Characterization and Neutralization of Recovered Lewisite Munitions

Abstract : This report summarizes efforts to characterize the lewisite contained in recovered munitions and validate a neutralization chemistry for lewisite fill materiel. The selected neutralization reagent, aqueous 20 wt% sodium permanganate, was found to be effective in destroying the lewisite. In lab-scale and full-scale Explosive Destruction System testing, the aqueous permanganate consistently produced terminal neutralents that had residual lewisite levels well below the treatment goal of 50 mg/L (ppm). The reaction products included inorganic pentavalent arsenate and various pentavalent organo-arsenicals. Solid manganese dioxide was also produced during the reaction and was successfully managed in the full-scale Explosive Destruction System testing.