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Thiokol Propulsion Scott Hamilton, ATK-Thiokol Propulsion Karen Burrows, Naval Surface Warfare Center – Indian Head Division DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

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Page 1: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

ThiokolPropulsion

Scott Hamilton, ATK-Thiokol PropulsionKaren Burrows, Naval Surface Warfare Center – Indian Head Division

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Page 2: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

1

Thiokol Propulsion

590N-02-0102Tue Aug 27 13:01:37 2002

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

0.065

0.070

0.075

0.080

0.085

0.090

0.095

Ab

sorb

ance

700 720 740 760 780 800 820 840 860 880 900

Wavenumbers (cm-1)

170 mic ron

Epsi lon Po lymorph

9 8 % P u r e b y H P L C

590N-02-0102Tue Aug 27 13:01:37 2002

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

0.065

0.070

0.075

0.080

0.085

0.090

0.095

Ab

sorb

ance

700 720 740 760 780 800 820 840 860 880 900

Wavenumbers (cm-1)

170 mic ron

Epsi lon Po lymorph

9 8 % P u r e b y H P L C

Background

• CL-20 is the most energetic conventionalexplosive available for military use inExplosives, Rocket, and Gun Propellants.

• Variability in production scale batches andthe cost of CL-20 limit wide acceptance ofCL-20 based energetic materials.

-Crystal agglomerates-Particle size distributions inconsistent-Lot-to-lot variability in sensitivity-TADF precursor expense

• CL-20 MANTECH Program implemented topositively impact:- CL-20 Reproducibility/Consistency- Crystal Quality and Sensitivity- Cost

Page 3: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

2

Thiokol Propulsion

CL-20 Prior to Mantech

590N-02-0102Tue Aug 27 13:01:37 2002

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

0.065

0.070

0.075

0.080

0.085

0.090

0.095

Abs

orba

nce

700 720 740 760 780 800 820 840 860 880 900

Wavenumbers (cm-1)

Distribution changed witheach crystallization batch

Epsilon Polymorph

98% Pure by HPLC

Agglomerated / Multicrystalline

Page 4: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

3

Thiokol Propulsion

CL-20 MANTECHCL-20 MANTECHGovernment/Industry TeamGovernment/Industry Team

NSWC/Indian Head DivisionNSWC/Indian Head Division

Project Management for Navy effortsCrystal Sensitivity EvaluationCrystallization Analytical Support

ATK-Thiokol PropulsionATK-Thiokol PropulsionNitration/Crystallization TechnologyCrystallization Process ControlScale-up & Transition to Production

NAWC-WD/China LakeCrystallization Technology

TACOM-ARDECTACOM-ARDECProject Management for Army EffortsNitration & Crystallization ModelingCL-20 Coating Studies

NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTERWe apo ns Div is ion

SRI, IntlSRI, Intl..

Stevens Inst. TechStevens Inst. Tech

GeoCentersGeoCenters, Inc., Inc.

Page 5: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

4

Thiokol Propulsion

Navy Program Objectives

l Task 1 – Identify critical physical and chemical

characteristics of CL-20

l Task 2 – Evaluate alternative crystallization

techniques at the laboratory scale

l Task 3 – Evaluate crystal reproducibility, down select,

and transition process(es) to the pilot plant for full

scale production demonstration

Page 6: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

5

Thiokol Propulsion

Critical Characteristics of CL-20 andLaboratory Scale Crystallizationsl Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity with physical and

chemical properties

l Round Robin Testing- Many CL-20 samples (>50) submitted for visualassessment, testing and discussion

– Used controlled impact and friction testing

v NSWC-IH, NAWC-CL, ATK Thiokol, ARDEC, Aerojet, Bofors,SNPE submitted samples

v Testing at NSWC-IH, NAWC-CL, ARDEC, ATK Thiokol

Findings:

– Impact and friction showed little difference between samples

– Neat CL-20 is more sensitive than RDX/HMX standards despitedifferences in :

– Crystallization Method - Precursor Type

– Impurity Level - Visual differences (e.g., shape, crystallinity, etc.)

