Solar energy for disposing ammunition
In a major breakthrough, the central ammunition depot of the Army in Maharashtra has devised a method of utilising solar energy for disposing ammunition which have completed their shelf life. This is the first of its kind development in the world in field of demilitarisation of ammunition.
Details:
- This method uses steam generated by concentrated solar technology (CST). The steam is used to melt explosive material inside shells of munitions with calibres ranging from 40 mm to 130 mm.
- In CST, mirrors are used to concentrate solar energy to convert water to steam which is directed on the shells.
- Medium and high calibre ammunition is filled with Tri-Nitro-Toulene (TNT), which has a melting point of 80 degree Celsius which can be melted with steam.
- Shells treated this way are rendered 100% free from explosives and the recovered TNT filling can be re-casted for reuse.
