyl ether, a search for substitutions, and a review of modern techniques are central to this project. The results and procedures form the basis for broader application and chemical change. Ethyl ether is the first of two chemical candidates for replacement and the primary subject of this paper. All conclusions and recommendations require laboratory verification.