Page 7: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

6

Thiokol Propulsion

Round Robin Testing Samples

Highly purified CL-20TADF based CL-20

TADA based CL-20

Various crystallizationtechniques

Page 8: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

7

Thiokol Propulsion

Round Robin Testing ResultsNSWC Results: Sliding Friction NSWC Results: Sliding Friction vsvs Impact SensitivityImpact Sensitivity

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22

Superfine PETN

RDX

HMX

Most impact and friction sensitive

CL-3CL-1, IHD 274, X991027

1696-73, 1697-53, M4 2000-01

PCL-74, PCL 74 (R)

CL-21696-47-1

1696-420174/2

IHD 174

AB

L S

lidin

g F

rict

ion

Sen

siti

vity

, lb

AB

L S

lidin

g F

rict

ion

Sen

siti

vity

, lb

(TIL

at

8 ft

/sec

)

Impact Sensitivity (50% Height), cm [ERL apparatus]

NSWC Results: Sliding Friction NSWC Results: Sliding Friction vsvs Impact SensitivityImpact Sensitivity

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22

Superfine PETN

RDX

HMX

Most impact and friction sensitive

CL-3CL-1, IHD 274, X991027

1696-73, 1697-53, M4 2000-01

PCL-74, PCL 74 (R)

CL-21696-47-1

1696-420174/2

IHD 174

AB

L S

lidin

g F

rict

ion

Sen

siti

vity

, lb

AB

L S

lidin

g F

rict

ion

Sen

siti

vity

, lb

(TIL

at

8 ft

/sec

)

Impact Sensitivity (50% Height), cm [ERL apparatus]

NSWC-IH Round Robin Testing Results

Round Robin Testing Quantified the Sensitivity of CL-20

Page 9: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

8

Thiokol Propulsion

Crystallization Process Developmentl Applied methods learned on early crystallization processes

l Developed 2 reproducible processes on 100-gram scale

l Precipitation

l Evaporation

l Implemented Crystallization Process and Product Monitoringequipment using laser light-scattering technology

l Determined effects of temperature, stir rate, stirrer type, andseed quality/quantity on crystallization process

l Evaluated trends so that scale-up would go smoothly

Understanding the effects of crystallization variables is critical toensure product outcome during processing.

Page 10: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

9

Thiokol Propulsion

Real Time Crystallization Monitoring

Lab-scale Crystallizer Configuration

l Able to observe real time particle size distributionl Able to observe crystal growth characteristics within chosen

channel (particle size) groupingsl Watch fine and course particle behaviorl Observe average particle size over time

Benefit: Can apply corrective action during processing to render desired product characteristics.

Page 11: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

10

Thiokol Propulsion

Scale-up Process

l Developed methods on 100-gram scale

l Demonstrated reproducibility on 200 gram scale

l Observed crystal growth characteristics with LasentecInstrument (evaporative method)

l Scaled-up to the 50-gallon reactor

l Demonstrated that acceptable crystals could beproduced by precipitation and evaporative methods

l Scaled-up to the 500-gallon reactor

l Used processes developed on the lab scale and subscales

l Followed crystallization with Lasentec Instrument

l Demonstrated repeatability from batch-to-batch

Page 12: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

11

Thiokol Propulsion

500-Gallon Precipitation Crystallization Matrix

Lot Number

Batch Size (lbs)

Stir Rate (rpm)

Temp (deg F)

Seed Quantity

(lbs)

Seed Size (lot

2180150)

Starting Materials

Crystal Size

(microns) 590N-

02-0078 100 125 68 10 2 microns virgin 30

590N-02-0081

100 125 115 10 2 microns virgin 31

590N-02-0083

100 125 68 10 2 microns non-virgin 23

l Reduced original matrix due to time and expense issues

l Showed that process was stable at two different temperatureswith virgin materials

l Non-virgin materials produced somewhat smaller particles thanthe virgin counterparts

l Produced small particles without the need for grinding

Page 13: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

12

Thiokol Propulsion

Particle Size Distribution Comparison Chart for CL-20 590N-02-0077 06-20-02

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

18.00

704.

00

592.

0049

7.80

418.

60

352.

0029

6.00

248.

90

209.

3017

6.00

148.

00

124.

