Gradient's Munition Demilitarization
Gradient Technology is a small chemical engineering business headquartered in Elk River, MN. Gradient focuses on advancing environmentally friendly resource recovery and reclamation (R3) technologies for the demilitarization of unwanted weapon systems. Gradient’s goal is to provide environmentally sound processes for recycling materials while being better, faster, and less expensive than conventional demilitarization technologies.
Safe and Swift—Gradient Technology’s patented high pressure Waterjet Technology provides a reliable method for safely and rapidly slicing through the steel and explosives of munitions and allowing access for the quick removal of their hazardous contents. Using only pressurized water and industrial garnet abrasive Gradient’s Waterjet system can cut through hardened steel projectiles while being gentle enough not to ignite the high explosives. A secondary process uses high pressure water alone to completely clean out the weapon’s contents of all hazardous materials.
Flexible—Gradient Technology’s Waterjet Systems have been fully tested and have been fifi elded for use by the US Military. These Waterjet Systems have been used for the demilitarization of munitions from blasting caps to massive 2000 lb. bombs. One system is currently being used to exclusively demilitarize US Navy explosively-loaded projectiles ranging in size from 3-inch projectiles to massive 8-inch heavy cruiser ammunition. The equipment is readily adaptable for processing projectiles from 3-inch through 16-inch projectiles by simply changing fixtures. The fully automated system can process up to a maximum of 1600 rounds of 3-inch/50 projectiles per shift.
Fully Contained and Integrated—All demilitarization operations are housed within a totally enclosed ventilation booth to prevent worker exposure to hazardous materials. The high explosives washed out from the projectiles or warheads are then piped to Gradient Technology’s patented on-site chemical conversion technology at NSWC-Crane. The combined Gradient Waterjet and Chemical Conversion system has made achieving resource recovery and recycling objectives possible.
Mobile Waterjet Demilitarization Systems
Remote Field Operations—In many places in the United States and around the world there are hazardous remnants of war, such as unexploded or discarded ordnance. Gradient Technology has designed and developed an environmentally friendly demilitarization system capable of being rapidly deployed in the field to take care of these undesirable items. Gradient’s demilitarization of these items provides an extreme level of safety while minimizing any environmental impact.
Minimizes Environmental Impact—Gradient’s highly transportable system utilizes a high pressure waterjet system for delicately cutting high explosive ordnance into safe pieces for either recycling or disposal. These demilitarization systems come prepackaged for rapid setup, operation, and removal with minimal impact on the surrounding area. Since the systems are totally contained they are suitable for both conventional and chemical weapon demilitarization without release of harmful materials to the environment.
For more information on these or any other demilitarization or For more information on these or any other demilitarization or recycling topics, please contact:
Gradient Technology
11080 Industrial Circle NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 792-9990 phone
(763) 792-9972 fax
11080 Industrial Circle NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 792-9990 phone
(763) 792-9972 fax