General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) neutralization technologies and Industrial Supercritical Water Oxidation (iSCWO) systems are being successfully deployed to support the effective demilitarization of more complex explosive munitions and chemical  weapon stockpiles managed and stored by the U.S. Army.

Neutralization - How It Works

The neutralization process starts when the munitions are disassembled to drain the agent and separate the energetics from the munition bodies. After the agent and energetics are separated, each undergoes hydrolysis, a process which decomposes and neutralizes them in a caustic (sodium hydroxide) and water solution. This results in a chemical byproduct called hydrolysates.

Hydrolysates are then fed into GA-EMS' iSCWO units. The iSCWO process involves exposing the hydrolysates to very high temperature and pressure, which breaks down the hydrolysates into carbon dioxide, salts and water. Gases are filtered and water can then be recycled and reused by the plant in the destruction process.