5010

4.70

88.0

0

74.0

062

.23

52.3

3

44.0

037

.00

31.1

1

26.1

6

22.0

018

.50

15.5

6

13.0

811

.08

9.25

7.78

6.54

5.50

4.63

3.89

3.27

2.75

2.31

1.95

1.64

1.38

1.16

0.97

0.82

0.69

Diameter (microns)

Per

cent

per

Cha

nnel

Unground 30 micron CL20

M590-02-0077 Dump sampleWed Jun 19 14:59:57 2002

-0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

0.065

Ab

sorb

ance

720 740 760 780 800 820 840 860 880 900

Wavenumbers (cm-1)

Lot 590N-02-0077

Epsilon Polymorph

29 Micron99.5% Pure by HPLC

99.5% Pure by HPLC

Page 14: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

13

Thiokol Propulsion

500-Gallon Evaporative Crystallization Matrix

l Monitored process by Rockwell trend software, LasentecInstrument and NMR.

l Evaluated effects of crystallization variables

l Stir rate – 95, 110, 125 rpms

l Temperature – 35, 45, 55 celcius

l Seed quality – 2 micron

l Stir time – 3, 10, 14 hours

l Demonstrated reproducibility at two different conditions

l 110 rpms and 55 deg C,

l 125 rpms and 60 deg C

l Recycled and virgin CL-20 was used

Page 15: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

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Thiokol Propulsion

CL20 590N-02-0102

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

704.

0059

2.00

497.

8041

8.60

352.

0029

6.00

248.

9020

9.30

176.

0014

8.00

124.

5010

4.70

88.0

074

.00

62.2

352

.33

44.0

037

.00

31.1

126

.16

22.0

018

.50

15.5

613

.08

11.0

89.

257.

786.

545.

504.

633.

893.

272.

752.

311.

951.

641.

381.

160.

970.

820.

69

Diameter (microns)

Per

cen

t p

er C

han

nel

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

Cu

mu

lati

ve %

CL-20 Lot 590N-02-0102

590N-02-0102Tue Aug 27 13:01:37 2002

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

0.065

0.070

0.075

0.080

0.085

0.090

0.095

Ab

sorb

ance

700 720 740 760 780 800 820 840 860 880 900

Wavenumbers (cm-1)

99.5% Pure by HPLC

224 micron

Epsilon Polymorph

Page 16: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

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Thiokol Propulsion

CL20 590N-02-0103 Reactor

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

704.

0059

2.00

497.

8041

8.60

352.

0029

6.00

248.

9020

9.30

176.

0014

8.00

124.

5010

4.70

88.0

074

.00

62.2

352

.33

44.0

037

.00

31.1

126

.16

22.0

018

.50

15.5

613

.08

11.0

89.

257.

786.

545.

504.

633.

893.

272.

752.

311.

951.

641.

381.

160.

970.

820.

69

Diameter (microns)

Per

cen

t p

er C

han

nel

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

Cu

mu

lati

ve %

CL20 590N-02-0103 Reactor

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

704.

0059

2.00

497.

8041

8.60

352.

0029

6.00

248.

9020

9.30

176.

0014

8.00

124.

5010

4.70

88.0

074

.00

62.2

352

.33

44.0

037

.00

31.1

126

.16

22.0

018

.50

15.5

613

.08

11.0

89.

257.

786.

545.

504.

633.

893.

272.

752.

311.

951.

641.

381.

160.

970.

820.

69

Diameter (microns)

Per

cen

t p

er C

han

nel

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

Cu

mu

lati

ve %

CL-20 Lot 590N-02-0103

590N-02-0103 ReactorWed Aug 28 15:06:05 2002

-0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

0.065

0.070

Ab

sorb

ance

720 740 760 780 800 820 840 860 880 900

Wavenumbers (cm-1)

99.5% Pure by HPLC

188 micron

Epsilon Polymorph

Page 17: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

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Thiokol Propulsion

CL20 590N-02-0104 Dump

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

704.

0059

2.00

497.

8041

8.60

352.

0029

6.00

248.

9020

9.30

176.

0014

8.00

124.

5010

4.70

88.0

074

.00

62.2

352

.33

44.0

037

.00

31.1

126

.16

22.0

018

.50

15.5

613

.08

11.0

89.

257.

786.

545.

504.

633.

893.

272.

752.

311.

951.

641.

381.

160.

970.

820.

69

Diameter (microns)

Per

cen

t p

er C

han

nel

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

Cu

mu

lati

ve %

CL20 Lot 590N-02-0104

99.5% Pure by HPLC

196 micron

590N-02-0104 Dump SampleFri Aug 30 10:07:24 2002

0.014

0.016

0.018

0.020

0.022

0.024

0.026

0.028

0.030

0.032

0.034

0.036

0.038

0.040

0.042

0.044

0.046

0.048

0.050

0.052

0.054

0.056

0.058

0.060

0.062

0.064

0.066

0.068

0.070

Abs

orba

nce

700 720 740 760 780 800 820 840 860 880 900 Wavenumbers (cm-1)

Epsilon Polymorph

Page 18: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

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Thiokol Propulsion

CL-20 Cost Reduction

Thiokol Propuls ion PO Box 707, M/S 230 Brigham City, UT 84302-0707 USA Tel: 1 435 863-2778 Fax: 1 435 863-8782 E-mail: [email protected]

November 18, 2002 3600-FY03-L141 NSWC - Indian Head Division 101 Strauss Ave. Indian Head, MD 20640-5035 Attention: Karen Burrows, Code 950 Subject: Projected Price Reduction for CL-20 Reference: Navy CL-20 Crystallization Mantech Contract No. N00174-99-C-0030. Dear Karen,

With the recent completion of the technical effort and formalizing of the final report, I have been able to review the entire trail of efforts that has been traversed under the CL-20 Crystallization Mantech contract. I am amazed at all of the different things that we have learned about CL-20 as we’ve pursued the two very different crystallization processes that were developed. There were many points along the trail when I would have sworn we would not be successful in bringing the two methods to the maturity that they currently have. We are truly fortunate that the processes are as robust as they appear to be. As part of this culminating effort, we have taken the opportunity to evaluate current costs for CL-20 manufacture. We have found that, with the incorporation of the new TADA precursor, the robust nitration process developed under the Army CL-20 Mantech contract, and the proven evaporative crystallization process established under the Navy contract, we can project some significant reductions in the price of CL-20. Although we have only processed the first production lot, converting 1000 kg of TADA to CL-20, we can foresee an immediate reduction in the price of CL-20 of $50 per pound, with possible further reductions that may be applied as we verify our cost projections while processing the second lot of material, which we should begin early next year. Of course, there are some underlying assumptions upon which this cost reduction projection is dependent. The principle assumptions are that the precursor price remains where it is at or below and that the annual CL-20 sales volume remains where it is at or above. The first assumption is probably dependent mostly on the second, but we are working with our supplier to obtain independent price reductions which we would pass along to our CL-20 customers. Also, with the many organizations currently evaluating CL-20 for defense as well as commercial applications, we do not expect a problem with the sales volume dropping in the near future. We have also identified other potential opportunities to save on CL-20 processing costs and we will be pursuing these as well. As processing of other materials such as TEX, TATB, DNAN, and MNA reach the pilot plant scale and processing in our M-590 facility we could foresee some processing synergies that could further reduce the price of processing CL-20.

Immediate $50/lb reduction in costattributable to:ü Lower cost precursor, TADAü TADA Nitration process

developed under Army Mantechü Optimized crystallization process

and SOTA process monitoringdeveloped underNavy Mantech

Further cuts to be determined aftercompletion of future production-scaleruns to fulfill orders.

Page 19: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

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Thiokol Propulsion

Conclusions

l Sensitivity of CL-20 is similar to PETN

l TADA is acceptable for use a CL-20 precursor

l 30 micron CL-20 can be made reproduciblywithout grinding

l Large (>100 micron) unground CL-20 can bemade reproducibly

l Price of CL-20 reduced by $50/lb and furthercuts are anticipated

Page 20: Thiokol Propulsion · 2017. 5. 30. · 5 Thiokol Propulsion Critical Characteristics of CL-20 and Laboratory Scale Crystallizations l Database compiled for correlating CL-20 sensitivity

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Thiokol Propulsion

The Way Forward

CL-20 Is Ready for Transition andImplementation into DoD WeaponsCL-20 Is Ready for Transition andImplementation into DoD Weapons

üCL-20 can now be produced on the production scale(500 gallon) that is similar from lot-to-lot.

üAdvanced process monitoring technology is nowbeing utilized in the production of CL-20

- A window of acceptable operating conditions hasbeen established to ensure lot-to-lot consistency